Finalist decided after penalty shootout
The footballers of the University of Minho won the semi-final match of the men’s tournament at the European Universities Games against J.J. Strossmayer University . The fans at FC Hašk Stadium saw a goaless draw, and the finalists had to be determined through penalties. It was an even game, and this continued in the shoot-out as well: every time one team would miss a penalty, the other would return the favor. In the end, the University of Minho emerged triumphant, winning 3:2. The home footballers will have to fight for the bronze against the Russians.
‘Our play and my players’ approach to the game was OK. We simply missed our chances, but I cant’t blame my boys; they tried hard, they were motivated and I give them an A+ for their effort. It just didn’t work for us. We’re going to win that bronze tomorrow,’ said Osijek coach Petar Kerže after the match.
‘We studied the Croatian footballers well, watching videos of their matches. We didn’t expect they would play the way they did. They were good in defense and always ready for our attacks, exploiting our mistakes. We got somewhat nervous, and were lucky enough to win the shoot-out; penalties are a lottery. But there’s more to penalties than luck as we knew our goalkeeper would save one or two. We believed we’d every step of the way,’ said Michael Ribeiro, the coach the University of Minho.
Kuban State University from Russia will return home disappointed after their semi-final match against Bochum, as Germans sunk the Russians 4:0.
After the Germans scored in the first half and went on a break with a psychological advantage, they continued in the same tempo, scoring three more in the second half. One of the Russian players was given a red card, which changed the course of the game on both sides.
‘I don’t know what happened. I can’t say we played well. The goal in the last minute of the first half could have changed the outcome of the game,’ said Kuban player Manuk Manukyan.
The German player Sebastian Lotters commented as well:
‘I think the first goal was crucial for the rest of the game. We look forward to the final, atlhough it will be hard. Of course, we want to win.’
We well have to wait untill tomorrow to see what team will become the champion in the most important secondary thing in the world, football.
Results
