RCS Brainois B

Under the watchful eye of the Waterloo Lion, FC Irlande Ladies III faced RCS Brainois in a match shaping up to be tight and engaging. 

Brainois starts the match in possession of the ball and reveals from the first actions its trump card: long balls to cut FCI’s midfield and defence, putting Brainois’ strikers in front of the goalie. However, FCI’s defence is constantly vigilant and prevents any major danger posed by this threat. In attack, FCI understands that Brainois’ defence is prone to mistakes under pressure, and as the minutes pass by, the team gets closer and closer to the goal. At 37’, Roxanne delivers a corner kick into the penalty area; at first, Brainois seems to clear the ball, but Gabi, turning her back to the goal, plays it back into the mix. The ball arrives at Clémence, who kicks it. The goalie initially catches the ball, but it slips from her grasp while Marina is there, lurking and ready to put the ball in the net. Brainois comes close to scoring the equaliser from a free-kick from the edge of the box, but Ana stops the shot. The first half ends 1-0 in favour of FCI. 

More rain and wind welcome the teams for the second half. Despite a good first half, FCI is aware that the match is still open, and Brainois will fight for a comeback. FCI gives the kick-off for the second half, but Brainois fields the ball and tries another unsuccessful long ball to break through FCI’s defence. Ten minutes into the second half, FCI is awarded a penalty. El steps up to take the shot, but the goalie neutralises it. Her moment of glory is short-lived: putting the ball back into play with her hands, she is not precise, and the ball ends up on Eli’s feet, who instinctively kicks it and scores a Puskas award-winning goal. 2-0 down, Brainois does not give up and becomes more aggressive and intense in the effort to get back into the game. FCI keeps it together and stops Brainois from creating any goal-scoring opportunities. FCI also has a chance to score the third goal with Marina, but her shot is deflected out for a corner. At the final whistle, the scoreboard says Brainois 0 – FCI 2. 

Not an easy game on paper, but the reality showed that winning was within our reach because everyone on the pitch knew what to do and did it excellently.