DUNAFERR’S JUNIORS DEFEAT BUDUCNOST MONET

Dunaferr had gloomy prospects before the final clash in Group A of theChampions League. Due to an unheard-of-wave of injuries, the Hungarianchampions were missing nearly a complete set of international stars (Lovász,Radulovics, Németh, Nagy, Bohus). The line-up was filled with such juniorplayers as Vincze, Balogh, Fauszt and Trufán, who had very little or nointernational experience whatsoever. However, the youngsters could play withoutany stress, as Dunaferr had already qualified for the next round, regardless ofthe outcome of the last match.

Vincze and Kindl started scoring from the home side, while the visitors kept upwith Hobjila’s backcourt shots. The two sides proceeded neck-to-neck for awhile with lots of opportunities missed on both sides, as the two goalkeepers,Pálinger and Knezovic were in excellent form again. Polish internationalPuchacz put Podgorica in the lead for the first time, and the visitors doubledthe gap by the 16th minute (4-6). Bulath put Dunaferr back on track, thenPálinger’s unbeliavable saves and Ferling’s goals resulted in a safe margin forthe home side by halftime (13-9).

The second half started with a quick exchange of goals between Ferling andPuchacz. Due to the open (3-2-1) defence applied, the wings were quite prolificin this period. Damjanac hit Pálinger’s net twice in a row, while Pálffy andVincze scored on the other side. Even though Hobjila guarded Kindl closely, shecould score two goals from the backcourt, so the margin became significant(44th minute:21-15).

The only remaining question was whetheryoung Éva Fauszt can score her first international goal, which she eventuallydid from a penalty. The final score was 27-18. Dunaferr’s juniors proved thatthey can be relied on in difficult circumstances, too.

Text: Sándor Joó

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