Dutch on par with Latini for most of the match – last half an hour was 30 minutes too long

An incredible hot Saturday afternoon at the SSS, we saw the Dutch kicking-off against Latini. As the match developed it was Latini having the most of the possession, however without bringing the Dutch into too much trouble. Actually we played good football in fits and starts, but unfortunately some slack defending led to a free-as-a-bird Latini striker who slotted it home from close range after 10 minutes. Another goal followed later in this half. HT: 0-2.

Second half kicked off with the temperature significantly more comfortable to play in. And after ten minutes it was teenager Jamie, who solo-ed all the way from the Dutch half through the Latini defense, rounding the goalkeeper with a casual sweep of the feet and coolly finishing it off. 2-1 and it seemed like we were back in the game. Some chances followed for both sides, amongst which a great header from Ard just over the crossbar. Point to note here is that he seemingly effortless defeated gravity by staying airborne for several seconds, towering at least one meter above the in vainly groping hands of the Latini goalkeeper. Unfortunately, we ran out of cookies and three more goals from the side of the Latini followed in the last 30 minutes of the game.

All in all a good match for the Dutch, being equal to Latini for about 60 minutes. Coming weekend the Swiss awaits us.