Tottenham, Braga set for UEFA Cup

London:

Whilst attention at Tottenham is supposed to be turned to upcoming UEFA Cup opponents Braga, on Tuesday coach Martin Jol could not help but reflect on his side's valiant efforts in the FA Cup against Chelsea. Spurs looked to be heading for a famous victory and a place in the last four, but were pegged back in an exhilarating 3-3 draw. Jol admitted that his players were still feeling deflated after being so close to glory. Tottenham hold a 3-2 lead over Braga after the first leg in Portugal and will be clear favourites to make it through to the quarter-final stage of the UEFA Cup. However, Jol will have to contend with a lengthy injury list - no less than five first team players will be missing at White Hart Lane on Wednesday. With domestic league and cup as well as their European campaign to contend with, the Dutchman is having to prioritise. In stark contrast to Martin Jol's selection posers, Braga coach Jorge Costa could afford the luxury of resting nine of his players in their goalless draw against Beira-Mar at the weekend. Costa - who spent some time in the English Premiership with Charlton - believes that Tottenham will not try to sit on the cushion of their one goal lead and away goals advantage. Braga currently lie fourth in the Portuguese SuperLiga and boast a strong South American contingent amongst their squad. But it is likely to be the veteran playmaker Joao Pinto who holds the key as to whether Braga can overturn the first leg deficit. Now 35, the former Benfica and Sporting star still has the ability to hit a defence-splitting pass and will fancy his chances against a Spurs side who, despite being in prolific scoring form, have been leaking goals of late.

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