Lorima 1 - 2 Golden (394120466)

1777 punters turned up at Fc Lorima Arena, and despite threatening clouds on the horizon, no rain came. Josh Chahal was the appointed referee with assistance provided by Lucjusz Krynicki and Andri Henggeler. Lorima tactics involved an interesting 4-4-2 combination. The following players took the field: Hontana - Gordan, Wichman, Weissach, Navia - Závora, Pritzl, Eichbichler, Cobelli - Bustos, de Minaya.

Golden decided to use a 4-5-1 set up. Lineup: Oskarsson - Laponder, Virastuk, Topçu, Short - Cuiñas, De Toffol, Dassen, Deden, Serafino - Verplancke.

It was obvious that Golden were using their pressing skill as their primary tactic. Golden's talent at pressing frustrated the spectators as the game became a dire midfield struggle. A scuffle developed as players from both sides clashed following a tussle in the centre of the field 14 minutes into the match. After regaining order and consulting his linesman, the referee called Lorima's H. Pritzl to one side and produced a red card for the player. Golden's H. Dassen soared above the crowd, but couldn't knock the corner home 18 minutes into the match. At this time in the match, Golden were using their skill at pressing to successfully stifle the game. Golden's ability to press all over the field frequently paid dividends. 0 - 0 was the score after the first half. Possession in the forty-five minutes was dominated by Golden, with 61 percent of the ball.

G. Cuiñas came close to putting the visiting team one up 57 minutes into the match, following a solo raid down the middle, but S. Hontana managed to tip the ball to a corner. G. Topçu of Golden seemed to be floating in the air as he elegantly headed in to make the score 0 - 1 after a corner kick that was nicely executed by L. Verplancke. The pressing tactics used by Golden were successful as the ball remained close to the half way line at all times. L. Verplancke of Golden was booked for kicking the ball away after the whistle. After 88 minutes, Golden sent a free kick in high over the penalty box. In what looked like a well-rehearsed move, the ball was headed backwards and reached G. Topçu, who had plenty of space to place a well aimed shot - 0 - 2. Content with how the game was proceeding, the Golden coach let G. Broekhuizen replace F. De Toffol after 89 minutes. The Golden players could smell victory in the air. K. Deden wasn't in a hurry to leave the field as he was substituted for R. Stegemann after 89 minutes. E. Bustos was able to knock home a free kick after 89 minutes to make the score 1 - 2. Golden claimed to have seen most of the ball, and the statistics agreed with them - possession being 64 percent.

The most dominating Lorima player was without a doubt B. Eichbichler. L. Gordan turned in a dismal performance, however. A. Serafino performed admirably for Golden. On the other hand, H. Laponder's play was disheartening. The match ends 1 - 2.