Another Step Towards The Great Final
Navish players celebrating the second goal, the goal of qualification
Last monday, Navack assured its spot in the quarter-finals after defeating Hipasia by a 2-nil score. In an extremely tough game, Navack scared its fans as their performance was not like the last couple ones showed during the group phase. Navack had goals from Karsten Johansen and Nikódem Nesz, the biggest Navish striker with 5 goals. Now Navack will face Motsvara, who managed to win comfortably against Uwhistan. The Vestric team finished group stage in second place, with 4 points, -1 goal difference and only one win.
As for the game, balance is what describes it. For instance, the power shift within the game was visible, as Navack and Hipasia exchanged fierceful attacks, but both defenses showed their values. First half was a mid-field game, as both teams spent more time trying to control the ball than properly attacking. By the end of the first half, Navack had 3 shots at goal, with two reaching the destiny, while Hipasia had 5 shots, but only one reaching the goal.
During second half, however, the Arabekhi team got tired, as they were not as intense as they were during second half, which led to a Navish control of the mid-field. Coach Sannes focused his changes on giving the wings more velocity, thus opening the Hipasian defence and making it possible to Nesz and Johansen to infiltrate. Young Stefan Holstad substituted Brevig, making it a “technique for speed” sort of change in the right wing, Andreas Borseth replaced Kurt Murer and Runar Ree replaced Lizancos, renewing the ball work to Jørgen Hammer in the front. With those changes, Navack constantly pressured Hipasia, which kept a strong defensive line, almost unbreakable. But it was on the 90th minute when a fast sprint by Stefan Holstad put Karsten Johansen in front of the goal, scoring 1-0 to Navack. After a 6 minutes addition, Navack did not back up and kept pressuring Hipasia’s defence, and it was on the 90th minute + 6 when Nesz received a cross by Runar Ree and headed the ball right into the net, sealing the victory and the Navish qualification.
“It was a tough game,” said Runar Ree in the mixed zone after the match, “They fought hard and protected themselves with extreme quality. I’m happy we managed to win and even more that i could assist my colleague on his goal, which granted us our victory.” Odd Sannes also spoke after the match: “I’m proud of my boys. They fought till the last minute, and they brought us this victory today. They are focused and training hard to play their best and go the farther they can go.”
Navack’s next challege will be at the city of Mansley, against Motsvara. This match has been a trend topic, as the internet named it “father-son game,” referring to the times when Motsvara was a colony under the UKL. In this Lhedwinic clash, only one will end the day victorious, and the other will return home. Elhazia and Midrasia is a match to watch, so will be the hosts Salborga against an old Navish rival, Tyronova. However, the biggest game is, with no doubt, the Savaian derby between Ajerrin and the world champions New Timeria. May the 4 best teams stay alive in the competition.
