Doppy 2 - 4 Armored (392033393)

The weather was pretty good, and a crowd of 32291 had shown up at Callison Yards for the match. Nicola Boschiero was the appointed referee with assistance provided by Manuel Melchiorri and Heinrich Wolter. Doppy had chosen a strategic 5-4-1 formation. Starters: Balcer - Denton, Conway, Sánchez, Garza, Engwald - da Senra, Fauerby, Skøtt, Martínez Pesci - Mcnabb.

Armored decided to use a 3-4-3 set up. The following players had been chosen: Marinkov - Saavedra, Yurtsever, Turner - Kankaala, Párička, Páramo, Nesskvist - Stokvis, Hawthorne, Mandiá.

Today, Armored's strategy involved concentrating on the flanks for their attacks. Slack defending gave Doppy a chance to take the lead with 13 minutes played, but P. Engwald's cross from the left flank was fumbled in front of the goal and easily dealt with by the opposition. After the game, the most discussed event will probably be the penalty given after 18 minutes that gave the visitors the 0 - 1 lead. Despite the controversy, A. Kankaala struck home the penalty, as cool as anything. A handball in the penalty area gave the home team a penalty 20 minutes into the match, and R. Sánchez was able to score, taking the scoreline to 1 - 1. Armored's A. Mandiá was shown a yellow card after 30 minutes for slicing down an opponent. Unfortunately for Doppy, D. Balcer was injured when the game became more physical, and he had to leave the field. P. Oltarz replaced him. Some things can only be learned through experience, and G. Denton should take his lesson to heart after nearly gifting Armored a goal with 35 minutes of the match played. 1 - 1 was the score after the first half. Doppy enjoyed most of the ball, as they maintained 58 percent of possession.

53 minutes in, the referee awarded Doppy a penalty. R. Sánchez coolly slotted it home for a 2 - 1 lead. Perseverence paid off for Armored, as their A. Kankaala equalised making it 2 - 2 with a fabulous free kick. The terraces were silenced after 70 minutes when Armored's M. Hawthorne put the guests ahead 2 - 3, following an attack on the right. 77 minutes into the game, Armored were awarded a penalty and A. Kankaala was able to increase the visitors' lead to 2 - 4 rolling the ball in by the right post. At that, A. Kankaala was noted down for a hat trick! Doppy had most of the ball, with 57 percent of possession.

K. Fauerby performed admirably for Doppy. On the other hand, P. Oltarz's play was disheartening. Armored's best player was A. Mandiá. R. Saavedra was a disappointment, however. The match ends 2 - 4.