Our U15 team secured a place in the semifinals of the Elite Cup after a dramatic battle against LPS Buzău, decided by a penalty shootout. Following the match, head coach Fogarasi Zoltán reflected on the qualification.

Our U15 team secured a place in the semifinals of the Elite Cup after a dramatic battle against LPS Buzău, decided by a penalty shootout. Following the match, head coach Zoltán Fogarasi reflected on the qualification.

After the game, the coach highlighted the intensity of the encounter and his team’s reaction.

– We played a very tight and hard-fought match against the visitors, who clearly came here with the intention of qualifying. This ambition may not have been obvious in their build-up play, but they believed throughout that they could advance even through penalties. We started the game with great momentum, in line with the stakes, and within 3-4 minutes we had already created three big chances – said Zoltán Fogarasi.

According to the coach, the team failed to capitalize on its dominance in the first half.

– We were unable to make the most of our territorial superiority and even adopted the opponent’s style of long balls and high passes forward. Of course, we tried to play our own game as well, but we couldn’t create clear-cut chances around the middle of the first half. A warning sign was the huge opportunity the opponent had before halftime, which also came from a long ball – he explained.

He added that the team responded well after conceding at the start of the second half.

– I regret that we began the second half by conceding from a counterattack following our own corner, which was negative for us. Nevertheless, we reacted very well to the goal. Thanks to the substitutions, our play improved, we kept the ball more on the ground, combined better, and I can say we deservedly turned the match around, which we controlled until the end despite being a man down – he stated.

Speaking about the dramatic ending and the penalty shootout, he emphasized the players’ mental strength.

– However, in the final minute the opponent equalized with a well-struck shot, which I believe did not reflect the flow of the game. Then came the penalty shootout, which we know is a lottery, but the players showed they had both heart and composure, concentrating properly in those decisive moments, winning the shootout and securing qualification – he stressed.

In closing, he spoke about the significance of reaching the semifinals and the unity of the team.

– It is a huge joy for the team and for everyone involved to reach the semifinals. It is not only about the result, but about the opportunity to challenge this talented generation again against another strong opponent. I thank everyone for their support, which helped us achieve this positive outcome. And of course, with this victory and qualification, the team celebrated Forró Patrik’s 15th birthday – concluded Zoltán Fogarasi.

László Orbán
Photo: Zoltán Pál