Referat Azalea - Fröjdens(träningsmatch)

A gloomy Sunday beckoned over Gothenburg with the forecast always having its share of fun, but the stage was set at Ruddalen, where Fröjdens FK travelled to take on Azalea BK in the first training game after the mandatory summer break. It was a big day for two people in the world of football, Daniel James of Manchester United and Erik Skarin of Fröjdens FK, both making their competitive debuts for their respective clubs. Azalea having played Fröjdens last year, were confident and raring to go once again with the stats all square with one game a piece to both the clubs. Fröjdens FK got off to a thunderstruck beginning as always, putting in ample number of passes and controlling the game with ease. Enjoying most of the possession and pushing for an opener, Fröjdens FK had its debutant, Erik Skarin opening the score line with an assist from Magnus aka Mange. A beautiful goal placed quite exquisitely, and he deserved the applause all the way from the goal line to the bench where a proud Darko stood satisfied once again for the correct team selection.
One goal advantage and when it all seemed under control, a solid back pass from Isak to Paschim, which had nothing written than to be cleared over it was misjudged and given away just outside the box. No surprises, the schoolboy error was deservedly punished with the opposition equalizing from 40 yards out with the goal missing a goalkeeper who was looking to hide his face from the teammates. Well, football is a beautiful game but even such a beautiful game has its moments and mistakes hand in hand. Not put down by the shabby goal conceded, Fröjdens FK restart and keep the pressure on with only one thing in mind, play good football and enjoy every minute of it. A couple of good passes put together and Carl Agneman aka Calle, perfectly finds none other than Erik, yes, Erik Skarin with his pass who manages to control the ball with his chest and even before taking a third touch on the ground, volleys it to the bottom corner. 2-1 to Fröjdens after 32 minutes played in the first half. Naser is quickly brought in to replace Axel who has been present physically up front taking all the pressure from Azalea in the closing minutes of the first half. With Azalea coming back stronger and with the confidence of breaking the solid defence of Fröjdens, it was quite evident there would be some open ends to find. Calle once again with his world class visionary even on a Sunday evening finds Mange with an inch perfect lob over the defense of Azalea for Mange to put Fröjdens 3-1 up in the 44th minute. Azalea give it all and have a shot on goal which was pushed away only to slip from the hands of Paschim, however, Simon was at the right place at the right time to make a goal line clearance. A good lead in hand, we head into half time with our heads held up together as a team.
A few quick words of appreciation and some tactical changes at the break for the team. Rickard replaces Paschim in goal for the second half, Schultze comes in Patrik aka Putte as LCB. We go again as the second half begins as Azalea strive to lower the deficit as soon as they can. The game is completely under control apart from the occasional counter attacks from Azalea but Simon playing the Central Midfielder role had been outstanding throughout the first half and continues to do so with crucial interceptions and setting an example to his teammates. 20 minutes into the second half, just when Azalea started tiring down and made some quick substitutions, Isak finds Axel all the way from the back with a perfect cross court pass which took the Azalea defence by surprise as Axel bulldozed through to finish it between the goalkeepers legs. 4-1 up with the last quarter to go in the game, Darko craves to be in the midst of action and brings himself on in place of Filip who has had a brilliant game in midfield. A physical presence indeed and it’s not long before Darko slide tackles one from the opposition but unfortunately it’s been called in favour of Azalea. The game is a stalemate for a while before Azalea find a breakthrough and a shot on goal but Rickard shows his stability and composure to pull off a good save. Not giving up, Azalea push for a goal which they would take with both hands but luck favoured the better team as they struck the post for the second time in the game. Amidst all these, there happened to be an ugly foul by one of the players from Azalea and frustrated with it, Darko finds himself in a verbal duel which could’ve turned into something more were it a competitive league game. Truce had been called and the referee asks for the game to played on and so it does, soon after which Naser who had been brought down heavily and seemed to have taken a hit in the head in the first half, put himself on the scoresheet in the dying minutes of the game. 5-1 and the referee blows the final whistle to a game Fröjdens FK thoroughly enjoyed and deservedly won. A dream debut for Erik Skarin who takes home the Man of the Match and a great weekend memory before the Monday blues kick in. Simon has the second-best player crown for the day with his every present composure and most importantly being defensively helpful along with some crucial passes to setup goals as always.
One more training match next week before the league resumes and Fröjdens will be ready to go all guns blazing having a good first half of the season. Here’s thanking the club and the extended family of Frojdens FK for a wonderful end to the weekend, signing off is today’s game review responsible, Paschim Prasad from India. Forza Fröjdens!! Heja Sverige!

Simon Sävenek