Challenge

HITACHI STADIUM
Spectators: 41 (Terracing: 32, Seating: 9, VIP seats: 0) The field was rather wet after several days of rain when Chris Nygaard took the kick off in the first half of the match. Harold Holsmuller's shot was meant for the net just under the crossbar, but Keld Paulsen read the situation well and was quickly in position to make a wonderful save in the 2nd minute of play. In the 14th minute Chris Nygaard shot on, it seemed, an open goal, but Amadeu Alvarenga saw the ball coming and threw himself on it before it passed the goal line. In the 18th match minute, AKATSUKIS FC was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Jose-Antonio Fragua to maneuver through the defense. After some careless play in the AKATSUKIS FC defense, Chris Nygaard kicked a shot that curved into the net to the right of Amadeu Alvarenga. The AKATSUKIS FC fans voiced their displeasure as they felt that Amadeu Alvarenga should have stopped the shot. If Paco Helguera had kept his shot down it would have been a goal in the 22nd minute. The ball went over the crossbar and out instead. Thanks to some nice foot action and superb ball handling Chris Nygaard in the 24th minute a chance for a shot on goal. With an extended leg and a bit of luck Amadeu Alvarenga prevented the ball from getting in the gole. After 25 minutes AKATSUKIS FC's defender was forced to head the ball over the line for a corner. It was Chris Nygaard who took care of the corner kick. Mikkel Wulff recieved an excellent pass in front of the goal in the 27th minute. Unfortunately, he received the ball on his off foot and could only manage a weak shot that went over the goal. After 28 played minutes AKATSUKIS FC got a freekick which was hit by Juan Sobrado. Keld Paulsen showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Paco Helguera, who was totally free with the ball in the 30th minute. Amadeu Alvarenga made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Chris Nygaard in the 32nd minute of play. In the 35th minute of the match, Juan Sobrado got a very nice opportunity to score, but Keld Paulsen was well-placed and pushed the ball away from the goal at the left post. Juan Sobrado fired away a screaming shot towards the goal in the 42nd minute, but the shot went just over the crossbar without Keld Paulsen having to interfere. The supporters of AKATSUKIS FC booed when Denmark was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 45 match minutes in a wonderful position. Lars Steen didn't get a good kick on the ball. In the 46th minute of the match Carcelén Dragranda sent off a long shot with destination to the right of the goalkeeper, but Keld Paulsen skillfully saved the ball. Even after changing tactics the home team jogged off the field with a 0-1 deficit. They would have to work harder if they wanted to turn things around in the second half.

Keld Paulsen made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Harold Holsmuller in the 51st minute of play. Keld Paulsen took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Juan Sobrado, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. Bertram Svenningsen recieved an excellent pass in front of the goal in the 57th minute. Unfortunately, he received the ball on his off foot and could only manage a weak shot that went over the goal. 61 minutes into the game, Carcelén Dragranda threw the ball into play from the sideline. Denmark's Theis Winther quickly snatched the ball and retained possesion. A sloppy throw-in by Carcelén Dragranda in the 63rd minute of the game went astray and was snapped up by Denmark's Lars Steen. Chris Nygaard blasted a shot towards the goal in the 68th minute, but the shot hit the top of the crossbar and went out without Amadeu Alvarenga having to make a save. In the 74th minute, Paco Helguera left the goalkeeper for dead before tapping the ball into the right side of the net. The AKATSUKIS FC fans were clearly happy with the effort and the scoreboard reflected the new score: 1-1. When Bertram Svenningsen fell near the penalty area in the 81st minute he thought he would be awarded a free kick. The referee ignored Denmark's protests and gave Bertram Svenningsen a yellow card for diving instead. Bertram Svenningsen hit a great freekick 81 minutes into the match. After 87 played minutes AKATSUKIS FC got a freekick which was hit by Harold Holsmuller. A sloppy throw-in by Carcelén Dragranda in the 91st minute of the game went astray and was snapped up by Denmark's Theis Winther. Amadeu Alvarenga made a fantastic save in the 95th minute, when Chris Nygaard sent off a good shot on target.