Is a sunny afternoon in the beautiful city of Brussels to start a new 4za road to League title game. The weather and pitch were in point to face our rival of the weekend Ettekijs.

After last result, confidence and hope in the team are better than ever. Anyone was late showing the compromise and motivation of players.

As usual we start to be ready for the game with the always encouraging dressing room speech from Gavin. The main points to face our opponent were that 4za needs to keep its winning strike and send a message to its opponents that we are ruthless leaders. That we cannot give the other teams any hope or belief whatsoever.

Then, the line-up was communicated with a 4-4-1-1.

Julian

JC Matthias Gavin Aviv

Jeremy François

Adil Christos

Youssef

Boni

Bench: Selim, Yannis, Victor

Julian step-up as goalkeeper as a brave gesture of sacrifice for its team. In defence, me coming back from an injury and first official match as left back in the season. Our solid vice-captain Matthias and captain Gavin in the center back, and the always reliable Aviv as left-back.

The passing machines Jeremy and François in the center midfield. In the right and left sides, the ones who always deliver well Adil and Christos. And a talented attacking front with Youssef and Boni.

First half

The game started with a Ettekijs team determined to take some points from league leaders with a lot of pressure and intensity. After some few minutes, two crosses from their right winger finished in dangerous occasions that were saved by Julian. These actions determined that 4za could still be in the game after that. We faced some difficulty to perform our game style and the opponent team scored the first goal.

After the first goal, 4za started to gain some control over the ball which was difficult during the first 20 minutes of the game. We could find for the last part of first half a better pace and control of the game. First half finished with a 1-0 for Ettekijs.

Half time talk from our captain focus in the point that the team needed more determination to fight second balls and show the opponent that 4za is always ready to fight every ball as it was the last one.

Second half

The team responded well in the second half and after showing some dominance, Youssef with great technicity try a shot from outside the box (giving us some flashbacks to that Zizou goal against Leverkusen back in 2001) and scored a magnificent first goal for 4za.

The second half continued being physical and tight. After some attempts and intensity from 4za side, a corner kick was conceded in our favour. After one first header stopped by the Ettekijs’ goalie and a rebound that was well capitalized by Matthias, we scored a second goal showing once again 4za’s high ball attacking strengths.

That second goal gave 4za the confidence needed to face the rest of the match. Not many dangerous occasions came after.

Changes were made: Yannis replaced his compatriot Christos. Then some minutes after Selim replaced Adil and finally Victor replaced me.

Finally, after Youssef’s last-minute fault close to the area (still wandering if was in purpose not to be motm and have to write this report ^^), a free kick was given to Ettekijs. The cross finished in a last-minute goal celebrated like a championship by the opposite side.

Final whistle: 2-2 after a very tight and complicated game. The score was still well deserved for the opponent. The game felt as a lost because of the circumstances but could’ve been a far worst score right at the beginning if chances were not missed by Ettejiks.

Just one yellow card for me after a midfield fault and a Ninjutsu technique from the other player that put me in the ground.

As said by Gavin at the end of the game, that feeling of the defeat shows the competitive mentality that our players have.

Even if the score was not as expected, little setbacks are necessary to improve, and the opportunity to show 4za’s character.

Your reporter,

JC

PS: I’d like to thanks, trough this match report, to everyone in 4ZA for giving me the opportunity to be part of this team. I love football and having found a club like this is a beautiful experience. And great opportunity to show why south Americans are the kings of football ^^

WE ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE AND THIS WILL NOT CHANGE!!!!