Cruz shares credit for Inter win
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Article summary
Julio Cruz was "happy for both of us" after combining with Alvaro Recoba to score FC Internazionale Milano's two goals in the win over FC Spartak Moskva.
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Julio Cruz was delighted at scoring twice in FC Internazionale Milano's 2-1 win against FC Spartak Moskva on Wednesday night and paid tribute to team-mate Alvaro Recoba who was instrumental in both goals.
'A great game'
It was from Recoba's first-minute free-kick that Cruz pounced to rifle a fierce strike past Spartak goalkeeper Wojciech Kowalewski, before the inspired Uruguayan curled a wonderful cross for the No9 to head his 15th UEFA Champions League goal. Not bad for two players with barely half an hour of first-team football between them this season. "Recoba had a great game and I'm very happy for both of us, particularly because in the last few weeks Inter's forwards have been heavily criticised," Cruz told uefa.com.
Zanetti impressed
Cruz's Argentinian compatriot Javier Zanetti was also thrilled to see his colleagues back at their best. "I'm really pleased with the way Alvaro Recoba and Julio Cruz showed us what they can do," said Zanetti. "Cruz is a great striker and when Recoba plays like he did tonight, it's clear he could grace any side."
Eased nerves
With Inter going into the match rooted to the foot of UEFA Champions League Group B - with neither point nor goal to their name - this was a contest the Nerazzurri could not afford to lose. Just as well that Cruz scored as early as the 64th second and added another within seven minutes. "We knew that today the only thing that mattered was getting the win," Cruz said.
Nervous moments
Roman Pavlyuchenko's 54th-minute effort made for a nervy last half-hour. "We played very well in the first half but they grew in confidence in the second half and created a few opportunities to score," said Cruz, who along with Recoba has been injured for virtually the whole campaign. "We should have kept possession better but Spartak pressed well and it was not easy."
Late save
Goalkeeper Júlio César pulled off a late reflex save from Denis Boyarintsev to deny Spartak an equaliser, but he still gave credit for the victory to Cruz and Recoba. "The save was important for our UEFA Champions League survival and I'm glad I made it but tonight's win is due to our flying start. I'm really pleased for Recoba. He deserves credit for what he did tonight. He's been out for a long time and he made a big impact."
