AZ loses the match for the world cup
Published on 15 september 23, 15:51BUENOS AIRES - AZ has failed to become world champion. In the match for the world cup, it was 1-1 after ninety minutes, but the home team Boca Juniors claimed the prize after a penalty shootout. Dave Kwakman scored the goal for AZ.
The Intercontinental Cup is a match played between the winners of the Youth League and the Copa Libertadores Under 20. Last year, SL Benfica won the inaugural edition. They faced CA Peñarol in Uruguay.
Twisk's Injury
Around fifteen minutes into the game, Nick Twisk slipped. It was an unfortunate moment for the midfielder who couldn't continue and was replaced by Loek Postma.
Kwakman's Fantastic Shot
Just before halftime, AZ had two dangerous moments. First, Ernest Poku broke away on the left side. He made a brilliant run but failed to finish it with a goal. However, the goal came a little later. Wouter
Goes received a beautiful pass from Dave Kwakman. Kwakman turned nicely from about twenty meters out and didn't hesitate; he put AZ ahead.
Strong Start in the Second Half
Right after halftime, AZ had a great chance to make it 0-2. This time, it was Jayden Addai on the right side who created a shooting opportunity for himself. Addai's attempt was narrowly stopped by goalkeeper
Diaz Robles.
Equalizer
Boca came back into the game with nearly an hour on the clock. A free-kick was inadvertently turned into their own net by Enoch Mastoras. In the closing stages, Jayden Addai was the second player from the AZ side to exit
the field injured. After an opponent's action, the forward left the field in pain. After ninety minutes, it was still 1-1, leading to a penalty shootout.
Penalty Shootout
AZ had a tough time in the penalty shootout. Captain Goes converted his penalty, but Maxim Dekker and Kees Smit couldn't get their penalties past Robles. As a result, Boca claimed the trophy.
'Can Be Proud'
After the match, Sierksma held a press conference. "Boca has incredible fans. I don't think you see anything like it anywhere in Europe. We did everything we could to prepare ourselves as well as possible for this match.
It was the kind of game we expected. I thought we could be more ourselves, but we can be proud of what we've achieved. Being competitive in such conditions is a good lesson for the rest of our lives."
MATCH STATISTICS:
Boca Juniors* - AZ 1-1 (0-1)
Intercontinental Cup 2023
*win after penalty shootout
Boca Juniors Lineup: Diaz Robles; Acosta, Di Lollo, Fascendini, Génez; Benítez (68. Yael Ramallo), Gauna (73. Roman Rodriguez), Ceballos; Saralegui, Rodriguez (73. Valentino Simoni), Rivero (80. Lucas Vazquez).
AZ Lineup: Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro; Enoch Mastoras (62. Jurre van Aken), Wouter Goes, Maxim Dekker, Finn Stam; Nick Twisk (17. Loek Postma (46. Kees Smit)), Dave Kwakman, Lewis Schouten; Jayden Addai (83. Nick Koster), Mexx Meerdink, Ernest Poku.
Scoring: 42. Kwakman, 0-1; 58. Mastoras 1-1 (own goal).
Yellow Cards: Postma, Stam, Goes (AZ), Rodriguez, Gauna, Di Lollo, Acosta (Boca Juniors).
Attendance: 37,386.
Referee: Gery Vargas.