Romania (5) v (2) Timor Leste
Romania saw off Timor Leste 5-2 in a close and fast paced quarter final played out on Federation Square for the Big Issue Host Cup.
Romania (5) v (2) Timor Leste
By Judith Kirszbaum
ROMANIA saw off Timor Leste 5-2 in a close and fast paced quarter final played out on Federation Square for the Big Issue Host Cup.
Both teams have had a great tournament so far with many close matches, and the crowd was excited to see them play each other.
The match kicked off with an early free kick to Romania and numerous strong shots from Romania's striker Daniel Podina forcing the Timor Leste goalkeeper Donato Ximenes Sequeira to jump from right to left to protect his goals.
Just before the four-minute mark of the first half Natalino da Silva Faria from Timor scored the first goal. Before this both teams were making hard attempts at goals but the keeping on both sides was too good to allow the ball to pass.
After the first goal, Romania quickly moved into strong attack and a fierce defence to get the ball back on their side. Their eagerness to get on the board eventually paid off.
Romania's Daniel scored two goals in under two minutes, kicking one goal right through the legs of Timor's keeper and taking Romania to the lead. He then continued his shooting streak, finishing off a beautiful play between himself and Sandru Lonat that resulted in Romania's third goal.
Romania was putting on good forward pressure but Timor's goalkeeper, Sequeira, was not falling under pressure.
Timor's Amaro da Silva had been defending well, pulling the ball back into their possession. He went for the attack and scored a beautiful goal from the angle, keeping Timor in the game, leaving the score at half time 3-2 to Romania.
Rozario da unha Asqueli played beautifully for Timor, showing tremendous footwork and ball skills that allowed him to take the ball right down the wing to set up Timor for a chance at goals.
Romania stepped up the pace of the game in the second half, scoring a few more goals and keeping Timor in defence while they dominated the play.
Photos: Photoworx