On a sticky Saturday night in Dubai, the ex-PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord supremo saw Henrique Luvannor score a brace then athletically tee up debutant Ruud Boymans at the death to secure a 3-2 win against unfortunate Dibba Al Fujairah in the Arabian Gulf Cup.
The Moldova forward continues to be an inspired pick up for the Hawks. Prior to turning creator, a close-range volley and dipping free-kick had been required to level up a brace from lumbering visiting centre forward Danilo de Oliveira which had put his side 2-1 up.
Ex-Sporting Lisbon and Hearts boss Paulo Sergio in the opposition dugout was vocal and involved throughout. His Dibba appear a more-combative outfit than the squad, picked apart by the Arabian Gulf League vultures, which avoided instant relegation last term under the paternal Theo Bucker.
Rutten was more genial, more measured.
#Rutten will breathe a sigh of relief after that debut. Countryman #Boymans headed in on 90 mins to see off @FcDibba 3-2 #AGCup @Sport360
— Matt Monaghan (@mattmonaghan360) September 3, 2016
The 53-year-old’s charges had begun brightly at a deserted Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium. Boymans used his size to cause chaos at a corner, Luvannor – at the start of a third season in green – thumping in his flick on nine minutes.
An equaliser came soon after as hapless left-back Esmail Khalid felled Shabab old boy Ibrahim Qanber. Journeyman striker Danilo confidently stepped up to stroke in the penalty.
More brain fade from the teenager allowed substitute Ahmed Ibrahim to centre for Danilo to bundle home on the hour mark, Luvannor instantly replying with a near-post free-kick which goalkeeper Mohamed Salem flimsily allowed to creep in.
The ex-Sheriff Tiraspol star then acrobatically latched onto Heo Jae-won’s awful defensive header to give Boymans the easiest of debut goals on the line.
Picture Credit: Arabian Gulf League
