Challenge

Gama Arena
Spectators: 45 (Terracing: 35, Seating: 10, VIP seats: 0) It was fairly windy and cold on the field when Minas Markomichalis kicked off to start the match. 11 minutes into the game, Agustín Saelices cracked a shot to the right of the goalkeeper, 0-2. Cveto Novinec was not in position, and could only watch the ball fly in. The supporters of FC Koper 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. 16 minutes into the match, FC Koper's Istok Marinč broke free and took a long shot that unfortunately flew wide. A fine initiative that could have resulted in a goal. In the 19th minute, a hard, long distance shot from Manos Labrou hit the top of the crossbar and flew over the goal. 22 minutes into the match, FC Koper's goal looked a bit too open when Agustín Saelices came free, but Cveto Novinec reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. The corner led Ecuador's Daniel Zorita to fire away a dangerous shot which Cveto Novinec despite some difficulties managed to get hold on the ball. After a rather tough play, FC Koper's Wasyl Okropny got a free kick in the 26th minute. After 31 minutes, Daniel Zorita made it 0-3 with a short kick to the right side. FC Koper's Cveto Novinec tried to save the shot but he was too slow in reacting to the shot. In the 40th match minute, Ecuador was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Juan Sebastián Puig to maneuver through the defense. Victorio Abadia charged in rather forcefully in the 45th minute of the match, and managed to knock his opponent down. The referee showed Victorio Abadia the yellow card, and asked the players to shake hands before continuing play. Cveto Novinec had in the 45thth minute some difficulties stopping Daniel Zorita's well aimed penalty as it nearly passed him on his left side, but he still managed to hold the ball. 45 minutes into the game, Daniel Zorita cracked a shot to the right of the goalkeeper, 0-4. Cveto Novinec was not in position, and could only watch the ball fly in. The FC Koper players were disheartened as they walked off the pitch after the first half. Ecuador were winning 0-4.

Minas Markomichalis might have been able to make a better finish in the 50th minute when he tried to place a hard shot over Julio Vera. Instead the ball went over the crossbar and out. Minas Markomichalis ran back to his position shaking his head. Julio Vera showed brilliant goalkeeper skills when he caught the ball after a hard shot from Minas Markomichalis in the 51st minute of the match. Cveto Novinec made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Agustín Saelices in the 52nd minute of play. Cristian Sancho struck a weak shot in the 56th minute. Cveto Novinec didn't even have to move as the ball rolled over the line well wide of the goal. A wasted opportunity for Ecuador. Ecuador's Cristian Sancho got a good chance for a goal in the 58th minute, but he totally mistimed the shot and it went over the crossbar. Daniel Zorita's shot straight on target was not completely harmless. The ball had pretty good speed, but Cveto Novinec firmly grabbed it by the left post. A collision led to FC Koper getting a freekick after 64 minutes play. Ekaitz Sirvent hit a great ball. Cveto Novinec made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Luis Andino in the 65th minute of play. The audience thought a goal was coming when Daniel Zorita got free with Cveto Novinec in the 74th minute, but the goalkeeper managed to catch the ball with a huge effort. An unexpected shot in the 77th minute by Daniel Zorita got the crowd on their feet, but to their dismay it went out on the left side. The supporters of Ecuador booed when FC Koper was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 84 match minutes in a wonderful position. Istok Marinč didn't get a good kick on the ball. Luis Andino received a nice pass in the box and took a hard shot in the 92nd minute. Cveto Novinec tensed up and prepared to dive, but the shot went over the goal with him having to interfere. Daniel Zorita could have scored with his fast shot on goal in the 93rd minute of the match, but Cveto Novinec made a huge save. When the match was over Ecuador could go home with a victory in their luggage, having controlled the game far better than FC Koper throughout the match.