U23 World League

La Fortaleza
Spectators: 7468 (Terracing: 5602, Seating: 1717, VIP seats: 149) Dark clouds were building up when the players entered the field. None of the them looked very eager to play. Nae Hodorog started the match with the kick off. Alin Partenadze showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Robert Kirby, who was totally free with the ball in the 3rd minute. An unexpectedly hard shot by Robert Kirby in the 7th minute of play forced FC Alinborger's goalkeeper Alin Partenadze to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. Alin Partenadze took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Bernabe Galtero, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. The audience thought a goal was coming when Ladislao Columbo got free with Alin Partenadze in the 11th minute, but the goalkeeper managed to catch the ball with a huge effort. Saverio Luken's late challenge caught a FC Alinborger's player on the shin and left him crawling around in pain. The referee blew his whistle and produced the yellow card. Saverio Luken helped the player get up and apologised. Flavius Nițulescu charged in rather forcefully in the 14th minute of the match, and managed to knock his opponent down. The referee showed Flavius Nițulescu the yellow card, and asked the players to shake hands before continuing play. After 14 played minutes FC Alinborger got a freekick which was hit by Flavius Nițulescu. With a little luck, FC Alinborger's Alin Partenadze got control of the ball when Ladislao Columbo tried to sneak it across the goal line. Alin Partenadze showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Robert Kirby, who was totally free with the ball in the 19th minute. Ladislao Columbos short, quick shot in the 20thth minute got Alin Partenadze to make great effort and bar the ball away from getting in. In the 21st minute Robert Kirby shot on, it seemed, an open goal, but Alin Partenadze saw the ball coming and threw himself on it before it passed the goal line. FC Alinborger's Alin Partenadze played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Robert Kirby in the 25th minute of play. Jonathan Palmquist took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Alin Partenskiy, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. Alin Partenadze showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Robert Kirby, who was totally free with the ball in the 28th minute. 32 minutes into the match, FC Alinborger's goal looked a bit too open when Ildefonso Columbo came free, but Alin Partenadze reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. Jonathan Palmquist took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Alin Partenskiy, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. Joaquin Ezkerra scored 1-0 in the 36th match minute with a shot that went into the goal to the right of Alin Partenadze, who was just a little too slow in reacting to the shot. Jonathan Palmquist showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Alin Partenskiy, who was totally free with the ball in the 39th minute. With a couple of smart ball manuevers Nae Hodorog in the 41st managed to get into a good position. With a left leg Jonathan Palmquist saved Granate from getting behind. After 41 minutes, Nae Hodorog made it 1-1 with a short kick to the right side. Granate's Jonathan Palmquist tried to save the shot but he was too slow in reacting to the shot. FC Alinborger's Alin Partenadze played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Ildefonso Columbo in the 48th minute of play. After the first half the score was level. The break gave the players a chance to catch their breath, whilst the managers went over the tactics with them again.

The players of the away team seemed most concentrated when Ladislao Columbo stepped up to make the kick off in the second half. Granate's Jonathan Palmquist played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Florin Goicea in the 51st minute of play. After a rather tough play, Granate's Saverio Luken got a free kick in the 54th minute. Alin Partenadze showed brilliant goalkeeper skills when he caught the ball after a hard shot from Ladislao Columbo in the 56th minute of the match. Alin Partenskiy sent away a hard shot on goal in the 62nd minute, but the ball hit the crossbar and went out. A very good chance for a goal. The referee was alert and spotted a serious foul by Ernest Stârcea during the 68th minute. The player immediately received a yellow card. In the 68th match minute, FC Alinborger was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Ernest Stârcea to maneuver through the defense. An unexpectedly hard shot by Robert Kirby in the 69th minute of play forced FC Alinborger's goalkeeper Alin Partenadze to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. Granate's Jonathan Palmquist played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Nae Hodorog in the 74th minute of play. With a couple of smart ball manuevers Alin Partenskiy in the 76th managed to get into a good position. With a left leg Jonathan Palmquist saved Granate from getting behind. Alin Partenadze showed brilliant goalkeeper skills when he caught the ball after a hard shot from Joaquin Ezkerra in the 77th minute of the match. The supporters of Granate booed when FC Alinborger was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 81 match minutes in a wonderful position. Ernest Stârcea didn't get a good kick on the ball. A collision led to Granate getting a freekick after 83 minutes play. Ildefonso Columbo hit a great ball. In the 85th match minute, FC Alinborger was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Gigel Pencu to maneuver through the defense. A collision led to Granate getting a freekick after 88 minutes play. Robert Kirby hit a great ball. After a rather tough play, FC Alinborger's Nae Hodorog got a free kick in the 91st minute. Robert Kirby took the ball and in the 93 minute, shot a rapid shot to the right of a surprised Alin Partenadze. Alin Partenadze dived to the right, and did manage to get a hand on the shot, but it still went into the right corner making it 3-2. Granate were really happy, having secured the victory after a very even contest. They thanked the players of FC Alinborger for a fine match.