Challenge

Zinho de Oliveira
Spectators: 52 (Terracing: 39, Seating: 12, VIP seats: 1) Mexico's Joel Gaona 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. Thanks to some nice foot action and superb ball handling Joel Gaona in the 5th minute a chance for a shot on goal. With an extended leg and a bit of luck Sitthachat Jampeehom prevented the ball from getting in the gole. Sitthachat Jampeehom showed brilliant goalkeeper skills when he caught the ball after a hard shot from Lautaro Mancebo in the 6th minute of the match. After a defensive mix-up in Mexico's zone, João Vítor Bittencourt stole the ball and had only the goalie to beat. Dante Lacasa came out of the goal and João Vítor Bittencourt tried to chip the ball over his head. To his dismay, the ball went over the crossbar and out of play. Mexico's defense didn't have a chance, in the 12th minute, when Miguel Zuasnabar scored to the left of an out of position Dante Lacasa, making the score, 1-0. Joel Gaona struck a weak shot in the 17th minute. Sitthachat Jampeehom didn't even have to move as the ball rolled over the line well wide of the goal. A wasted opportunity for Mexico. 23 minutes into the match, Gavião Kyikatejê's goal looked a bit too open when Alberto Tafalla came free, but Sitthachat Jampeehom reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. Miguel Zuasnabar blasted a shot towards the goal in the 25th minute, but the shot hit the top of the crossbar and went out without Dante Lacasa having to make a save. Dante Lacasa made a fantastic save in the 25th minute, when Miguel Zuasnabar sent off a good shot on target. In the 27th minute, Miroslaw Dobilas hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. In the 29th minute, Alberto Tafalla left the goalkeeper for dead before tapping the ball into the right side of the net. The Mexico fans were clearly happy with the effort and the scoreboard reflected the new score: 2-1. In the 34th minute Gavião Kyikatejê were awarded a corner. Rodney Lindov went to the cornerflag to take it. After 39 played minutes Mexico got a freekick which was hit by Facundo Cadaval. Dante Lacasa was in exellent shape and made a fantastic save when he, in the 40th minute of the match, managed to get hold of the ball after a long shot from Rodney Lindov. In the 47th minute Alberto Tafalla shot on, it seemed, an open goal, but Sitthachat Jampeehom saw the ball coming and threw himself on it before it passed the goal line. The home fans were very happy to see their team leading 3-1 at half-time.

Both teams looked relatively alert before the second half when the referee blew his whistle to tell Miguel Zuasnabar to make the kick off. Rodney Lindov sent away a hard shot on goal in the 52nd minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. In the 56th minute Miguel Zuasnabar shot on, it seemed, an open goal, but Dante Lacasa saw the ball coming and threw himself on it before it passed the goal line. After 56 played minutes Mexico got a freekick which was hit by Facundo Cadaval. The supporters of Mexico booed when Gavião Kyikatejê was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 58 match minutes in a wonderful position. João Vítor Bittencourt didn't get a good kick on the ball. With a little luck, Gavião Kyikatejê's Sitthachat Jampeehom got control of the ball when Alberto Tafalla tried to sneak it across the goal line. Sitthachat Jampeehom made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Lorenzo Cazalla in the 62nd minute of play. When Gavião Kyikatejê's Miguel Zuasnabar in the 65th minute got a chance for a shot 65th didn't hesitate and placed the ball to the right of the goalie. A beautiful save bye Mexico's goalie prevented a goal. With an all-out effort, Mexico's Sitthachat Jampeehom threw himself towards the right post 69 minutes into the match and grabbed hold of the ball from Joel Gaona, which otherwise would have been placed in the net. In the 71st minute Joel Gaona shot on, it seemed, an open goal, but Sitthachat Jampeehom saw the ball coming and threw himself on it before it passed the goal line. In the 76th minute, Luca Zorita fired away a shot on goal. He put a little to much spin on the ball and sent it just wide of the right post. In the 79th minute Miguel Zuasnabar shot on, it seemed, an open goal, but Dante Lacasa saw the ball coming and threw himself on it before it passed the goal line. Miguel Zuasnabar fired away a screaming shot towards the goal in the 82nd minute, but the shot went just over the crossbar without Dante Lacasa having to interfere. Cesare Maldini hit a great freekick 84 minutes into the match. Colin Booth hit a great freekick 90 minutes into the match. Joel Gaona sent away a hard shot on goal in the 91st minute, but the ball hit the crossbar and went out. A very good chance for a goal. After 93 played minutes Mexico got a freekick which was hit by Joel Gaona.