With excitement rising early in the day, each of the 4 teams present at the Notre Dame High School futsal tournament managed to perform exceptionally, with each team being given a country to represent (India, France, Portugal and Argentina). Beginning at 4pm, every competitor was able to take to the pitch and showcase their talents, resulting in a high-quality performance from each team represented.
The first game between India and France demonstrated an excellent defensive performance from both sides with the score remaining at 0-0 until the half way mark. However, a fantastic goalkeeping performance from France couldn’t contain some excellent passing and an ice cool finish from India, resulting in a final score of 1-0.
For the next game, Argentina started the game strongly against India with some impressive link-up play to allow the first goal of the game. Despite India’s fearless defensive efforts, an efficient Argentina side were able to consistently find space on the pitch, allowing for seamless passing and fluid movement. However, Argentina’s offensive flair cost them dearly at the stroke of full time, with India managing to score an excellent last-minute counter attacking goal to even the score at 1-1 at the final whistle.
Argentina’s next challenge was the formidable France, who showed they mean business from the first 2 minutes thanks to an excellent finish from an impressive France side making it 1-0. This did not dampen Argentina’s spirits, however, as they managed to use their impressive skills to steal a goal for themselves. France immediately responded, however, with 2 exquisitely finished goals from a short distance, bringing the score to 3-1 at the close of the game.
Returning for their second game of the evening, France were looking for their first goal against a strong India side. Within the first few minutes their wish had been granted thanks to a deflected goal for the French side. India managed to put in a strong defensive performance in the second half, despite France’s frequent attempts. India levelled the scoring during the final moments, and thanks to 2 expertly executed counter attacks, India were able to claim a hard-fought win for themselves.
Coming off the back of a 2-0 loss at the hands of the Argentinian side, Portugal had a point to prove. France began the game strongly, with an immediate goal. Not long after, France doubled their lead with a skilled solo effort from the team’s striker making the score 2-0. Portugal managed to pull one back, however, thanks to a constant and relentless offensive performance. Portugal managed to even the scoring, until France stalled their progress with an inevitable goal bringing the final score to 3-2 at the final whistle.
After an exhausting event, the teams left everything out on the pitch, which was evident due to the heavy breathing and red faces upon departure of the sports hall. Each and every participant performed masterfully, demonstrating high levels of futsal ability as well as sportsmanship and fair play.