Challenge

Parco della Pace
Spectators: 44 (Terracing: 34, Seating: 10, VIP seats: 0) Belgium's Edward Vanderstraeten 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. When the match had gone on for 5 minutes, Cosimo Laudadio took a quick shot and it went in 1-0 without a chance for Casper Claes to make any attempt to save it. Edward Vanderstraeten might have been able to make a better finish in the 9th minute when he tried to place a hard shot over Marco Silvestri. Instead the ball went over the crossbar and out. Edward Vanderstraeten ran back to his position shaking his head. An unexpectedly hard shot by Edward Vanderstraeten in the 9th minute of play forced SPALLETTE RETURNS's goalkeeper Marco Silvestri to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. Thanks to some nice foot action and superb ball handling Cosimo Laudadio in the 15th minute a chance for a shot on goal. With an extended leg and a bit of luck Casper Claes prevented the ball from getting in the gole. Edward Vanderstraeten's shot was meant for the net just under the crossbar, but Marco Silvestri read the situation well and was quickly in position to make a wonderful save in the 17th minute of play. In the 18th minute, Edward Vanderstraeten left the goalkeeper for dead before tapping the ball into the right side of the net. The Belgium fans were clearly happy with the effort and the scoreboard reflected the new score: 1-1. In the 21st minute the ball was on its way in behind SPALLETTE RETURNS's goalkeeper Marco Silvestri, but with the help of a sacrificing defense, he could catch the ball at the crossbar. SPALLETTE RETURNS's Cosimo Laudadio got a good chance for a goal in the 23rd minute, but he totally mistimed the shot and it went over the crossbar. In the 25th minute the ball was on its way in behind Belgium's goalkeeper Casper Claes, but with the help of a sacrificing defense, he could catch the ball at the crossbar. SPALLETTE RETURNS's Marco Silvestri played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Edward Vanderstraeten in the 27th minute of play. Adriano Biagetti kicked well hit freekick during the 30th minute of the match. Cosimo Laudadio came free with the goalkeeper in the 32nd minute of the match, and shot straight on target. The shot was a little too simple and Casper Claes could save by the left post. Edward Vanderstraeten's shot was meant for the net just under the crossbar, but Marco Silvestri read the situation well and was quickly in position to make a wonderful save in the 33rd minute of play. Cosimo Laudadio recieved an excellent pass in front of the goal in the 41st minute. Unfortunately, he received the ball on his off foot and could only manage a weak shot that went over the goal. A collision led to Belgium getting a freekick after 42 minutes play. Floris Claeys hit a great ball. After some fancy dribbling in the 43rd minute, Augusto Bevilacqua managed to get in a good position for a shot. SPALLETTE RETURNS's supporters rose to their feet, but Augusto Bevilacqua was a bit off balance and shot the ball just wide of the left post. Casper Claes breathed a sigh of relief and went to take the goal kick. Casper Claes made an important save on a dangerous shot by Cosimo Laudadio in the 46th minute. After fighting hard for a draw in the first half, the players were able to take a much needed rest.

The hometeam waved at the audience when it was time for Cosimo Laudadio to strike the kick off in the second half. Belgium's Casper Claes played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Cosimo Laudadio in the 53rd minute of play. 55 minutes into the match, Edward Vanderstraeten had an open shot that he just couldn't miss and scored to the right of Marco Silvestri. SPALLETTE RETURNS's manager could be seen yelling to the referee that Edward Vanderstraeten was offside, but the referee ignored the protest. 1-2. In the 68th minute, Belgium's Edward Vanderstraeten ran free of his marker and smoothly shot the ball into the goal behind Marco Silvestri. Marco Silvestri yelled at his defense, as they had left him out to dry. 1-3. Casper Claes stood for a superb save when he managed to get hold of Cosimo Laudadio's shot from short distance in the 71st minute. In the 74th minute, Ciro Immobile hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. In the 91st minute Edward Vanderstraeten shot on, it seemed, an open goal, but Marco Silvestri saw the ball coming and threw himself on it before it passed the goal line. The away crowd were delighted with the way their team had played and cheered loudly when the final whistle sounded. Belgium walked away with the win, even though the match was close until the end.