Daniel sparks rampant Sevilla

With Sven-Göran Eriksson among the captive 31,300-capacity crowd at the PSV Stadion, England FIFA World Cup hopeful Stewart Downing failed to impress as Brazilian youngster Daniel helped guide Sevilla FC to UEFA Cup glory in an emphatic 4-0 win against Middlesbrough FC.

'Somos Grandes'
Sevilla supporters unfurled an enormous flag before the game declaring 'Somos Grandes' (We are great). It seemed a sizeable claim for a side without silverware since they lifted the Spanish Cup more than 58 years ago but they started well in a frenzied atmosphere, with Daniel firing an early shot just over the crossbar in the opening minute. Many predicted the 23-year-old defender would have a difficult time against Downing but the early duels ended in his favour.

Nervous start
Largely stifled, Downing finally worked space on seven minutes but it was a fleeting foray into the Sevilla half as Daniel outpaced him, winning a free-kick when the left-winger bundled him over. The occasion appeared to be getting to the 21-year-old, whose hurried pass soon after put Fábio Rochemback under unnecessary pressure in midfield and warranted the calm-down gesture the Brazilian directed towards his younger colleague when the English team had restored order.

Attacking threat
Downing may not have heeded the advice and was fortunate the referee was looking the other way when he kicked out at Daniel on 17 minutes as frustration grew. Proceedings were going far better for the impressive full-back, who also provided an extra attacking outlet, with the deep-lying Enzo Maresca affording him the freedom to surge up the right flank, almost at will.

Potent cross
On the opposite wing Luis Fabiano was also proving a handful, with Chris Riggott twice intercepting his dangerous crosses at the near post as white shirts piled into the box. The lively Brazilian forward cut inside midway through the half and fired a low, bobbling shot goalwards but Daniel soon regained focus, advancing into the Middlesbrough half on 27 minutes and arcing in a powerful centre that Luis Fabiano glanced inside Mark Schwarzer's right-hand post.

Sevilla voice
For much of the day Middlesbrough's fans had been the more vociferous but as the action unfolded, their Sevilla counterparts grew louder, reaching a crushing crescendo as the striker wheeled away down the touchline. Daniel, who had celebrated his 23rd birthday on Sunday, was among the huddle on the halfway line but as the match resumed he was increasingly in more familiar defensive territory.

Defensive thrift
The tide seemed to be turning after the restart, with Downing involved in a move that almost brought an equaliser for Mark Viduka before drawing a foul from Daniel, who was cautioned as a result. The threat of a second yellow card did not curtail his commitment, however, as he defended and blocked well. When the opportunity to press on arose with 17 minutes remaining, he almost capitalised. With Downing advanced, he easily slipped past substitute Yakubu Ayegbeni, racing towards goal and forcing Schwarzer to claw his side-footed effort away at the near post.

Stunning conclusion
It triggered a brilliant finale from Sevilla as Maresca settled the match as a contest, tapping in from close range before making it 3-0 with a crisp shot late on. This provided an interesting subplot, the Italian midfielder having spent 18 months at English club West Bromwich Albion FC during his formative years. Former Tottenham Hotspur FC forward Frédéric Kanouté then completed the rout to leave Middlesbrough stunned.