Challenge

Johan Cruyff
Spectators: 44 (Terracing: 34, Seating: 10, VIP seats: 0) 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. With a couple of smart ball manuevers Joel Gaona in the 5th managed to get into a good position. With a left leg Alejandro Verdu saved F.C. AMERICAN BARÇA from getting behind. The supporters of Mexico booed when F.C. AMERICAN BARÇA was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 13 match minutes in a wonderful position. Francesc Pla didn't get a good kick on the ball. In the 14th minute Alberto Tafalla shot on, it seemed, an open goal, but Alejandro Verdu saw the ball coming and threw himself on it before it passed the goal line. Alejandro Verdu showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Alberto Tafalla, who was totally free with the ball in the 16th minute. 18 minutes into the match, Mexico's goal looked a bit too open when Bubu Denat came free, but Dante Lacasa reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. After some fancy dribbling in the 24th minute, Alberto Tafalla managed to get in a good position for a shot. Mexico's supporters rose to their feet, but Alberto Tafalla was a bit off balance and shot the ball just wide of the left post. Alejandro Verdu breathed a sigh of relief and went to take the goal kick. Alberto Tafalla recieved an excellent pass in front of the goal in the 26th minute. Unfortunately, he received the ball on his off foot and could only manage a weak shot that went over the goal. In the 29th minute Joel Gaona shot on, it seemed, an open goal, but Alejandro Verdu saw the ball coming and threw himself on it before it passed the goal line. 31 minutes into the match, Mexico's goal looked a bit too open when Gonzalo Boye came free, but Dante Lacasa reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. Alejandro Verdu showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Alberto Tafalla, who was totally free with the ball in the 32nd minute. Gică Popescu kicked well hit freekick during the 37th minute of the match. F.C. AMERICAN BARÇA's Alejandro Verdu played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Joel Gaona in the 43rd minute of play. If Marino Ramos had kept his shot down it would have been a goal in the 46th minute. The ball went over the crossbar and out instead. The F.C. AMERICAN BARÇA players were disheartened as they walked off the pitch after the first half. Mexico were winning 0-2.

The players of the home team were most fresh-looking when they entered the field to play the second half. Bubu Denat was the one to do the kick off. In the 55th minute Alberto Tafalla shot on, it seemed, an open goal, but Alejandro Verdu saw the ball coming and threw himself on it before it passed the goal line. Mexico's Dante Lacasa played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Bubu Denat in the 56th minute of play. Alejandro Verdu showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Luca Zorita, who was totally free with the ball in the 60th minute. Federico Zanetti's shot was meant for the net just under the crossbar, but Dante Lacasa read the situation well and was quickly in position to make a wonderful save in the 68th minute of play. 73 minutes into the match, F.C. AMERICAN BARÇA's goal looked a bit too open when Joel Gaona came free, but Alejandro Verdu reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. 77 minutes into the match, F.C. AMERICAN BARÇA's goalkeeper Alejandro Verdu had to clear away a ball on his right side after a cunning shot by Alberto Tafalla. Alejandro Verdu showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Luca Zorita, who was totally free with the ball in the 78th minute. A collision led to Mexico getting a freekick after 83 minutes play. Facundo Cadaval hit a great ball. In the 86th minute Gonzalo Boye 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. Alejandro Verdu made a fantastic save in the 87th minute, when Lautaro Mancebo sent off a good shot on target. After a defensive mix-up in F.C. AMERICAN BARÇA's zone, Luca Zorita stole the ball and had only the goalie to beat. Alejandro Verdu came out of the goal and Luca Zorita tried to chip the ball over his head. To his dismay, the ball went over the crossbar and out of play. After 93 played minutes F.C. AMERICAN BARÇA got a freekick which was hit by Gică Popescu. Alberto Tafalla scored 1-3 in the 95th match minute with a shot that went into the goal to the right of Alejandro Verdu, who was just a little too slow in reacting to the shot. Mexico played a much better game than F.C. AMERICAN BARÇA and deserved their victory. The F.C. AMERICAN BARÇA players were clearly disappointed as they left the ground.