U23 World League

Estadio Aroeira
Spectators: 7716 (Terracing: 5788, Seating: 1774, VIP seats: 154) The field was rather wet after several days of rain when Silvério Vasconcelos took the kick off in the first half of the match. Noel Castilho kicked well hit freekick during the 3rd minute of the match. After a rather tough play, MZ Fénix's Silvério Vasconcelos got a free kick in the 5th minute. Delfim Vilas Boas showed brilliant goalkeeper skills when he caught the ball after a hard shot from Emil Alexa in the 6th minute of the match. Belchior Miranda took a chance and fired a shot far from the goal in the 11th minute, but it turned out to be a dangerous situation for João Massa. UFC STEAUA's goalkeeper really had to stretch himself to stop the ball from crossing the goal line. The supporters of MZ Fénix booed when UFC STEAUA was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 12 match minutes in a wonderful position. Gervásio Vilhena didn't get a good kick on the ball. In the 16th minute Nelson Mendoza shot on, it seemed, an open goal, but Delfim Vilas Boas saw the ball coming and threw himself on it before it passed the goal line. In the 18th minute the ball was on its way in behind UFC STEAUA's goalkeeper João Massa, but with the help of a sacrificing defense, he could catch the ball at the crossbar. When MZ Fénix's Silvério Vasconcelos in the 21st minute got a chance for a shot 21st didn't hesitate and placed the ball to the right of the goalie. A beautiful save bye UFC STEAUA's goalie prevented a goal. João Massa was a little too slow when Silvério Vasconcelos got a fine hit on the ball which went right into the goal in the 27th minute. The score was now 1-1. In the 34th match minute, UFC STEAUA was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Kong Xiang Hao to maneuver through the defense. If Silvério Vasconcelos had kept his shot down it would have been a goal in the 35th minute. The ball went over the crossbar instead. The corner led MZ Fénix's Manuel Rego to fire away a dangerous shot which João Massa despite some difficulties managed to get hold on the ball. A collision led to UFC STEAUA getting a freekick after 40 minutes play. Kong Xiang Hao hit a great ball. João Massa took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Silvério Vasconcelos, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. After a very even first half the match was still tied. The players went to their respective dressing rooms to discuss the tactics for the second half.

The wind increased when Nelson Mendoza made the kick off in the second half. During the 51st minute of the match Kong Xiang Hao completely mistimed his tackle and brought down his opponent. The referee gave Kong Xiang Hao a yellow card, his second in the match, which meant he could no longer take part in the game. After a rather tough play, UFC STEAUA's Kong Xiang Hao got a free kick in the 51st minute. Silvério Vasconcelos sent away a hard shot on goal in the 60th minute, but the ball hit the crossbar and went out. A very good chance for a goal. In the 62nd minute of the match Manuel Rego sent off a long shot with destination to the right of the goalkeeper, but João Massa skillfully saved the ball. João Massa showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Silvério Vasconcelos, who was totally free with the ball in the 64th minute. João Massa made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Silvério Vasconcelos in the 66th minute of play. João Massa showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Silvério Vasconcelos, who was totally free with the ball in the 66th minute. After a defensive mix-up in MZ Fénix's zone, Mugur Nisipeanu stole the ball and had only the goalie to beat. Delfim Vilas Boas came out of the goal and Mugur Nisipeanu tried to chip the ball over his head. To his dismay, the ball went over the crossbar and out of play. In the 80th minute the ball was on its way in behind UFC STEAUA's goalkeeper João Massa, but with the help of a sacrificing defense, he could catch the ball at the crossbar. When the match had gone on for 87 minutes, Silvério Vasconcelos put it in 3-1 from a short distance just to the right of João Massa. João Massa showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Silvério Vasconcelos, who was totally free with the ball in the 91st minute. Silvério Vasconcelos sent away a hard shot on goal in the 93rd minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. MZ Fénix were really happy, having secured the victory after a very even contest. They thanked the players of UFC STEAUA for a fine match.