Challenge

Santiago Bernabeu
Spectators: 39 (Terracing: 30, Seating: 9, VIP seats: 0) The field was rather wet after several days of rain when Tomasz Huchro took the kick off in the first half of the match. Amadeo Carrizo stood for a superb save when he managed to get hold of Tomas Illescas's shot from short distance in the 5th minute. Tomasz Huchro might have been able to make a better finish in the 12th minute when he tried to place a hard shot over Jonathan Ferrant. Instead the ball went over the crossbar and out. Tomasz Huchro ran back to his position shaking his head. In the 20th match minute, Venezuela was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Alex Chicote to maneuver through the defense. When the match had gone on for 21 minutes, Tomasz Huchro took a quick shot and it went in 3-0 without a chance for Jonathan Ferrant to make any attempt to save it. Tomasz Huchro recieved an excellent pass in front of the goal in the 24th minute. Unfortunately, he received the ball on his off foot and could only manage a weak shot that went over the goal. Tomasz Huchro's shot was meant for the net just under the crossbar, but Jonathan Ferrant read the situation well and was quickly in position to make a wonderful save in the 26th minute of play. Thanks to some nice foot action and superb ball handling Tomas Illescas in the 30th minute a chance for a shot on goal. With an extended leg and a bit of luck Amadeo Carrizo prevented the ball from getting in the gole. 34 minutes into the match, 9 de Diciembre's goal looked a bit too open when Tomas Illescas came free, but Amadeo Carrizo reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. The corner went over the outstretched arms of 9 de Diciembre's goalie and right to Tomas Illescas. He fired away a shot at goal, but the shot had too much spin, and it went just outside the goal. 9 de Diciembre's manager breathed a sigh of relief on the sidelines as his team had managed to escape an almost certain goal. Jonathan Ferrant made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Tomasz Huchro in the 38th minute of play. Venezuela's Salvador Gisbert quite brazenly broke a throw-in by Rogelio Ruisko, made in the 44th minute of the game. Rogelio Ruisko hit a great freekick 44 minutes into the match. Venezuela's Jonathan Ferrant played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Tomasz Huchro in the 47th minute of play. The home fans were very happy to see their team leading 3-0 at half-time.

The hometeam waved at the audience when it was time for Tomas Illescas to strike the kick off in the second half. Amadeo Carrizo made an important save on a dangerous shot by Tomas Illescas in the 53rd minute. Tomas Illescas received a nice pass, split the defenders, and ran untouched towards the goal. Amadeo Carrizo came out and tried to block the shot, but Tomas Illescas slotted it home off the left post making it 3-1 in the 56th minute. After 63 played minutes 9 de Diciembre got a freekick which was hit by Rogelio Ruisko. Thanks to some nice foot action and superb ball handling Tomasz Huchro in the 74th minute a chance for a shot on goal. With an extended leg and a bit of luck Jonathan Ferrant prevented the ball from getting in the gole. 9 de Diciembre's Tomasz Huchro got a good chance for a goal in the 78th minute, but he totally mistimed the shot and it went over the crossbar. Patricio Costa fired away a screaming shot towards the goal in the 79th minute, but the shot went just over the crossbar without Amadeo Carrizo having to interfere. In the 81st match minute, Venezuela was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Salvador Gisbert to maneuver through the defense. Rigoberto Mina's late challenge caught a 9 de Diciembre's player on the shin and left him crawling around in pain. The referee blew his whistle and produced the yellow card. Rigoberto Mina helped the player get up and apologised. 87 minutes into the game, one of Venezuela:s players got tackled near the goal, and the referee blew for a penalty. Jonathan Ferrant had in the 89thth minute some difficulties stopping Angel Osasun's well aimed penalty as it nearly passed him on his left side, but he still managed to hold the ball. The excitement rose when 9 de Diciembre's Angel Osasun after 89 played minutes turned away three defenders near the goal, and after that shot a ball that was too difficult for Venezuela's goalkeeper to hold. Score! 4-1. Rogelio Ruisko kicked well hit freekick during the 93rd minute of the match. Jonathan Ferrant showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Tomasz Huchro, who was totally free with the ball in the 97th minute. The referee blew his whistle, and the match came to a close. The players exchanged shirts and headed down the tunnel. The 9 de Diciembre fans cheered their team off the field, for while Venezuela had put up a good fight, they were unable to come out of the game with any points to show for their effort.