Friendly match reveals skills

It is possible to learn the geography of Europe in those clubs represented by the Norwegian football team playing opposite the national team of Belarus in a friendly match. The majority of them play in most developed (from football point of view) countries, yet victory went to the home team, playing a good game under the leadership of Alexander Khatskevich with a score of 1:0.

The friendly game anticipated the start of the qualification matches for the European teams for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. At the end of the first half, halfback of Rostov, Timofey Kalachev, ran hard into his opposite number, and provoked a small altercation. The referee quickly reprimanded the players, giving yellow cards to the Belarusian and his ‘sparring partner’ Stefan Johansen.

During half time, the coaches made several replacements which immediately enlivened both teams. ‘The Vikings’ were the first to distinguish themselves, but Gorbunov rescued the team after Jo Inge Berget’s strike. Soon the Belarusians saw some success in counterattacking and during the 57th minute, Sergey Krivets, who came off the substitutes’ bench, completed Mikhail Gordeichuk’s precise pass with a strike from a tricky angle. Having missed the goal however, the hosts rushed forward as soon as possible to win back the opportunity. The Norwegians continued to attack and during the 76th minute it seemed the ball would be in the net, but Gorbunov again showed his skill. As a result, the Belarusians confidently thwarted all attacks and achieved a well-deserved victory.