U23 World League

Academy Arena
Spectators: 7474 (Terracing: 5607, Seating: 1718, VIP seats: 149) Bento Perdigão made the kick off and thus started the match. Timóteo Lage struck a weak shot in the 6th minute. Miguel Carneiro didn't even have to move as the ball rolled over the line well wide of the goal. A wasted opportunity for LA COSA NOSTRA. After a rather tough play, LA COSA NOSTRA's Afonso Toscano got a free kick in the 8th minute. An unexpectedly hard shot by Timóteo Lage in the 11th minute of play forced Stars Academy's goalkeeper Miguel Carneiro to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. In the 13th minute Timóteo Lage shot on, it seemed, an open goal, but Miguel Carneiro saw the ball coming and threw himself on it before it passed the goal line. After 15 played minutes Stars Academy got a freekick which was hit by Jairo Carrasqueira. When Timóteo Lage fell near the penalty area in the 16th minute he thought he would be awarded a free kick. The referee ignored LA COSA NOSTRA's protests and gave Timóteo Lage a yellow card for diving instead. In the 16th match minute, LA COSA NOSTRA was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Timóteo Lage to maneuver through the defense. LA COSA NOSTRA's Timóteo Lage got a good chance for a goal in the 19th minute, but he totally mistimed the shot and it went over the crossbar. After 20 played minutes LA COSA NOSTRA got a freekick which was hit by Afonso Portugal. With a couple of smart ball manuevers Timóteo Lage in the 23rd managed to get into a good position. With a left leg Miguel Carneiro saved Stars Academy from getting behind. Stars Academy's Miguel Carneiro played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by 乔义竞 in the 24th minute of play. Bento Perdigão was really disappointed when he shot the ball just outside the right post instead of scoring a goal in the 26th minute. Stars Academy's manager could be seen on the sidelines shaking his head and muttering to himself as his team had just wasted another chance. When LA COSA NOSTRA's Timóteo Lage in the 29th minute got a chance for a shot 29th didn't hesitate and placed the ball to the right of the goalie. A beautiful save bye Stars Academy's goalie prevented a goal. Silvestre Castilho hit a great freekick 30 minutes into the match. Evandro Azeredo might have been able to make a better finish in the 34th minute when he tried to place a hard shot over Miguel Carneiro. Instead the ball went over the crossbar and out. Evandro Azeredo ran back to his position shaking his head. 乔义竞 sent away a hard shot on goal in the 35th minute, but the ball hit the crossbar and went out. A very good chance for a goal. After 38 minutes, Jairo Carrasqueira mouthed his way into the referee's book. The tension between the Stars Academy and the LA COSA NOSTRA players grew even worse after the yellow card. 44 minutes into the game, Albérico Bacelar threw the ball into play from the sideline. LA COSA NOSTRA's Afonso Toscano quickly snatched the ball and retained possesion. Bento Perdigão received a nice pass in the box and took a hard shot in the 47th minute. Durval Lage tensed up and prepared to dive, but the shot went over the goal with him having to interfere. After a very even first half the match was still tied. The players went to their respective dressing rooms to discuss the tactics for the second half.

The players of the away team seemed most concentrated when 乔义竞 stepped up to make the kick off in the second half. Miguel Carneiro made a fantastic save in the 55th minute, when 乔义竞 sent off a good shot on target. Stars Academy's Miguel Carneiro proved his good apprehension of play when he, in the 60th minute of the match, managed to save Stars Academy from getting a goal against them. A sloppy throw-in by Albérico Bacelar in the 66th minute of the game went astray and was snapped up by LA COSA NOSTRA's Afonso Toscano. Afonso Toscano's late challenge caught a Stars Academy's player on the shin and left him crawling around in pain. The referee blew his whistle and produced the yellow card. Afonso Toscano helped the player get up and apologised. Afonso Toscano kicked well hit freekick during the 69th minute of the match. Thanks to some nice foot action and superb ball handling Timóteo Lage in the 71st minute a chance for a shot on goal. With an extended leg and a bit of luck Miguel Carneiro prevented the ball from getting in the gole. LA COSA NOSTRA's Afonso Portugal got his second yellow card of the match in the 74th minute. The referee ordered Afonso Portugal off the ground. After 75 played minutes LA COSA NOSTRA got a freekick which was hit by Afonso Portugal. An unexpectedly hard shot by Timóteo Lage in the 81st minute of play forced Stars Academy's goalkeeper Miguel Carneiro to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. 乔义竞 got his second yellow card in the match during the 86th minute which meant that he had to leave the ground. The supporters of Stars Academy booed when LA COSA NOSTRA was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 87 match minutes in a wonderful position. 乔义竞 didn't get a good kick on the ball. The away crowd were delighted with the way their team had played and cheered loudly when the final whistle sounded. LA COSA NOSTRA walked away with the win, even though the match was close until the end.