RRC d’Etterbeek

On Sunday, 8 December, FCI faces RCC D’Etterbeek for the second time in the season.

Etterbeek kicks off the match for the first half. Despite the absence of one of the usual strikers, FCI puts constant pressure on the Etterbeek’s defence. Continuing the good performance of the previous matches, FCI shows improved ball control and circulation as well as an increased ability to arrive at the opponent’s penalty area. The best scoring opportunity is made by Clém who anticipates everyone in the penalty area and makes a pass to Roxane who, having the ball on her weak foot, has a moment of hesitation and loses the moment to shoot towards an empty goal. The shot arrives but is comfortably stopped by Etterbeek. In the defensive phase, FCI controls Etterbeek and, except for a header stopped by an amazing Marina’s save and some corner-kicks, does not concede a lot to the opponent stickers. However, from one of these corner-kicks, the ball decides to go in. After this unfortunate episode, the first half ends 1-0 for Etterbeek.

For the second half, FCI enters the pitch knowing that the match is far from being over and if it continues playing like in the first half, the equaliser can be scored. At 53’, Clém finds Beaty in the penalty area who beats Etterbeek’s goalie with a ground shot. But the equaliser lasts only 10 minutes: a through ball cuts FCI’s defence, which does not intercept the pass, and finds Etterbeek’s winger who scores the 2-1 goal. FCI keeps pushing for the rest of the half but does not create scoring opportunities dangerous enough to worry Etterbeek. After a great effort, the match ends 2-1 for Etterbeek.

How foolish have we been to play while Mercury is retrograde? We should have expected wicked things to happen. In this match, we confirmed the good performances of the three previous matches and this time we also scored. There is still room for improvement to become more clinical and confident everywhere on the field and, in particular, in front of the goal.

Player of the match: Anna

After the successful friendly against Liverpoules, FC Irlande Ladies III is ready to start the season officially. On a thrilling Friday night, it is the match against RRC d’Etterbeek to get the ball rolling. Not an easy match for FCI, RRC d’Etterbeek has been relegated from P1 and, with its young team, can hurt the experienced FCI side.

Etterbeek does the kick-off of the game and is the first to have control of the ball. Etterbeek tries to be dangerous but the usual solid defence and the special guest in goal for the opening match, Marie, frustrates any attempts of the opponent. Only a loose ball in the penalty area, after a corner kick, gives us some shivers down the back but it comes to nothing. A renewed and dynamic FCI offensive line keeps pressure on Etterbeek’s defence. The two teams are equal and this is also reflected by the result. The first half ends scoreless.

The second half continues along the same line as the first one. Despite the not-excellent physical conditions, FCI keeps playing with intensity and stands up to the opponent. The most dangerous goal-scoring opportunities arrive through some free-kicks from the limit of the penalty area but a decisive touch to put the ball in goal is missing. Noisy home supporters push Etterbeek to win the match but this is not enough to break FCI’s defence. The match ends 0-0.

The first point of the season could have not arrived earlier. Unlike the previous season, we did not need to wait for the Belgian cold and rain to celebrate. An encouraging start to the season not only for the results but also for how the team played. FCI has the same spirit and even more confidence compared to last season. Not big scoring opportunities were conceded to the opponents and more importantly, the team was able to keep more control of the ball and create interesting networks of passes. More work needs to be done but if a good morning can be seen right at the sunrise…

Player of the match: Clémence