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Game of 10 Nations

Game of 11 Nations

6 new players, 2 goals of the category “goal of the year” and 11 nationalities. These are the stats of this past Saturday’s 11-a-side casual soccer game. A game was played between a mainly French influenced team against a mainly Jakeventus influenced team.

Hakim and his French boys Paul, Victor and Antoine were complemented by French midfielder Will, Canadian goalkeeper Troy, Belgium allrounder Pavel, US defender Andrew, Brazilian midfielder Danilo and Mexican allrounders Erick and his friend Nicho.

Jakeventus played in a highly flexible 4-2-2 formation with Manni (IN), Tom (CA), Hector (SV) and Kim (GER) building the defensive block, Manuel (MX), Pablo (FRA), Ruben (MX) and Jake (ENG) occupying the midfield and Selim (FRA) and Santiago (COL) being responsible for the offensive actions.

LINEUP

Troy (CA)

Antoine (FR) – Pavel (BEL) – Nicho (MX) – Andrew (US)

Danilo (BRA) – Will (FR)

Victor (FR) – Paul Baron (FR) – Erick (MX)

Hakim (FR)


Santiago (COL)

Selim (FR)

Manuel (MX) – Pablo (FR) – Ruben (MX) – Jake (ENG)

Kim (GER) – Hector (SV) – Tom (CA) – Manni (IN)

Portero (MX)

Early Problems organising the Teams on both Sides

Especially the French influenced team was put together with players that never played before. That made the organisation of the team quite challenging. But also Jakeventus had trouble organizing especially their midfield. Positions were interpreted quite freely. Jake switched sites every minute, not only confusing the opponent but also his own teammates. Ruben and Pablo tried to organize the midfield but also found themselves in different parts of the pitch, while Manuel and Selim filled in the open spots in the central midfield once in a while leaving their positions open. This let to an amusing but not very fruitful first half. Both teams went with cero goals into half time.

For the second half both teams organized themselves better. Danilo and Will took charge of holding the central positions in the midfield of team France, while Victor and Erick were supposed to make runs on the wings. A strategy that seemed to work out quite good.

Erick and Ruben score “Goal of the Year” in the second Half

However, the first goal of the game was scored by Colombian newcomer Santiago. The left footer took advantage of some confusion of the French team when he shot the ball into the goal from the left side of the pitch. From that moment on both teams were more decisive in their actions. Team France was pressuring for the goal with success. One of the attacks luckily ended in the 1:1. All offensive players were positioned in Jakeventus’ box. Indian defender Manni tried to clear the ball but the fearless action of French winger Victor resulted in a goal. Victor blocked Manni’s shot, which directly found its way into the goal.

After that it was time for returning Mexican winger Erick who just spent a few amazing weeks traveling through  Spain visiting monuments like the Alhambra in Granada. He dribbled his way through the left wing and took a shot before the box á la Henry. He circled the ball into the upper right corner of the goal. Goalkeeper “portero” was left without any chance. Potentially the goal of the year. Potentially. But salsa dancer Ruben-Rubinski also proved that watching amateur soccer games every Sunday at Taxqueña Arena improves your skills. Right after the kick-off he took a shot from his own half. Canadian keeper Troy was not prepared for such a crazy shot and was helpless saving the ball. Another goal of the year!

At the end team France and Jakeventus finished with a deserved 2:2 draw.

Next week 22 guys from different nationalities will have another opportunity to compete in a friendly 11-a-side casual soccer game at Centro Deportivo Benito Juarez.


Highlights

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