Challenge

Bombonera Stadium
Spectators: 40 (Terracing: 31, Seating: 9, VIP seats: 0) La Candela FC's Martin Palermo 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. Ruben Sánchez took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Daniel Zorita, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. A nice corner shot did that Luis Andino got away a dangerous shot. Despite this Ruben Sánchez quite easily got ahold of the ball to make the save. The Ecuador fans' excitement grew in the 8th match minute when Ecuador's Luis Andino looked to have a clear shot with the ball near the goal. The shot wasn't hard, but the ball still rolled over the goal line to make it 0-1 before the goalkeeper had a chance to intervene. Ruben Sánchez made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Daniel Zorita in the 11th minute of play. La Candela FC made a substitution. Gabi Batistuta replaced Rubén-Darío Feldmann. After 14 played minutes Ecuador got a freekick which was hit by Juan Sebastián Puig. The supporters of La Candela FC booed when Ecuador was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 15 match minutes in a wonderful position. Juan Sebastián Puig didn't get a good kick on the ball. Gabi Batistuta came free with the goalkeeper in the 18th minute of the match, and shot straight on target. The shot was a little too simple and Julio Vera could save by the left post. Ruben Sánchez made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Agustín Saelices in the 23rd minute of play. In the 27th minute the ball was on its way in behind La Candela FC's goalkeeper Ruben Sánchez, but with the help of a sacrificing defense, he could catch the ball at the crossbar. Ruben Sánchez showed brilliant goalkeeper skills when he caught the ball after a hard shot from Daniel Zorita in the 36th minute of the match. Ruben Sánchez took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Daniel Zorita, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. Disappointed in the 0-1 score, the home team went to the dressing room to adjust tactics for the second half.

The players of the home team were most fresh-looking when they entered the field to play the second half. Daniel Zorita was the one to do the kick off. A throw-in in the 60th minute of the game was made by Camilo Gisbert with Cristian Sancho as target, who quickly passed the ball forward. In the 66th minute, Sebastián Battaglia hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. 67 minutes into the match, Ecuador's Cristian Sancho sent off a blazing shot straight on target, a shot that Ruben Sánchez narrowly saved just below the crossbar. With a couple of smart ball manuevers Gabi Batistuta in the 73rd managed to get into a good position. With a left leg Julio Vera saved Ecuador from getting behind. Daniel Zorita who was well placed in front of the goal fired away a dangerous shot that in the 76thth minute tested the skills of Ruben Sánchez when he managed to save the team from getting behind. Miguel Nicolau kicked well hit freekick during the 79th minute of the match. Daniel Zorita sent away a hard shot on goal in the 83rd minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. The audience was convinced that Martin Palermo's extremely hard shot when he got free in front of the goal was going in, but Julio Vera was relentless in the 86th minute of the game. In the 88thth minute of the game Luis Medero who was perfectly placed tried to make a shot on goal, but Ecuador's Julio Vera was lucky and managed to grab hold of the ball. In a very dangerous position, a player in La Candela FC fell when an opponent tried to get the ball from him in the 93rd minute. Penalty! Nahuel Molina kicked well hit freekick during the 97th minute of the match. Ecuador's players went to the stands to thank the travelling support. The fan's backing had helped spurr the team on to a fine performance that won them the match.