U18 World League

MDQ Raptors Arena
Spectators: 7737 (Terracing: 5804, Seating: 1779, VIP seats: 154) Lengua de Lobo's Martin-Daniel Palermo started the match with a crisp pass. The crowd had been anticipating this game for weeks and the excitement in the stadium was easily visible. In the 7th match minute, Lengua de Lobo was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Martin-Daniel Palermo to maneuver through the defense. Benito Demesio hit a great freekick 11 minutes into the match. After a rather tough play, Lengua de Lobo's Blas-Armando Giunta got a free kick in the 15th minute. MDQ Raptors FC's Marcos Onofre got a good chance for a goal in the 15th minute, but he totally mistimed the shot and it went over the crossbar. 22 minutes into the match, MDQ Raptors FC's goal looked a bit too open when Martin-Daniel Palermo came free, but Apolo Tristan reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. Ernesto Calixto took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Ildefonso Efren, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. Ernesto Calixto stood somewhat misplaced when Marcos Onofre came free in front of goal and shot 1-0 to the left of him in the 24 minute. An unexpectedly hard shot by Martin-Daniel Palermo in the 27th minute of play forced MDQ Raptors FC's goalkeeper Apolo Tristan to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. In the 27th minute, Martin-Daniel Palermo ran past the defenders and hit a shot which went straight ahead into goal. Apolo Tristan was frozen by the shot and now it was 1-1. In the 31st match minute, Lengua de Lobo was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Martin-Daniel Palermo to maneuver through the defense. Silvio Soin fired away a screaming shot towards the goal in the 31st minute, but the shot went just over the crossbar without Ernesto Calixto having to interfere. An unexpectedly hard shot by Martin-Daniel Palermo in the 39th minute of play forced MDQ Raptors FC's goalkeeper Apolo Tristan to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. 42 minutes into the match, Martin-Daniel Palermo had an open shot that he just couldn't miss and scored to the right of Apolo Tristan. MDQ Raptors FC's manager could be seen yelling to the referee that Martin-Daniel Palermo was offside, but the referee ignored the protest. 1-2. Even after changing tactics the home team jogged off the field with a 1-2 deficit. They would have to work harder if they wanted to turn things around in the second half.

A collision led to Lengua de Lobo getting a freekick after 51 minutes play. Lisandro Estefan hit a great ball. After a defensive mix-up in Lengua de Lobo's zone, Marcos Onofre stole the ball and had only the goalie to beat. Ernesto Calixto came out of the goal and Marcos Onofre tried to chip the ball over his head. To his dismay, the ball went over the crossbar and out of play. Apolo Tristan made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Benigno Katia in the 54th minute of play. When Benigno Katia fell near the penalty area in the 59th minute he thought he would be awarded a free kick. The referee ignored Lengua de Lobo's protests and gave Benigno Katia a yellow card for diving instead. The supporters of MDQ Raptors FC booed when Lengua de Lobo was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 59 match minutes in a wonderful position. Benigno Katia didn't get a good kick on the ball. Benigno Katia recieved an excellent pass in front of the goal in the 63rd minute. Unfortunately, he received the ball on his off foot and could only manage a weak shot that went over the goal. Evaristo Piarres charged in rather forcefully in the 72nd minute of the match, and managed to knock his opponent down. The referee showed Evaristo Piarres the yellow card, and asked the players to shake hands before continuing play. Apolo Tristan showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Benigno Katia, who was totally free with the ball in the 73rd minute. After some fancy dribbling in the 75th minute, Camilo Izotz managed to get in a good position for a shot. Lengua de Lobo's supporters rose to their feet, but Camilo Izotz was a bit off balance and shot the ball just wide of the left post. Apolo Tristan breathed a sigh of relief and went to take the goal kick. Apolo Tristan took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Benigno Katia, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. After some fancy dribbling in the 96th minute, Feliberto Manuelo managed to get in a good position for a shot. Lengua de Lobo's supporters rose to their feet, but Feliberto Manuelo was a bit off balance and shot the ball just wide of the left post. Apolo Tristan breathed a sigh of relief and went to take the goal kick.