Challenge

Horatiu Beca Arena
Spectators: 44 (Terracing: 34, Seating: 10, VIP seats: 0) Netherlands's Gijsbert ter Kruimer 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. Arnout Reekers made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Sami Zübeyr in the 3rd minute of play. When FC Maci -MM-'s Sami Zübeyr in the 6th minute got a chance for a shot 6th didn't hesitate and placed the ball to the right of the goalie. A beautiful save bye Netherlands's goalie prevented a goal. In the 13th minute, Gust Ennemans hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. Vladimir Kramnik took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Wim Wilmes, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. An unexpectedly hard shot by Gijsbert ter Kruimer in the 17th minute of play forced FC Maci -MM-'s goalkeeper Vladimir Kramnik to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. When Gijsbert ter Kruimer came up free with the goalie in the 20th minute, the Netherlands fans jumped to their feet. But the shot missed the goal by a fraction of an inch, and the fans sat back down disappointed that Gijsbert ter Kruimer couldn't finish the play. Vladimir Kramnik took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Gustaaf Groeneveldt, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. Vladimir Kramnik made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Wim Wilmes in the 25th minute of play. After a defensive mix-up in Netherlands's zone, Demetrio Farese stole the ball and had only the goalie to beat. Arnout Reekers came out of the goal and Demetrio Farese tried to chip the ball over his head. To his dismay, the ball went over the crossbar and out of play. Arnout Reekers made an important save on a dangerous shot by Sami Zübeyr in the 32nd minute. 35 minutes into the game, Netherlands's Gijsbert ter Kruimer nearly tore a hole in the net with a booming shot. Vladimir Kramnik made a valiant effort, but he could not reach the ball in time, 1-1. Gustaaf Groeneveldt scored 1-2 in the 39th match minute with a shot that went into the goal to the right of Vladimir Kramnik, who was just a little too slow in reacting to the shot. FC Maci -MM-'s Rich Bastard managed, thanks to a brazen rush, stole the ball on a throw-in made by Mathijn Doctor in the 43 minute of the game. FC Maci -MM-'s Vladimir Kramnik played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by David Eikelkamp in the 47th minute of play. Önder Wing hit a great freekick 47 minutes into the match. The FC Maci -MM- players were disheartened as they walked off the pitch after the first half. Netherlands were winning 1-2.

In the 52nd minute Sami Zübeyr shot on, it seemed, an open goal, but Arnout Reekers saw the ball coming and threw himself on it before it passed the goal line. Vladimir Kramnik made an important save on a dangerous shot by Wim Wilmes in the 54th minute. In the 58th minute, Sami Zübeyr hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. FC Maci -MM-'s Vladimir Kramnik played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Gijsbert ter Kruimer in the 60th minute of play. FC Maci -MM-'s Vladimir Kramnik played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Gijsbert ter Kruimer in the 64th minute of play. FC Maci -MM-'s Felix Lucaci was substituted for Rich Bastard. The supporters of FC Maci -MM- booed when Netherlands was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 68 match minutes in a wonderful position. Egbert Nijveldt didn't get a good kick on the ball. 74 minutes into the match, FC Maci -MM-'s goal looked a bit too open when Wim Wilmes came free, but Vladimir Kramnik reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. Sami Zübeyr's shot was meant for the net just under the crossbar, but Arnout Reekers read the situation well and was quickly in position to make a wonderful save in the 77th minute of play. 79 minutes into the game, Egbert Nijveldt threw the ball into play from the sideline. FC Maci -MM-'s Felix Lucaci quickly snatched the ball and retained possesion. 80 minutes into the match, Netherlands's goal looked a bit too open when Sami Zübeyr came free, but Arnout Reekers reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. An unexpectedly hard shot by Lars Meesters in the 84th minute of play forced FC Maci -MM-'s goalkeeper Vladimir Kramnik to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. Gijsbert ter Kruimer fired away a screaming shot towards the goal in the 87th minute, but the shot went just over the crossbar without Vladimir Kramnik having to interfere. After some fancy dribbling in the 91st minute, Sami Zübeyr managed to get in a good position for a shot. FC Maci -MM-'s supporters rose to their feet, but Sami Zübeyr was a bit off balance and shot the ball just wide of the left post. Arnout Reekers breathed a sigh of relief and went to take the goal kick. After a rather tough play, FC Maci -MM-'s Demetrio Farese got a free kick in the 94th minute. After having played for 96 minutes, Wim Wilmes managed to get in a good position for a shot on goal. Netherlands's supporters crossed their fingers, but Wim Wilmes was, after a quick turn that froze the defenders, out of balance and shot the ball just to the right of the goal. In the 96th minute, Wim Wilmes made a precise shot to the right of Vladimir Kramnik. FC Maci -MM-'s defense was at fault, and the scoreboard reflected the new score, 1-3. When the final whistle sounded Netherlands left the ground with the victory after a much better performance than FC Maci -MM-.