U23 World League

ARENA VIOLA
Spectators: 7658 (Terracing: 5745, Seating: 1761, VIP seats: 152) Liberland's Herminio Ignado 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. Paul Bărbat's shot was meant for the net just under the crossbar, but Carmelo Hurko read the situation well and was quickly in position to make a wonderful save in the 2nd minute of play. A collision led to Cavalerii Viola getting a freekick after 4 minutes play. Remus Vrejiu hit a great ball. With a little luck, Liberland's Carmelo Hurko got control of the ball when Marian Uncheşelu tried to sneak it across the goal line. Iordache Bognar received a nice pass in the box and took a hard shot in the 14th minute. Carmelo Hurko tensed up and prepared to dive, but the shot went over the goal with him having to interfere. After 19 minutes of play, Liberland's Rafael Erramun made it 0-2 when he simply outclassed the defender marking him and hit a curling shot into the right side of the net. Robert Scorţea was left in no man's land by his defense there! Robert Scorţea came out of the goal in the 21st minute to try and stop a shot by Liberland's Rafael Erramun. But to his dismay, Rafael Erramun quickly shot the ball in between his legs and into the goal making it 0-3. After some careless play in the Cavalerii Viola defense, Rafael Erramun kicked a shot that curved into the net to the right of Robert Scorţea. The Cavalerii Viola fans voiced their displeasure as they felt that Robert Scorţea should have stopped the shot. 30 minutes into the match, Liberland's goal looked a bit too open when Nechifor Tăutu came free, but Carmelo Hurko reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. In the 32nd match minute, Cavalerii Viola was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Marian Uncheşelu to maneuver through the defense. Carmelo Hurko made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Marian Uncheşelu in the 35th minute of play. Pastor Rutenio got in the 36th a clear chance and fired away a hard shot against goal, but Robert Scorţea handled the situation perfectly and made a save by the crossbar. The audience thought a goal was coming when Nechifor Tăutu got free with Carmelo Hurko in the 41st minute, but the goalkeeper managed to catch the ball with a huge effort. When the match had gone on for 46 minutes, Rafael Erramun put it in 0-5 from a short distance just to the right of Robert Scorţea. Disappointed in the 0-5 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. Iordache Bognar was the one to do the kick off. Carmelo Hurko made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Iordache Bognar in the 72nd minute of play. Robert Scorţea was in the perfect position, and the defense had done a good job marking him, but Herminio Ignado showcased his skills and made a perfect shot to score 1-8 in the 79 minute of play. Iordache Bognar's late challenge caught a Liberland's player on the shin and left him crawling around in pain. The referee blew his whistle and produced the yellow card. Iordache Bognar helped the player get up and apologised. The supporters of Liberland booed when Cavalerii Viola was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 82 match minutes in a wonderful position. Iordache Bognar didn't get a good kick on the ball. Esteve Pudes struck a weak shot in the 86th minute. Robert Scorţea didn't even have to move as the ball rolled over the line well wide of the goal. A wasted opportunity for Liberland. When Omar Eudoxio fell near the penalty area in the 88th minute he thought he would be awarded a free kick. The referee ignored Liberland's protests and gave Omar Eudoxio a yellow card for diving instead. Carmelo Hurko showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Marian Uncheşelu, who was totally free with the ball in the 92nd minute. When the final whistle was heard the away supporters stood up and showed their joy. Liberland had managed to secure a win in what was a close match throughout.