Bears 0 - 4 EVILinc (393441389)

Overcast weather free of rain made for a crowd turnout of 2766 at Bear's Cave today. Karlo Smith was the appointed referee with assistance provided by Roger Albertz and Roman Woźnicki. Bears had chosen a strategic 5-5-0 formation. The following players had been chosen: Chenu - Koivikko, Balzarini, Ranta-Pere, Sagsen, Teppola - Sarmela, Rodima, Lindh, Ruuska, Saunavaara -.

EVILinc decided to use a 5-4-1 set up. Lineup: Diklan - Leonhard, Schacke, Kotz, Nikau, Oargă - Fuchs von Grünfeld, Ledermacher, Arraiz, Chrobotny - Scolesi.

It was obvious that Bears were using their pressing skill as their primary tactic. With 4 minutes played, the visitors broke through on the right after some poor defending. D. Schacke put the ball away for 0 - 1. EVILinc increased the lead to 0 - 2 as T. Nikau scored from the penalty spot, putting the ball in near the top left corner. Halftime score was 0 - 2. EVILinc enjoyed most of the ball, as they maintained 55 percent of possession.

The EVILinc players could smell victory in the air. B. Arraiz wasn't in a hurry to leave the field as he was substituted for G. Khoteev after 65 minutes. With 67 minutes played, EVILinc put themselves up 0 - 3 after an attack from the right, caused by a defensive blunder. The scorer was E. Leonhard. The coach of EVILinc was happy with the game so far, but still wanted to change the line up. After 70 minutes, I. Guincho came on for M. Scolesi. With 73 minutes played, A. Ranta-Pere of Bears fell dramatically just outside the penalty area. However, the referee was unimpressed, and booked him for diving. W. Ledermacher wanted to play on, but the EVILinc coach had other ideas, and he was replaced 75 minutes into the game by V. Erakıncı. After 76 minutes, an incisive pass through the middle gave P. Fuchs von Grünfeld a chance to increase the lead for EVILinc, and he did not disappoint. The score was then 0 - 4. By now, the players in EVILinc felt that victory was guaranteed and began to play it safe, focusing on defence and not risking too much going forward. The EVILinc coach was visibly pleased with the score so far, but still ordered a few tactical changes 80 minutes into the game. Bears's ability to press all over the field frequently paid dividends. EVILinc claimed to have seen most of the ball, and the statistics agreed with them - possession being 64 percent.

Bears's top performer was clearly A. Rodima. J. Ruuska turned in a dismal performance, however. The most dominating EVILinc player was without a doubt T. Nikau. On the other hand, P. Fuchs von Grünfeld's play was disheartening. The match ends 0 - 4.