Sun shines on the Costa Braga

It seems only fitting that Jorge Costa should have secured his first win as SC Braga coach in the UEFA Cup. After all, it was on the European stage that Costa enjoyed his greatest moments as a player, captaining FC Porto to victories in the 2002/03 UEFA Cup and 2003/04 UEFA Champions League.

Dream start
After working under the 'Special One', José Mourinho, at Porto, the 35-year-old Costa might be expected to have learned a thing or two about making an impact – and he certainly had a dream start to his coaching career last night as his Braga side beat Parma FC 1-0 in Italy to book their place in the last 16 of the UEFA Cup.

Gonçalves replaced
"This win has special meaning for me as it is my first ever as a head coach. I hope it will be the first of many," said a delighted Costa, who had only replaced Rogério Gonçalves at the helm on Monday. The former Portugal central defender joined Braga as assistant to Gonçalves in November, having retired from playing the previous month. Following Gonçalves's dismissal in the wake of Sunday's 1-0 league reverse at UD Leiria, the club decided to hand him the reins until the summer.

Breakaway goal
Costa had goalkeeper Paulo Santos to thank for a string of saves as Braga rode their luck at the Stadio Ennio Tardini, before Diego's 89th-minute breakaway goal clinched a 2-0 aggregate triumph. "We knew the match was going to be difficult but the players defended like heroes in the face of Parma's pressure in the closing stages," said Costa, whose team includes former international colleague João Pinto. There was also a word of gratitude for his predecessor, who oversaw Braga's first-leg success. "We owe Rogério Gonçalves a great deal for his work."

Formidable home record
Braga's victory carries them into the last 16 of the UEFA Cup for the first time since 1997/98. The win in Italy was their first away from home in this season's competition after three defeats, yet at home they have proved formidable opponents, beating AC Chievo Verona, FC Slovan Liberec, Grasshopper-Club and Parma without conceding. Tottenham Hotspur FC now await in the last 16 and Braga will start next month's tie as underdogs. However, the evidence of their journey so far – not to mention new coach Costa's Midas touch – suggests the Londoners may not have things all their own way.