© BELGA
Standard is the last quarter-finalist in the Croky Cup. The Rouches beat a brave Beerschot after extra time in the last eighth final on Thursday evening. Jackson Muleka broke the spell with a striking header in the 97th minute, in the absolute final he presented the 2-0 on the counter to Bokadi on a silver platter. Despite a promising game of football, it had remained 0-0 in regular time.
Bob Faesen
The surprise of the evening was the starting spot for Mehdi Carcela, it was only his first of the season. Furthermore, there were basic places in the home team for Dragus, Sissako, Klauss and Fai. As expected, the latter joined Hugo Siquet, who was given a rest after his transfer to Freiburg and also suffered a minor injury. Beerschot also made a change.
All those changes did not exactly create enthusiasm on the field. It was as if the Liège supporters felt it coming, because they stayed at home en masse. Sclessin had only 4000 spectators. You had to take pleasure in the little things. A dribble from Carcela or the (very) occasional velvet ball touch from Holzhauser.
No goal Klauss
We were ten minutes away when Klauss thought he had put an end to his goal drought. However, the Brazilian scored from an offside position. Further goal danger was scarce in the first half. Raskin saw his bet with the left caught by Vanhamel. Holzhauser tried in vain and Henkinet – still in goal due to Bodart’s injury – kept Soumaré from the 0-1 just before half-time.
The second act brought a little more, but not much. After a corner, Dussenne was able to head, his bet was turned off the line. On the other side, Holzhauser was allowed to land diagonally in front of the goal for a free kick. The Austrian saw his pass pass by everyone and eventually stranded on the post.
Standard had its good moments, but kept stumbling over the lack of quality it simply has. What’s more, Beerschot, the red lantern in the competition, had a huge opportunity to take the lead in minute 66. After a smooth counter, the strong Soumaré passed to the completely detached Holzhauser. The left leg stood alone in front of Henkinet and failed.
Extensions had to be decisive and the substitutes did it for Standard. Rafia cut herself free into a cross and found Muleka’s head. The Congolese nodded well: 1-0 in the 96th minute. Bokadi made the 2-0 in the final phase of the second extension. That was it, enough for a flattered place in the last eight for the people of Liège.
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