GCZ 2 - 4 Stonewall (384953616)

It had rained all day, but 22516 hardy fans still made it out to Hardturm. Massimo Rubagotti was the appointed referee with assistance provided by Marko Wanninger and Esteban Ruiz Luque. Fans of both teams had been eagerly awaiting this Zürich derby and were doing their best to outshout their opponents. GCZ tactics involved an interesting 4-4-2 combination. The following players had been chosen: Mammoliti - Federigi, Rojas Marcos, Cassani, Vinigiu - Oudermans, Ilurieta, Bielesz, Adami - Martin, Gertig.

Stonewall started off with a 3-5-2 lineup. They fielded: Benaglio - Woolfenden, Augustin, Stjerne - Rydiker, Mejer Larsen, Melon, Boissier, Paulin - Chana, Moravčević.

Stonewall were mostly trying to use their skill at attacking on the flanks. The home side put themselves ahead 1 - 0 after 7 minutes courtesy of a breakthrough from C. Gertig, who scored with a stunning volley following a cross from the right wing. The game was characterised by rough play and many physical challenges on the wet field, but P. Augustin showed great heart and had a good game. F. Boissier tied the game at 1 - 1 after 18 minutes, when he converted an incredible pass from the right. After 29 minutes a very unfortunate collision in the penalty area led to GCZ's M. Mammoliti being carried off the pitch and replaced by L. Maupin. Stonewall had a good opportunity to attack in the middle, but remembered their instructions to focus on wing attacks instead. Some quick footwork on the left side of the field 38 minutes into the match left Stonewall's M. Moravčević completely free to score. 1 - 2 for the visitors. L. Adami of GCZ was booked for kicking the ball away after the whistle. GCZ's F. Federigi had to watch the rest of the game from the sidelines, after twisting his ankle with 42 minutes having been played. F. Idohou was the replacement. 1 - 2 was the halftime score. Stonewall had most of the ball, with 51 percent of possession.

With 55 minutes played, a quick exchange of passes on the left wing freed B. Rydiker of Stonewall to slip through the defence and score another goal for the visitors. That made the score 1 - 3. P. Ilurieta slipped and slithered in the wet grass. His usual rapid runs were nowhere to be seen today. The bench was restless, and with 63 minutes passed GCZ's coach gave P. Recabal the opportunity the player had been hoping for. O. Martin reluctantly left the field. Stonewall's K. Chana made it through the home team's defence on the right hand side 67 minutes into the match. After rounding the keeper, he only had to place the ball in the unguarded goal when a defender slid in and cleared the ball off the line. After 79 minutes, an incisive pass through the middle gave P. Augustin a chance to increase the lead for Stonewall, and he did not disappoint. The score was then 1 - 4. Confident in their lead, Stonewall's players relaxed and focused more on defending the lead than increasing it. The home crowd were delighted when C. Gertig scored with a header after an attack from the right, making the score 2 - 4. But did he use his hand? That'll be one for the pundits to talk about after the game, that's for sure! Possession in this half belonged to Stonewall, who controlled the ball 51 percent of the time.

GCZ's best player was C. Gertig. L. Maupin turned in a dismal performance, however. K. Chana performed admirably for Stonewall. F. Boissier was a disappointment, however. The match ends 2 - 4.