A thoroughly professional display by Eastern Europe II saw them book their place in the final of the ICFT. An early goal by Yani, a comical blunder by the Asian defense and a brilliant solo effort by Darin in injury time capped off a solid performance by the Eastern Europeans. Once again, their defensive solidity shone out as they romped to their second-consecutive clean-sheet.

The game began in a very controversial fashion. Hampered by injuries to a number of players from their starting eleven, the Asians fielded a couple of non-IUB players. Although their inclusion was within the guidelines set by the tournament organizers, they being affiliated with the IUB community through the Host Family Program, it did a leave a bad taste, with many questioning the 'spirit' of the move.

The EE II team however did not let this affect their game plan. Solid as they are at the back, they quickly asserted their hold on the mid-field. With that firmly in their grasp, it didn't take them long to open the scoring. A long free-kick by Nemanja led to a corner in the 12th minute. Darin's curling ball eventually found its way to Yani, who calmly slotted the ball low to the left of the diving Nikhil.

The Asians however refused to be buckled down. Two minutes after conceding the goal, a lightning break saw one of the new Asian 'signings' bear down on the EE II goal. Completely pre-occupied with trying to stop him, the EE II defense failed to notice Sanjay quietly slip into the box. A perfect through-ball found him with the goal literally at his mercy. Scarcely believing his good fortune, he failed to connect properly and his inaccurate shot slid past the far post, much to the relief of the EE II goalie, Andrey.

Thereafter, the game slid into a temporary lull, with both sides contesting the midfield evenly and neither managing much action in the opponent's third. The 26th minute however saw the game explode into life once again. A two-footed lunge by Niranjan floored Boyan. The giant Bulgarian kicked out in response. A fight almost broke out as an angry Niranjan pushed back. Fortunately, Remus, the Romanian referee, kept the two players in check, brandishing Boyan the first of six yellow cards in the game.

The first half closed with a dangerous free-kick by Samyam. Andrey's weak push got the ball only as far as the edge of the box. Fortunately for the EE II team, the subsequent shot was off the mark.

The second half got underway in much the same fashion as the first, with the Eastern Europeans quickly taking hold of the mid-field. This time however, they were aided by some confused and flustered defending by the Asians. It felt like only a matter of time before the EE II team would find the net again.

And true to form, they did! Six minutes into the second half, a seemingly harmless ball looped into the Asian box. As Niranjan shaped up to clear, Nikhil moved forward to catch. Unfortunately for the latter, the defender failed to connect. The ball bounced between the two and sailed over the hapless Nikhil, who could do nothing but look on agonizingly.

From here onwards, the game got really desperate, with both teams guilty of quite a few rash moments. The worst of these occurred fifteen minutes into the half. A tough challenge by Darin on one of the new Asian 'signings' saw the latter charge up and floor the Eastern European captain from behind. Although the outrageous act merited a red, Remus showed only a yellow and threw Asia a tiny lifeline. The EE II fans however made their feelings heard, making sure to jeer every time the 'Asian' touched the ball.

The EE II hold on the mid-field was by now proving to be too strong for the Asians. Although they played with great vigor and energy and launched repeated attacks, they just could not break down the defense.

The EE II team was also quite busy. Evo and Dobroslav both had opportunities to seal the game. A brilliant move by Darin down the left flank saw him waltz past three Asian defenders and slide a pass across the face of goal. Only a solid clearance from six feet out by Niranjan prevented a third goal.

With ten minutes left, the Asians were still trailing by two goals but still not caving in. The action swung from one end to the other as the Asians desperately looked for a goal.

The game however was dominated by EE II for pretty much the entire time. Except for a few moments, their hold on the mid-field had been pretty strong, and it was only apt that their captain got the chance to seal the game with its last meaningful kick. After some good work in the middle of the park, Darin unleashed a solid shot from a few yards outside the box. Despite not being hit with a lot of venom, the shot was accurate and well-placed, and evaded Nikhil's despairing effort to the left.

Although the Asians fought well and fought hard, ultimately they were just not good enough for EE II. They had gone into the match without four of their starting eleven, and performed admirably till the end. The EE II team however proved to be too strong for them.

The latter will now face Africa in what will certainly be a mouth-watering clash between the best defense and the best offence of this tournament. The Africans, with eighteen goals from three games, just don't know how to stop scoring, and the EE II team, with just one conceded from three, just don't know how to concede! Witness as I was to today's scintillating display by Africa, I can safely say that tomorrow's game will be an absolute cracker, pitting African flair against the EE II doggedness, creativity against resolve, and dynamism against determination. May the better team win!

It certainly did so today...

	Written by Nemanja on 30-04-2007 04:38 - Guest
	bravo my friend! loved the article Report

	Written by Nemanja on 30-04-2007 06:17 - Guest
	Bulgarians PLUS Macedonians! not only Bulgarians! Report

	Written by salsayah on 30-04-2007 18:05 - Guest
	farooq..great article.. nemanja im totally with you..I know that bulgarians wont reach the finals without the macedonians. i.e. Your majesty and Pece.. Respect bro Report

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