8th of July, 2016
Authored by TNC Media Writer, Kasch. Northern Scovia 2 - 1 Antarticeuropa
The first semi-final of the tournament ended with Northern Scovia taking the win, but it would be an understatement to say it was difficult. Antarticeuropa fought to the bitter end, not wanting to give up their hopes of a chance in the final. The Northern Scovians are proving that this tournament is theirs to go for and that they are going to do everything in order to win it. This game was a fantastic mix between laid back defensive football and full-time action box to box chances. Over 105,000 thousand people went to watch the game in Kerat, with security on a serious high as the fans rushed to find their seats, some arriving 3 hours before kick off. Who knows how nervous some of the players may have been.
The first goal came at 33 minutes, when Northern Scovia striker Gavin Polanska received the ball on the edge of the box, tapping it forward, he rushed beyond a line of defenders near the 6-yard box and struck it hard into the bottom left corner, leaving the goalkeeper for dead as he clambered into position to try and save the shot. Northern Scovia looked incredibly strong in the first 45 minutes, proving that with just a little teamwork, anything can happen. The second half began slower than the first, with Northern Scovia keeping possession deep in their own half.
One clumsy mistake led to Antarticeuropa's first goal. Northern Scovian defender Antony Kendricks gave away the ball near the edge of the box, which allowed pacy striker Taavi Richter to steal the ball and run on through towards the goal. A smartly placed shot in the far right corner was to be the equalizer. The winning goal came deep into extra time, with all Northern Scovian attackers up in the box as a high lobbed ball got launched towards goal. Defender Kenny Garcia got his head on the ball, sending it looping high over the keeper for Taavi Richter to pounce on. The Northern Scovian team had done the impossible by beating one of the strongest defences during injury time.
Sadakoyama 1 - 1 Kaschovia (2 - 3 on pens)
Sadakoyama did not show their previous form in this game, unfortunately, they showed quite a lack of team communication and desire, but so did the Kaschovian team. In quite a disgraceful performance from both sides, it ended in a very scrappy win for Kaschovia, everything going home with a very uneasy feeling. The game dragged on and felt like hours and hours. The first half had no goals and not even a shot on target. A lot of passing play and defensive positioning piled on the heat and frustration in the crowd of just under 102,000. The hosts knew that they wanted to win the tournament but were more shocked to find that they'd made it to the semis. People had doubted them, and it was up to them to prove the doubters wrong. The first goal came from Sadakoyama, when a badly timed tackle just inside the box was given as a penalty. SK striker Barnabé Irving stepped up to the ball. His run was slightly delayed, but he placed it tight in the bottom left corner away from the keeper.
From then on, the game slowed down even more. The fans were getting tired of the endless passing and dull play. Kaschovian manager Kiraly M. Vassalenko decided to make a late substitute, going for more of an attacking plan. Kaschovian fans began to think that they might actually go out with just 15 minutes remaining. Emil Haldreva came off and was replaced by young winger Timothy Avuelrier. He instantly made a different to the pace and the play of the game, putting deep crosses into the box. He got an assist in the latest goal so far in the tournament. At 90+6 minutes,he chipped the ball across the box and into the danger zone. The ball was met by Kaschovian midfielder Andros Melosa who tapped the ball in near post. Kaschovia had managed to get the equalizing goal so late in the game. Extra time passed with no interesting action, and so the game would be going to a penalty shootout.
The following, was the ending results of the shootout:
