Inter Milan secured a place in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League with a 1-0 win over FC Twente.
Argentine bags second half winner against stubborn Dutch
Defending champions Inter Milan secured a place in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League with a tight 1-0 victory against FC Twente in Group A.
Esteban Cambiasso proved to be the match-winner as he latched onto Wesley Sneijder's deflected free-kick to bag a much-needed win for under-pressure coach Rafa Benitez.
The woodwork was struck twice in a competitive encounter at the San Siro.
Dutch ace Sneijder rattled the crossbar in the first half while substitute Denny Landzaat struck the bar midway through the second half for the visitors.
And, despite a late onslaught by Michel Preud'homme's side, Tottenham's home win against Werder Bremen meant the Dutch outfit cannot progress any further in the competition.
Attacking
Inter were without a number of key players due to injury. But Cambiasso featured while Thiago Motta made the bench.
Twente were almost at full strength. Defender Rasmus Bengtsson, who missed the weekend loss to AZ Alkmaar due to a groin complaint failed to make the squad, but midfielder Theo Jansson, who scored against the Italians in the opening fixture was available again.
Inter started in an attacking fashion against their Dutch opponents.
The Nerazzurri could have taken the early lead when the pacey Jonathan Biabiany raced away down the right and delivered a wonderful cross which was volleyed wide by Sneijder.
Minutes later, veteran midfielder Dejan Stankovic saw his fierce drive swerve over the crossbar with Nikolay Mihaylov routed to his spot.
The side currently sitting in second position in Holland showed they can also be a threat when Nacer Chadli's decent ball into the box was headed wide by the towering Bryan Ruiz.
Just before the 20-minute mark, Dutch ace Sneijder thought he had broken the deadlock but his 25-yard free-kick rattled the crossbar with Mihaylov beaten.
The keeper was called into action moments later as Cambiasso opened up the Twente backline for Dejan Stankovic, who shot straight at the Bulgarian.
Cameroon international Samuel Eto'o then tested the former Liverpool stopper with a curling effort after cutting inside the area.
Twente head coach Preud'homme was out of his dugout claiming a penalty after Stankovic challenged Chadli in the box. However, referee Stephane Lannoy waved away appeals.
The Dutch soon created two excellent chances in a matter of minutes.
Goalkeeper Luca Castellazzi was called into action for the first time after 30 minutes, making a fine point blank save from Theo Janssen.
And, moments later the impressive Chadli cut inside before watching in agony as his delicate chip over the advancing Inter keeper just flew past the far post.
Castellazzi, in for the injured Julio Cesar, then came to Lucio's rescue when the defender attempted a cute chip over the advancing Luuk De Jong.
The midfielder nipped in ahead of the Brazilian only for the former Sampdoria stopper to stretch his long arms and claim the ball.
Chances
Eto'o tried his luck from 30-yards out at the start of the second half but his curling effort was easily held by the busy Mihaylov.
Inter were creating chances for fun as Goran Pandev picked up Sneijder's pass before driving his prodigious effort wide of goal.
However, lady luck was on the Italians side ten minutes into the second half as Inter finally broke the deadlock.
Sneijder's free-kick from 25-yards deflected off the wall and onto Marc Janko before falling kindly to Cambiasso, who made no mistake from close range.
It was the Argentine's first goal for the Nerazzurri since his goal against Chelsea in the knockout phase of the competition last season.
The goal proved to be a shock to the systems of the visitors who were allowing the Italians more possession and time on the ball.
With 30 minutes remaining, Javier Zanetti showed tremendous individual skill to drive past four Twente defenders before lashing his left-foot drive wide of goal.
The 37-year-old veteran winger showed that he still has the ability with a moment of magic which left the Inter faithful open-mouthed.
The Serie A giants were turning the screw as Eto'o and Stankovic both had efforts well stopped.
Another glorious opportunity went begging with 20 minutes left.
Eto'o's exquisite pass was somehow nudged wide by Sneijder, who held his hands to his head in disbelief.
Substitute Landzaat thought he had restored parity minutes later, but his right-foot curler from the edge of the box struck the crossbar with Castellazzi beaten.
Despite a late onslaught from Twente, Benitez's side held on for three points which ensured a spot in the last 16.
| Internazionale |
Team Statistics |
FC Twente |
| 1 |
Goals |
0 |
| 0 |
1st Half Goals |
0 |
| 9 |
Shots on Target |
2 |
| 12 |
Shots off Target |
7 |
| 6 |
Blocked Shots |
0 |
| 7 |
Corners |
3 |
| 16 |
Fouls |
16 |
| 0 |
Offsides |
1 |
| 2 |
Yellow Cards |
1 |
| 0 |
Red Cards |
0 |
| 77 |
Passing Success |
74.7 |
| 22 |
Tackles |
27 |
| 63.6 |
Tackles Success |
85.2 |
| 51.1 |
Possession |
48.9 |
| 60.9 |
Territorial Advantage |
39.1 |
|
