Beware of Braga's Brazilians, warns Jol

LONDON - TOTTENHAM have fond memories of playing Portugal's Braga, having walloped them 9-0 on aggregate in the Uefa Cup in 1984.

But Martin Jol is still wary of the club's Brazilian threat when the sides clash today in the first leg of their Uefa Cup last-16 tie.

In the recent League Cup semi-final, Spurs looked to be heading towards the final before Brazil's Julio Baptista turned the game in Arsenal's favour.

And hosts Braga have a strong Brazilian influence, with Diego and Ze Carlos scoring in the previous round against Claudio Ranieri's Parma.

'I went to see them personally last week. They used a lot of players in order to rest people for forthcoming big games,' said Jol.

'Overall, we have got a very good impression of them. If you let them express themselves on the ball, they are very strong with their Brazilian influence.

'Braga are well-organised at the back, so it will be a difficult match away from home. Hopefully, we can get a good result and finish them off at White Hart Lane.'

Spurs head into the clash in confident mood after four straight wins, with 14 goals scored. They also boast a 100 per cent record in the Uefa Cup this season, with striker Dimitar Berbatov chasing a club scoring record.

Should the Bulgarian net against the Portuguese at the Municipal, he will become the first Spurs player to score in five successive European games.

At St James' Park, an attractive contest is in prospect as Newcastle United host free-scoring AZ Alkmaar.

The Dutch side, sitting second in their domestic league, have scored 21 goals since the first round, making them top scorers in the Uefa Cup this season. They will test Newcastle's defence to the limit.

REUTERS