In the U15 Elite Cup semifinal, our team hosted Universitatea Craiova on the artificial pitch next to Márton Áron High School. After a 2–2 draw in regular time, Fogarasi Zoltán’s side was defeated 6–5 in the penalty shootout and exited the competition.

In the U15 Elite Cup semifinal, our team hosted Universitatea Craiova on the artificial pitch next to Márton Áron High School. After a 2–2 draw in regular time, Fogarasi Zoltán’s side was defeated 6–5 in the penalty shootout and exited the competition.

The semifinal delivered a tense, high-intensity encounter in which our team played in an organized, compact and aggressive manner throughout. The visitors came back from a two-goal deficit in regular time, and the penalty shootout ultimately favored them.

The first half was balanced, with both sides emphasizing defensive organization. In the 40th minute, Györfi Bence put us ahead, allowing us to go into the break with a 1–0 lead.

Shortly after halftime, in the 47th minute, Polgár József doubled our advantage. Craiova then took the initiative and applied heavy pressure, reducing the deficit in the 63rd minute following an own goal, before equalizing seven minutes later.

In the 77th minute, following a clash of heads, our second goalscorer, Polgár József, suffered a serious head injury. Players and coaching staff watched in shock and concern as the on-site medical team stabilized him before transferring him to another ambulance unit, which transported him to hospital for further examinations. To everyone’s relief, our number 7 regained consciousness before being taken to hospital.

The remaining minutes were understandably emotionally charged. The score remained unchanged, and the penalty shootout decided qualification, with the visitors winning 6–5.

During the match, Craiova supporters – mostly parents – made several unacceptable remarks.

After the game, head coach Fogarasi Zoltán reflected:

– I am sad, and not because of the result or the elimination, but because of what happened in the 77th minute. A serious injury occurred during a duel, an accidental situation, in which Polgár Józsi suffered a severe head injury. From that moment, a different match began. A match for his life, for his breathing, for us to receive him back the way we saw him before and during the match. This greatly influenced the remainder of the game.

The match plan we prepared worked. We analyzed Craiova thoroughly; they could not surprise us. Our ideas to not only stay in the match but also achieve a good result worked very well. They had two clear chances, and we also had two big chances. The team played compactly and aggressively; we were very united. Perhaps some mental fatigue appeared in the second half, which resulted in the two conceded goals. As for the penalty shootout, it is a lottery, a battle of nerves, and our opponent was more focused.

Regarding the two remaining Elite League playoff matches, the coach said they aim to win both. Our fate is not entirely in our hands, but also in Iași’s, yet results may align so that we can achieve one of our major goals: progressing from the playoff. I truly hope we will succeed. Now we must regroup mentally, as their teammate’s injury affected them deeply. I believe the heart, determination, skill and momentum that carried them throughout the season will last for these final matches as well. For a debut academy generation, their performance has been remarkable. I am extremely proud of them, the staff and everyone who helped build this team within the academy and the club.

The FK Csíkszereda community wishes Polgár József a speedy recovery and good health! We are waiting for you to return, Józsi!

Elite Cup U15, Semifinal
FK Csíkszereda–Universitatea Craiova 2–2 (1–0), 5–6 on penalties.
Scorers: Györfi Bence (40’), Polgár József (47’); Keresztes Ákos (own goal, 63’), Buzdun Raul (70’).
Referees: Cupu Raul George, Șchiopeț Claudiu, Tunsoiu Marian.
FK Csíkszereda: Bâlbăe Róbert – Kiss Hunor, Forró Patrik, Polgár József, Matei Darius Cornel, Keresztes Ákos, Szabó Ákos, Jánoska Máthé Krisztián Levente, Györfi Bence, Székely Edmond, Orbán Hunor. Substitutes: Boga Olivér, Kósa Áron, Kozma Gergő, Debrenti Milán, Ábrahám Ábel, Murgui Mario Nicolas, Șeitan-Pataki Dávid, Lukács Bence Balázs, Egyed Péter József. Head coach: Fogarasi Zoltán.

László Orbán
Photo: Zoltán Pál