The rojigualda team will fight for bronze against Italy
MADRID, 8 Jun. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Spanish team fell this Thursday 4-2 against Ukraine in the semifinals of the European Soccer-7 Championship for People with Cerebral Palsy and Acquired Damage, which is taking place in Sardinia (Italy), and therefore next Saturday (3:00 p.m. hours) will fight to win the bronze against the host team.
The team led by Jorge Peleteiro had a good game against the big favorite for the title, and was even able to force extra time with several chances in discount. Not in vain, Spain came out without complexes and surprised their rival after 35 seconds. Víctor Varea unleashed a tight shot from outside the area and lodged the ball in the net.
With David Gámiz and Varea himself in the midfield, the ‘Red’ disputed possession of the ball to Ukraine, who equalized the contest after seven minutes through Ivan Donenko. Five minutes later the Spanish team was able to take the lead from the penalty spot, although goalkeeper Bohdan Kulynych guessed Varea’s shot.
Despite the good interventions in the Spanish goal, Martín Ruiz could not prevent the goals from Serhii Bedenok and Donenko before the break (3-1). Back from the locker room, Spain defended itself well, withdrew and looking for a counterattack, but without being attacked by the opposing team.
The entrance to the pitch of Héctor Martín and Aketza Requena gave freshness to the Spanish team, and in the first combination between the two it was 3-2, the work of a Martín who is top scorer for La Roja in this European Championship. Spain advanced lines and launched in search of an equalizer, leaving gaps behind for which Ukraine could sentence.
The Ukrainian team then ran into more saves from Martín Ruiz. Already in the discount, Héctor Martín was able to equalize on two occasions, but the legs of a defender and the goalkeeper’s gloves prevented extra time. With Spain overturned, Ukraine scored the final 4-2 and separated Peleteiro’s pupils from the road to the title.
“We are very happy because we have been one play away, and if the goal goes in, we would go to extra time. You cannot ask for more from the team, we are at a high level and it is showing itself in the tournament. Spain has never gotten involved in the semifinals of a European Championship, so happy for the feat of this team. I take my hat off to the players”, commented Peleteiro.