Goor undaunted by Milan defeat
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Article summary
Bart Goor remains convinced that his RSC Anderlecht side can still qualify for the knockout stage despite their 1-0 defeat at home against ten-man AC Milan.
Article body
RSC Anderlecht captain Bart Goor was keen to draw positives from Tuesday's slender defeat against AC Milan and remains convinced that the Belgian side can still qualify from Group H.
Bonera dismissal
Without a home win in the UEFA Champions League since November 2003, Franky Vercauteren's team looked well placed to create an upset when, after 47 goalless minutes, Milan had defender Daniele Bonera sent off for a second booking. But in their eagerness to try to force a famous victory Anderlecht were punished as Kaká profited from the extra space to score the game's only goal after 58 minutes.
'A great chance'
Goor believes Anderlecht should have shown more patience following Bonera's red card. "When they went down to ten men we thought we had a great chance to win," the 33-year-old told uefa.com. "But we got too excited. We sent too many men forward and Milan were able to pick us off. If anything we had too much motivation because we wanted to win so badly. Milan counterattacked with great speed and quality, and they demonstrated why they are so successful at this level."
'Milan played cleverly'
With 67 European appearances to his name, Goor is one of the few experienced players in a youthful Anderlecht side, and the Belgium international admits they still have some important tactical lessons to learn. "Milan won because they played cleverly," Goor said. "They are experienced and they knew they could bide their time, even with ten men. When you have great individuals like Kaká you don't need to panic because you know you can score at any time."
Goor belief
The result leaves Anderlecht third in the section, five points behind leaders Milan and three behind LOSC Lille Métropole before their trip to the San Siro on Matchday 4. Goor is far from despondent, however, and insisted all is still to play for. "We'll travel to Milan with our qualification hopes intact," he said. "Perhaps we can get a draw at the San Siro, but whatever happens the big match for us now is against Lille. They are only three points ahead of us so if we beat them we can still finish second."
