U23 League

Nilton Santos
Spectators: 159 (Terracing: 120, Seating: 36, VIP seats: 3) Independente FC's Lukáš Modrić started the match with a crisp pass. The crowd had been anticipating this game for weeks and the excitement in the stadium was easily visible. The supporters of Estrela Solitária booed when Independente FC was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 7 match minutes in a wonderful position. Lukáš Modrić didn't get a good kick on the ball. Independente FC's Marcelo Gröhe played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Toninho das Neves in the 8th minute of play. Túlio Maravilha scored 1-0 in the 15th match minute with a shot that went into the goal to the right of Marcelo Gröhe, who was just a little too slow in reacting to the shot. Luiz Gustavo Brasil hit a great freekick 17 minutes into the match. Marcelo Gröhe made a fantastic save in the 18th minute, when Túlio Maravilha sent off a good shot on target. Rodriguinho Brito showed brilliant goalkeeper skills when he caught the ball after a hard shot from Francisco Toledo in the 21st minute of the match. 30 minutes had been played when some careless play by Estrela Solitária's defense caused the ball to cross the line for a corner. Rubinho Severo was slow to take the kick. During this time Independente FC's players had a chance to rest. After a rather tough play, Estrela Solitária's Hugo Almeida got a free kick in the 31st minute. Rubinho Severo recieved an excellent pass in front of the goal in the 31st minute. Unfortunately, he received the ball on his off foot and could only manage a weak shot that went over the goal. Rodriguinho Brito showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Lukáš Modrić, who was totally free with the ball in the 36th minute. Rodriguinho Brito took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Lukáš Modrić, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. An unexpectedly hard shot by Hugo Almeida in the 38th minute of play forced Independente FC's goalkeeper Marcelo Gröhe to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. Adelino de Alcântara kicked well hit freekick during the 41st minute of the match. Rodriguinho Brito took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Rubinho Severo, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. Lukáš Modrić took the ball and in the 46 minute, shot a rapid shot to the right of a surprised Rodriguinho Brito. Rodriguinho Brito dived to the right, and did manage to get a hand on the shot, but it still went into the right corner making it 1-1. After a very even first half the match was still tied. The players went to their respective dressing rooms to discuss the tactics for the second half.

The wind increased when Toninho das Neves made the kick off in the second half. Lukáš Modrić in the 52ndth minute had a little luck and got a chance for a shot in front of the goal. Without hesitation aimed to the right of Rodriguinho Brito, who managed to lunge to the right direction and made a save. The audience thought a goal was coming when Fernando Lucas got free with Rodriguinho Brito in the 54th minute, but the goalkeeper managed to catch the ball with a huge effort. In the 58thth minute of the game Túlio Maravilha who was perfectly placed tried to make a shot on goal, but Independente FC's Marcelo Gröhe was lucky and managed to grab hold of the ball. In the 61st minute, Fernando Lucas hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. Estrela Solitária's Rodriguinho Brito proved his good apprehension of play when he, in the 68th minute of the match, managed to save Estrela Solitária from getting a goal against them. In the 68th minute, Independente FC's Fernando Lucas dribbled the ball into the box and hit a shot with the outside of his foot, sending the keeper the wrong way. 1-2. After a rather tough play, Independente FC's Francisco Toledo got a free kick in the 76th minute. The supporters of Estrela Solitária booed when Independente FC was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 76 match minutes in a wonderful position. Cristian Baiano didn't get a good kick on the ball. 77 minutes into the match, Independente FC's goal looked a bit too open when Toninho das Neves came free, but Marcelo Gröhe reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. 79 minutes into the match, Estrela Solitária's goalkeeper Rodriguinho Brito had to clear away a ball on his right side after a cunning shot by Lukáš Modrić. The audience was convinced that Toninho das Neves's extremely hard shot when he got free in front of the goal was going in, but Marcelo Gröhe was relentless in the 82nd minute of the game. A collision led to Independente FC getting a freekick after 93 minutes play. Rubinho Severo hit a great ball. The Independente FC players were relieved to hear the final whistle blow to end the match. The away crowd was happy to see their team win after a very tight game.