International Tour - Spain 2017 Part 1/2 - Barcelona
The trip was divided in two parts . Our U12 Travelled to Barcelona last Sunday for a couple of friendlies against top academies .
The idea was to measure ourselves againstthe highest level and see where we are . Finta has played against Catgas Santa Coloma and FC Barcelona .
Finta competed equally against both opponents .
Catgas - Finta boys were a bit nervous and I could feel that at the warm up . We had spent a day in the swiming pool the day before and I don't think we were completely focused on the game . The result was Catgas 5-3 Finta Futsal but we could have won by many goals considering the amount of chances we have missed in the game and the sloppy goals that we conceded . Highlights will be released at some point this week .
FC Barcelona -
After a good talk ahead of our game in regards to concentration , discipline , organisation and hunger we went more prepared to play the mighty Barcelona .
First half saw Barcelona having a lot more of the possession but not turning possesion into clear goal opportunities .Finta had a few very good chances in the counter to take the lead but unsuccesfull . It was heading for a 0x0 first half when Barcelona had a free kick just over the half way line and their player took it with perfection top corner , no chance for the gk . End of first Half Barcelona 1 x 0 Finta .
Second Half started and both teams had the same approach . Finta was still hard to break down until we lost possession at the back and Barcelona went 2-0 up early stages in the second half .
The boys showed caracter and quickly went 2-2 against the Giants . A very sloppy goal from a free kick saw Barcelona score the third and stopped Finta's momentum in the game . Barcelona soon after went 4-2 from a long range top corner shot from the same player that scored the first . Once again Finta boys did not give up and after putting pressure we were able to score the 3rd . At this stage Barcelona 4-3 Finta .
Finta had a large amount of chances including some clear 1v1 vs the gk in the second half that could have taken the game to a different direction . With over just 1 min to go Finta was awarded a 10m penalty which would have put us 4-4 with nearly no time left in the clock but unfortunately we missed tha opportunity . In the counter attack we have conceded the 6th foul and Fc Barcelona did not miss that opportunity to seal the game 5-3 . It could have gone a different way , I think a draw would have been a fair result .
The main objective was achieved and we were able to measure ourselves and compete against these top teams at a high level . Finta had a squad of 9 Players which 5 of them are grassroots players and everyone got equal time during the games . Boys have made me really proud and seeing them step up to this level was incredible .
FC Barcelona is quality - Intense , rarely any technical mistakes , very good tactically , great goalkeepers . TOP TOP CLUB .
They have been amazing hosts and treated us with a lot of respect and fairness .
Highlights to be released this week .
Others -
Playing at La Masia training complex (WOW) Visit to the Camp Nou Meeting FC Barcelona Academy Director and Futsal legend Jordi Torras (In the picture with the boys ) Fc Barcelona player Lozano watched the match
Incredible , unforgetable ,unique Experience.