RRC Waterloo

At Waterloo, FC Irlande did not surrender.

On the Waterloo battlefield, FC Irlande Ladies III faced Racing Club de Waterloo for an epic match and an electrifying midseason finale.

Waterloo kicks off the match and does it strongly. After not even 10 minutes, the home team is 2-0 up, with FCI unable to contain their attack. Despite this shocking start, FCI composes itself and finds the strength to react, knowing that it is not defeated yet and the battle is far from over. Action after action, the team improves the quality of its game, becomes more compact in defence and more precise in attack. At 42’, Marina assists with a header El, who keeps her cool in front of the goalie and puts the ball into the back of the net after it hits the crossbar. A few minutes later, Marina tries to find the equaliser, but her shot goes over the crossbar. First half finishes 2-1 for Waterloo.

The goal at the end of the first half galvanises FCI players, certain that the match still has a lot to say and a victory is still possible. Three minutes into the second half, a beautiful through ball from Marina launches Sophie, who, 1vs1 with the goalkeeper, cannot miss the chance to score her first goal for FCI. FCI did not come to Waterloo to equalise and keeps on pressuring the opponent. At 68’, Roxanne’s throw-in finishes on the arm of a Waterloo player; the referee does not have any doubts: penalty for FCI. Marina, confident in her abilities, steps up to kick the penalty and, with calmness, scores the goal of the overtaking. The remuntada is finalised at the 80’, another goal from Marina assisted in the penalty area by El. Waterloo reacts and creates a few scoring chances at the end of the second half, notably a free kick from the edge of the box, which is successfully neutralised by FCI.

Waterloo tried to hold us back, but we were stronger. We showed that we can win, but more importantly, we proved an incredible mental strength and confidence in our means. We can proudly say we have a perfect away winning streak. Now, for the second half of the season, we have to learn to win at home.