Fresto Sports - 12/2/2021
The Frestovenian national team surprisingly won its first group game against the higher-ranked side of Indusse. It was a match that had to decide which of the two teams would stay in the race for the second round. In the first half, we saw a very balanced game with both teams creating chances and it was the opponent who took an early lead through a nicely played attack by Kumar and Mersias. Mersias scored the goal in a one on one situation with the goalkeeper. The Frestovenian goalkeeper Vantur Ormut had no chance to stop Mersias effort and had to fish the ball out of his net. A couple of chances by the Frestovenians went over and Indusse came very close to double their lead, but the danger was over as the defenders did their job and made a good block to stop a very powerful shot close on goal. In the 4th minute of the additional time, it looked like the Frestovenians scored the equalizer, but the goal was ruled out for offside. The players disagreed, but the linesman was sure about his call. Half time score 1-0 in favour of Indusse.
Strong second half
In the second half, Frestovenia scored a fast goal just seconds after the start of the second half. A perfect header by Rot Norvatse found the net and he made his first goal for Frestovenia in this tournament. The players of Indusse were surprised and didn't expect the ball to go in. Frestovenia took full control of the match after the last half-hour mark. In the 68th minute, a freekick resulted in a goal for the Frestovenians. it was the forward Tonas Gajetser who made the goal. Frestovenia finally got their deserved lead in this match here, 1-2. Indusse came back strong and pushed the Frestovenian field to there 16 metres box. In the 86th minute, Butea of Indusse suddenly came into scoring position and he did make the equalizing goal. The faces of the Frestovenian players showed disappointment and frustration as they thought that they already won the match and the three points. BUT THEN, two minutes after the equalizer it was the Frestovenian star player Olaf Artvikker that made the winning goal. Olaf did it again for Frestovenia and most importantly the three points can be added to the table. The Frestovenian players will celebrate their win at the hotel tonight. Final score: Indusse two Frestovenia three.
Indusse 2 – 3 Frestovenia
@Gold Coast International, Gold Coast
Goals: Mersias 16' Norvatse 46' Gajetser 68' Butea 86' Artvikker 88'
Up against the host
The next opponent in Group A will be the team of Northwest Kalactin. The host nation lost their opening match at the Gold Coast International against Valladares (2-1). In the match against Frestovenia, the hosts need to refind themselves and their players will be full of energy at the start of the match. Only the win and the three points will count in their point of view. Head coach Alrik Valatanen spoke with us today about the upcoming match: It's going to be a tough game with a lot of attacking play coming from the Kalactin side. We're going to try to keep the spaces in the back closed and come out with a good counterplay,". We also asked the coach about potential changes in the lineup for the match against Northwest Kalactin: "All players got through the match well and they are all able to play against Northwest Kalactin, so we start with all the big names again,".
With one win and three points, the Frestovenians find themselves in first place in Group A. The first big step is made, can they follow this up with another good result? Northwest Kalactin against Frestovenia will be played at the Gold Coast International stadium and will be broadcasted by Fresto Sports channel one.