U18 World League

Emirates Stadium
Spectators: 8039 (Terracing: 6030, Seating: 1849, VIP seats: 160) The sun was shining, the grass was green and the audience cheered when Philipp Junod got the match started through his kick off. The supporters of Espen Steelers booed when Di Röe was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 2 match minutes in a wonderful position. Marc Eklund didn't get a good kick on the ball. In the 6th minute, Marc Eklund made a precise shot to the right of Andre Zurbuchen. Espen Steelers's defense was at fault, and the scoreboard reflected the new score, 0-1. After a defensive mix-up in Espen Steelers's zone, Albert Nyman stole the ball and had only the goalie to beat. Andre Zurbuchen came out of the goal and Albert Nyman tried to chip the ball over his head. To his dismay, the ball went over the crossbar and out of play. 14 minutes into the match, Marc Eklund had an open shot that he just couldn't miss and scored to the right of Andre Zurbuchen. Espen Steelers's manager could be seen yelling to the referee that Marc Eklund was offside, but the referee ignored the protest. 0-2. After a rather tough play, Espen Steelers's Karl von Planta got a free kick in the 22nd minute. 24 minutes into the game, Olov Kihlman was given a yellow card after he appeared to trip an opposing player. Di Röe's manager was livid on the sidelines, but the referee was unmoved and gave Espen Steelers the free kick. The supporters of Espen Steelers booed when Di Röe was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 24 match minutes in a wonderful position. Olov Kihlman didn't get a good kick on the ball. 25 minutes into the match, Espen Steelers's Kenan Vinciguerra broke free and took a long shot that unfortunately flew wide. A fine initiative that could have resulted in a goal. 28 minutes into the match, Marc Eklund notched a goal, 0-3, to the right of Espen Steelers's Andre Zurbuchen. Andre Zurbuchen was clearly disgusted with the effort of the defense and let the defenders know about it. Albert Nyman recieved an excellent pass in front of the goal in the 30th minute. Unfortunately, he received the ball on his off foot and could only manage a weak shot that went over the goal. A collision led to Di Röe getting a freekick after 32 minutes play. Marc Eklund hit a great ball. The audience was convinced that Freeman Mächler's extremely hard shot when he got free in front of the goal was going in, but Henry Forsberg was relentless in the 33rd minute of the game. Henry Forsberg made an important save on a dangerous shot by Freeman Mächler in the 43rd minute. After a defensive mix-up in Espen Steelers's zone, Isac Norström stole the ball and had only the goalie to beat. Andre Zurbuchen came out of the goal and Isac Norström tried to chip the ball over his head. To his dismay, the ball went over the crossbar and out of play. After the first half Di Röe were leading 0-4. They had played with great self confidence throughout the first half and fully deserved their lead.

54 minutes into the match, Di Röe's goal looked a bit too open when Harrison Muntwyler came free, but Henry Forsberg reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. The supporters of Espen Steelers booed when Di Röe was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 58 match minutes in a wonderful position. Albert Nyman didn't get a good kick on the ball. After a rather tough play, Espen Steelers's Harrison Muntwyler got a free kick in the 60th minute. Andre Zurbuchen showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Marc Eklund, who was totally free with the ball in the 61st minute. Espen Steelers's Gavin Ciprella was substituted for Enrico Schlüssel. Espen Steelers's Geordi Gerig was substituted for Philipp Junod. In the 63rd minute, Harrison Muntwyler hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. In the 64th match minute, Di Röe was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Albert Nyman to maneuver through the defense. After 66 played minutes Espen Steelers got a freekick which was hit by Kenan Vinciguerra. Isac Norström took the ball and in the 68 minute, shot a rapid shot to the right of a surprised Andre Zurbuchen. Andre Zurbuchen dived to the right, and did manage to get a hand on the shot, but it still went into the right corner making it 0-6. Henry Forsberg showed brilliant goalkeeper skills when he caught the ball after a hard shot from Freeman Mächler in the 73rd minute of the match. Freeman Mächler's late challenge caught a Di Röe's player on the shin and left him crawling around in pain. The referee blew his whistle and produced the yellow card. Freeman Mächler helped the player get up and apologised. Freeman Mächler hit a great freekick 79 minutes into the match. Albert Nyman took a chance and fired a shot far from the goal in the 80th minute, but it turned out to be a dangerous situation for Andre Zurbuchen. Espen Steelers's goalkeeper really had to stretch himself to stop the ball from crossing the goal line. Di Röe's Henry Forsberg played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Freeman Mächler in the 82nd minute of play. Henry Forsberg made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Hans Pasquino in the 85th minute of play. With a couple of smart ball manuevers Harrison Muntwyler in the 86th managed to get into a good position. With a left leg Henry Forsberg saved Di Röe from getting behind. In the 90th minute, Kenan Vinciguerra hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. In the 91st minute of the match Albert Nyman sent off a long shot with destination to the right of the goalkeeper, but Andre Zurbuchen skillfully saved the ball. A hard shot 96 in the game by Isac Norström from a close distance when the talented Andre Zurbuchen managed to make a qualified save. Espen Steelers's players were relieved. The referee blew the final whistle, and the away crowd roared, having watched Di Röe eke out a victory against a very well matched opponent.