U21 World League

Amancio Thomas
Spectators: 7515 (Terracing: 5637, Seating: 1728, VIP seats: 150) Dark clouds were building up when the players entered the field. None of the them looked very eager to play. Ciriaco Txatxu started the match with the kick off. Gilberto Arias made an important save on a dangerous shot by Lucio Nardo in the 6th minute. In the 8th minute, Benedicto Lon hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. Gilberto Arias took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Jonas Lizer, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. In the 13th minute of the match, Jonas Lizer tried to roll the ball into the goal by the right post, but Gilberto Arias saw his intentions and got control of the ball before it passed the line. 18 minutes into the game, Ciriaco Txatxu cracked a shot to the right of the goalkeeper, 0-1. Ubaldo Regis was not in position, and could only watch the ball fly in. After 21 played minutes Italia got a freekick which was hit by Nicanor Costante. Gilberto Arias made an important save on a dangerous shot by Lucio Nardo in the 23rd minute. The audience thought a goal was coming when Lucio Nardo got free with Gilberto Arias in the 26th minute, but the goalkeeper managed to catch the ball with a huge effort. Gilberto Arias made a fantastic save in the 28th minute, when Lucio Nardo sent off a good shot on target. Lucio Nardo could have scored with his fast shot on goal in the 29th minute of the match, but Gilberto Arias made a huge save. La MaKina del Parque were furious when Samuel Urtungo was red carded, 31 minutes into the game, but the referee dismissed their protests. Ubaldo Regis had in the 32ndth minute some difficulties stopping Fabian Gipuzkoa's well aimed penalty as it nearly passed him on his left side, but he still managed to hold the ball. If Ciriaco Txatxu had kept his shot down it would have been a goal in the 36th minute. The ball went over the crossbar and out instead. 45 minutes into the game, Italia's Fabian Gipuzkoa nearly tore a hole in the net with a booming shot. Ubaldo Regis made a valiant effort, but he could not reach the ball in time, 0-2. After the first half Italia were leading 0-2. They had played with great self confidence throughout the first half and fully deserved their lead.

Gilberto Arias showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Lucio Nardo, who was totally free with the ball in the 51st minute. After a defensive mix-up in Italia's zone, Ladislao Caetano stole the ball and had only the goalie to beat. Gilberto Arias came out of the goal and Ladislao Caetano tried to chip the ball over his head. To his dismay, the ball went over the crossbar and out of play. 60 minutes into the game, Lucio Nardo cracked a shot to the right of the goalkeeper, 1-2. Gilberto Arias was not in position, and could only watch the ball fly in. When La MaKina del Parque's Lucio Nardo in the 64th minute got a chance for a shot 64th didn't hesitate and placed the ball to the right of the goalie. A beautiful save bye Italia's goalie prevented a goal. In the 67th minute, Isaias Maura hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. Lucio Nardo struck a weak shot in the 68th minute. Gilberto Arias didn't even have to move as the ball rolled over the line well wide of the goal. A wasted opportunity for La MaKina del Parque. Gilberto Arias made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Ladislao Caetano in the 70th minute of play. If Ciriaco Txatxu had kept his shot down it would have been a goal in the 71st minute. The ball went over the crossbar and out instead. Elvio Giraldo kicked well hit freekick during the 81st minute of the match. In the 85th minute Pastor Cayo shot on, it seemed, an open goal, but Gilberto Arias saw the ball coming and threw himself on it before it passed the goal line. The referee was alert and spotted a serious foul by Nicanor Costante during the 87th minute. The player immediately received a yellow card. In the 87th minute, Nicanor Costante hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. A collision led to Italia getting a freekick after 94 minutes play. Sebastian Vistruario hit a great ball. In the 95th minute, Ladislao Caetano got an opportunity to score, but he didn't get a solid hit on the ball and ended up kicking it wide of the goal. When the final whistle was heard the away supporters stood up and showed their joy. Italia had managed to secure a win in what was a close match throughout.