Glorious weather welcomed the players of Poland and Italy for the big game at Dalymount Park on Sunday 29 April as the Brian Kerr/Sari Inter-Continental League’s biggest game took centre-stage. The organisers, who were hoping for an attendance of at least 1,000 spectators, had to contend with a smaller supporter base of 500 fans, mostly clad in the red and white colours of Poland. There were no Italians in sight.
On the kick-off, Poland – playing from left to right in the first half – dominated most of the early possession. The Poles dictated the pace of the game, and were very solid in defence. To the credit of the Italians, they worked their way up the field and had a decent chance of at least testing the Polish number one, but the ball went aimlessly wide. Five minutes into the game the Italians got another good chance from a corner which caused panic in the Polish penalty area, but yet again another feeble attempt was executed very poorly.
Italy were showing encouraging signs that they were going to give league leaders Poland a good game following their strong runs into the Polish half, testing the Polish goal-keeper. Fifteen minutes into the opening half, the Italians were awarded a penalty for what looked like a clumsy challenge by the Polish defender. But the referee changed his mind after protestations. A free kick was then awarded to Poland, who showed why they are the top team in the league by passing the ball slickly and creating a great chance which they should have done better with, when the ball was crossed in from the left wing and headed by the Polish number 10 in to the Italian keeper’s arms.
Twenty-one minutes in, the Italians shocked a bewildered Polish side and supporters as they went in front thanks to a delightful pass which was executed majestically by the Italian number 6. After conceding the goal, Poland had to raise their game, and they just did that – on 30 minutes Poland equalised in style. A ball whipped in from the right caused chaos in the Italian defence and was slotted home. The Polish continued to test the Italian keeper through free kicks and corner kicks, as they began to accelerate away from the Italian challenge. The Italian defence didn’t clear a corner kick from the right-hand side, and they were punished by a rocket of a shot that the Italians had no chance of keeping out. At half time the score line read Italy 1, Poland 2.
The start of the second half was reminiscent of the first. Poland passed the ball around nicely, making Italy do all the running, and from another goalkeeping blunder the Poles found themselves in seventh heaven up by 3 goals to 1. The Polish fans were definitely enjoying their day out in Dalymount Park and seeing their side so close to victory.
But they weren’t finished their scoring just yet. Poland were awarded a penalty in the 49th minute for a foul on an oncoming Polish player. The penalty was slotted home by Poland’s defender, number 68. Now there was definitely no way back for Italy. The Italian manager made a number of tactical switches before the game’s conclusion but they didn’t have any affect, as Italy were well beaten by a team who have played magnificent football all the way through the season and deserved to win. Hopefully in next year’s league campaign someone might give them a run for their money.
Italy were showing encouraging signs that they were going to give league leaders Poland a good game following their strong runs into the Polish half, testing the Polish goal-keeper. Fifteen minutes into the opening half, the Italians were awarded a penalty for what looked like a clumsy challenge by the Polish defender. But the referee changed his mind after protestations. A free kick was then awarded to Poland, who showed why they are the top team in the league by passing the ball slickly and creating a great chance which they should have done better with, when the ball was crossed in from the left wing and headed by the Polish number 10 in to the Italian keeper’s arms.
Twenty-one minutes in, the Italians shocked a bewildered Polish side and supporters as they went in front thanks to a delightful pass which was executed majestically by the Italian number 6. After conceding the goal, Poland had to raise their game, and they just did that – on 30 minutes Poland equalised in style. A ball whipped in from the right caused chaos in the Italian defence and was slotted home. The Polish continued to test the Italian keeper through free kicks and corner kicks, as they began to accelerate away from the Italian challenge. The Italian defence didn’t clear a corner kick from the right-hand side, and they were punished by a rocket of a shot that the Italians had no chance of keeping out. At half time the score line read Italy 1, Poland 2.
The start of the second half was reminiscent of the first. Poland passed the ball around nicely, making Italy do all the running, and from another goalkeeping blunder the Poles found themselves in seventh heaven up by 3 goals to 1. The Polish fans were definitely enjoying their day out in Dalymount Park and seeing their side so close to victory.
But they weren’t finished their scoring just yet. Poland were awarded a penalty in the 49th minute for a foul on an oncoming Polish player. The penalty was slotted home by Poland’s defender, number 68. Now there was definitely no way back for Italy. The Italian manager made a number of tactical switches before the game’s conclusion but they didn’t have any affect, as Italy were well beaten by a team who have played magnificent football all the way through the season and deserved to win. Hopefully in next year’s league campaign someone might give them a run for their money.
