In the first game of the series between Scandinavia and Wales, both teams decided that we've had enough in this tournament of tactical smartness and positioning, as well as goalkeepers saving things. Both teams abandoned all principals of Italian football, and just went all out attack in what must be the most entertaining game of the tournament this far
The game started off with dominance from the Scandinavians, who had the first chances. Already in the opening seconds, Robben blasted a shot over from inside the box. It wouldn't take long for the deadlock to be broken, however, as a fantastic cross from Lichtsteiner was met by a Ronaldo volley.
1-0 Scandinavia
The Scandinavians pushed on, but Wales had a dangerous-looking attacking force, and Aguero was very lively. After 15 minutes, he made his way through down the left, and sent a beautiful cross for Angel Di Maria. He volleyed home past De Gea.
1-1 Wales
Both teams kept attacking, and once again it was Lichtsteiner to make a difference. A cross from deep downfield found its way to Ronaldo, who beat Thiago Silva in the air. The header hit the bar, and was deflected in off the back of Neuer.
2-1 Scandinavia
2 minutes later, it was the other Scandinavian fullback to make a difference. Ricardo Rodriguez ran down the left, and put a brilliant cross in for Tevez. He hammered a thundering volley home from 16 yards. Neuer was yet to save a shot this far.
3-1 Scandinavia
The lead didn't last long though. 3 minutes later, it was Wales' turn again. Lahm sent a dangerous cross in, but no Wales players looked like getting to it. However, Raphael Varane wanted to help out, and slid the ball into his own net with no pressure.
3-2 Wales
This time there was a long pause before the next goal... all of 7 minutes! Another wonderful Rodriguez cross to the far post was met by Arjen Robben, who had outrun Jordi Alba.
4-2 Scandinavia
4 minutes later, and it was on again. A nice passing move ended with a Robben shot. It was parried by Neuer, but Tevez was there to slam the rebound home.
5-2 Scandinavia and surely game over.
Scandinavia seemed to relax after this, and Wales couldn't understand what had hit them. But one man hadn't given up. Sergio Aguero was played in by Di Maria and shrugged off his marker, and placed it inside the near post.
5-3 Wales
HALF TIME.
The crowd were shocked. What a boring first half, only 8 goals!
Wales kicked off the second half, and went at the throat of the Vikings. Cavani had come on, and he was the first to hit the next in a very dull second half compared to the first. After 61 minutes, he muscled off Varane and hammered it home.
5-4 Wales and game on!
The game was a chaotic affair now, back and forth with chances for both teams. But the Scandinavians were nervous, and couldn't hold on. Sergio Aguero was on again, sneaking through to hammer home the equalizer
5-5 and a tied game!
After this, both keepers started saving shots. And during the last seconds, De Gea came up with a huge stop to deny Cavani the winning goal.
In the end, a 5-5 draw. What a game, even though we couldn't hang on. Thanks to Nomadic for a truly entertaining affair, and I'm sorry I won the extra time 3-0, as I had to write this monster of a game review!
Good Game!