There was to be no fairytale end for One Contact FC on the 76th version of the Viareggio Cup, because the Nigerian academy facet bowed out within the semi-finals following a 2–0 defeat to ACF Fiorentina U-18 on Saturday.
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Coming into the conflict with rising perception and momentum, the Abuja-based facet had captured consideration with their fearless attacking model and dominant shows within the knockout rounds. However towards a well-drilled Fiorentina group, their journey got here to a halt.
The Italians, who had already overwhelmed One Contact FC within the group stage, as soon as once more proved a tough hurdle, displaying composure and effectivity to seal their place within the closing.
It was a efficiency constructed on management and expertise, denying the Nigerians the house and rhythm that had outlined their earlier video games.
For One Contact FC, the defeat marked the tip of an in any other case excellent marketing campaign.
They’d lit up the match with a ruthless 9–0 thrashing of Athletic Membership Palermo within the Spherical of 16, one of many greatest wins of the competitors earlier than following it up with a commanding 4–0 victory over Spezia within the quarter-finals.
13 targets scored, none conceded — it was a press release of intent from a group that performed with confidence and aptitude.
But, in a coincidence, each of their losses within the match got here towards the identical opposition, Fiorentina underlining simply how decisive that matchup proved to be.
Elsewhere within the semi-finals, HNK Rijeka produced a dominant 3–0 win over Sassuolo to ebook their spot within the closing, establishing a showdown with Fiorentina.
The ultimate will happen on Monday, March 23, on the Stadio Bresciani in Viareggio, with kickoff scheduled for 3:00 PM.
Whereas the consequence brings disappointment, One Contact FC go away Italy with loads of delight.
Their journey to the semi-finals, powered by thrilling soccer and emphatic victories, has as soon as once more highlighted the depth of younger expertise rising from Nigeria.
They could be out, however their impression on this 12 months’s Viareggio Cup won’t be forgotten anytime quickly.
