U23 World League

Dionisio Fernanco
Spectators: 7536 (Terracing: 5653, Seating: 1733, VIP seats: 150) It was fairly windy and cold on the field when Eustaquio Banegas kicked off to start the match. Abelardo Cristofor showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Eustaquio Banegas, who was totally free with the ball in the 3rd minute. After a rather tough play, Alzaga FC's Jimeno Ospetsu got a free kick in the 4th minute. In the 5th minute, Alejandro Igon 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 Marciano Maxin fell near the penalty area in the 8th minute he thought he would be awarded a free kick. The referee ignored Sportivo Ben Hur's protests and gave Marciano Maxin a yellow card for diving instead. Marciano Maxin hit a great freekick 8 minutes into the match. 9 minutes into the match, Sportivo Ben Hur's goal looked a bit too open when Eustaquio Banegas came free, but Abelardo Cristofor reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. 10 minutes into the match, Sportivo Ben Hur's goal looked a bit too open when Pedro Salamon came free, but Abelardo Cristofor reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. Alzaga FC's Conan Ledesma played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Marciano Maxin in the 20th minute of play. With a couple of smart ball manuevers Eustaquio Banegas in the 22nd managed to get into a good position. With a left leg Abelardo Cristofor saved Sportivo Ben Hur from getting behind. Abelardo Cristofor made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Eustaquio Banegas in the 24th minute of play. Placido Lia's shot was meant for the net just under the crossbar, but Abelardo Cristofor read the situation well and was quickly in position to make a wonderful save in the 26th minute of play. Abelardo Cristofor made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Pedro Salamon in the 28th minute of play. Pedro Salamon struck a weak shot in the 36th minute. Abelardo Cristofor didn't even have to move as the ball rolled over the line well wide of the goal. A wasted opportunity for Alzaga FC. The supporters of Sportivo Ben Hur booed when Alzaga FC was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 41 match minutes in a wonderful position. Ismael Ibañez didn't get a good kick on the ball. In the 44th match minute, Sportivo Ben Hur was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Jimeno Lizbeth to maneuver through the defense. Ovidio Piarres's late challenge caught a Alzaga FC's player on the shin and left him crawling around in pain. The referee blew his whistle and produced the yellow card. Ovidio Piarres helped the player get up and apologised. In the 45th minute, Ovidio Piarres hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. The fans had the chance to grab some refreshments as the whistle went for half-time. The score stood at 0-0 after a close first half.

52 minutes into the match, Alzaga FC's goal looked a bit too open when Desiderio Tancredo came free, but Conan Ledesma reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. Ismael Ibañez charged in rather forcefully in the 53rd minute of the match, and managed to knock his opponent down. The referee showed Ismael Ibañez the yellow card, and asked the players to shake hands before continuing play. In the 53rd minute, Ismael Ibañez hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. In the 57th minute Placido Lia shot on, it seemed, an open goal, but Abelardo Cristofor saw the ball coming and threw himself on it before it passed the goal line. Eustaquio Banegas received a nice pass in the box and took a hard shot in the 58th minute. Abelardo Cristofor tensed up and prepared to dive, but the shot went over the goal with him having to interfere. Marciano Maxin got his second yellow card in the match during the 61st minute which meant that he had to leave the ground. After 62 played minutes Sportivo Ben Hur got a freekick which was hit by Marciano Maxin. Alzaga FC made a substitution. Natalio Elivareo replaced Salvador Quirze. With a couple of smart ball manuevers Eustaquio Banegas in the 74th managed to get into a good position. With a left leg Abelardo Cristofor saved Sportivo Ben Hur from getting behind. An unexpectedly hard shot by Fabricio Martxot in the 79th minute of play forced Alzaga FC's goalkeeper Conan Ledesma to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. Sportivo Ben Hur's Abelardo Cristofor played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Placido Lia in the 84th minute of play. Abelardo Cristofor took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Placido Lia, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. After 90 played minutes Placido Lia rounded Sportivo Ben Hur's defense and shot a beautiful shot into goal via left pole - 1-1. Alzaga FC's fans were overjoyed with their teams well-earned victory and stayed in the stadium long after the final whistle to celebrate the win.