Shiraj 0 - 1 CA L (373740804)

A scorching day at نعره شیران, where 39958 spectators were in place for today's match. Joachim Friedrich Müffling was the appointed referee with assistance provided by Adam Dziekański and Julio Ernesto Giménez. Shiraj tactics involved an interesting 4-5-1 combination. Lineup: Kianfar - Janhuba, Cărămidaru, Jelenovics, Seybek - Ali Madadi, Wassmuth, Calabrano, Reekers, Ciborowski - Mărgărit.

CA L decided to use a 5-3-2 set up. Starters: Wenninger - Ferreira Oliveira, Sabljo, Henriksson, Ariani, Belluccini - Lopez, Šparović, Berche - Van Assche, Tsontas.

It was obvious that Shiraj were using their pressing skill as their primary tactic. CA L clearly had decided to counter-attack when they could. CA L's counterattacks were lethal to the opposing defence, allowing M. Šparović to score easily from the right flank for 0 - 1. The sun seemed to put D. Wassmuth in a great mood, and he showed off his technical skills all match long. With 23 minutes gone, a long pass from the defence of CA L resulted in a counterattack that set J. Van Assche free through the middle, but the keeper made a spectacular diving save. Shiraj's ability to press all over the field frequently paid dividends. 0 - 1 was the score after the first half. Possession in the forty-five minutes was dominated by Shiraj, with 66 percent of the ball.

The pressing tactics used by Shiraj were successful as the ball remained close to the half way line at all times. The CA L players could smell victory in the air. É. Berche wasn't in a hurry to leave the field as he was substituted for E. Condemi after 60 minutes. The bench was restless, and with 61 minutes passed Shiraj's coach gave V. Noer Mogensen the opportunity the player had been hoping for. C. Mărgărit reluctantly left the field. The coach of CA L was happy with the game so far, but still wanted to change the line up. After 63 minutes, T. Korsholm came on for M. Šparović. In the lead, CA L adjusted their style of play with 70 minutes gone. After 83 minutes of game time, J. Van Assche had an excellent opportunity to add to the visitors' lead, clipping a volley hooked in from the right, but P. Kianfar was in the right place and tipped the ball over for a corner. Shiraj's talent at pressing frustrated the spectators as the game became a dire midfield struggle. J. Janhuba didn't pace himself at all, and after a series of daring offensive runs he was too tired to help out in the defensive play. Shiraj had most of the ball, with 63 percent of possession.

D. Wassmuth performed admirably for Shiraj. P. Ciborowski on the other hand, had a terrible day. CA L's top performer was clearly J. Van Assche. On the other hand, K. Ariani's play was disheartening. The match ends 0 - 1.