U18 World League

Allmend Arena
Spectators: 8040 (Terracing: 6031, Seating: 1849, VIP seats: 160) The field was rather wet after several days of rain when George Beloki took the kick off in the first half of the match. After 2 played minutes Spartak de Txurdi got a freekick which was hit by Macedonio Sainz. An unexpectedly hard shot by Gilberto Jeker in the 8th minute of play forced Spartak de Txurdi's goalkeeper Xesus Jurado to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. In the 11th minute, Silvino Ribas got an opportunity to score, but he didn't get a solid hit on the ball and ended up kicking it wide of the goal. After 16 minutes, George Beloki mouthed his way into the referee's book. The tension between the Spartak de Txurdi and the Uetendorf Wanderers players grew even worse after the yellow card. In the 17th match minute, Spartak de Txurdi was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by George Beloki to maneuver through the defense. In the 18th minute, George Beloki got an opportunity to score, but he didn't get a solid hit on the ball and ended up kicking it wide of the goal. With a little luck, Spartak de Txurdi's Xesus Jurado got control of the ball when Martin Heffliger tried to sneak it across the goal line. Jakob Micheletto struck a weak shot in the 22nd minute. Xesus Jurado didn't even have to move as the ball rolled over the line well wide of the goal. A wasted opportunity for Uetendorf Wanderers. 26 minutes into the match, Spartak de Txurdi's goalkeeper Xesus Jurado had to clear away a ball on his right side after a cunning shot by Jakob Micheletto. Xesus Jurado showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Martin Heffliger, who was totally free with the ball in the 30th minute. The supporters of Uetendorf Wanderers booed when Spartak de Txurdi was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 30 match minutes in a wonderful position. Bartolo Novo didn't get a good kick on the ball. In the 34thth minute of the game George Beloki who was perfectly placed tried to make a shot on goal, but Uetendorf Wanderers's Gerard Barth was lucky and managed to grab hold of the ball. 44 minutes into the match, Spartak de Txurdi's Silvino Ribas sent off a blazing shot straight on target, a shot that Gerard Barth narrowly saved just below the crossbar. The fans had the chance to grab some refreshments as the whistle went for half-time. The score stood at 0-0 after a close first half.

If Osoro Amorebieta had kept his shot down it would have been a goal in the 52nd minute. The ball went over the crossbar and out instead. Arcadio Paredes kicked well hit freekick during the 56th minute of the match. After a defensive mix-up in Spartak de Txurdi's zone, Valentiano Freitag stole the ball and had only the goalie to beat. Xesus Jurado came out of the goal and Valentiano Freitag tried to chip the ball over his head. To his dismay, the ball went over the crossbar and out of play. A hard shot 64 in the game by George Beloki from a close distance when the talented Gerard Barth managed to make a qualified save. Uetendorf Wanderers's players were relieved. When the match had gone on for 66 minutes, George Beloki put it in 0-1 from a short distance just to the right of Gerard Barth. In the 71st match minute, Spartak de Txurdi was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Silvino Ribas to maneuver through the defense. Valentiano Freitag recieved an excellent pass in front of the goal in the 72nd minute. Unfortunately, he received the ball on his off foot and could only manage a weak shot that went over the goal. George Beloki's shot straight on target was not completely harmless. The ball had pretty good speed, but Gerard Barth firmly grabbed it by the left post. George Beloki sent away a hard shot on goal in the 81st minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. Spartak de Txurdi's supporters were very happy and cheered loudly because their team had won after a very close match.