First half:

The Raiders took the field with desire and awareness that the dream can and must continue, but the opponent is the Japan, who is a very great team.

Ready away and the Raiders show what they know and what they are and after some minutes have an early lead through Mike that finalizes goals in a cross by Tam placing him in front of the goalkeeper, and with a chip lead as the Raiders 1-0.

Japan responds by attacking with everything, creating some opportunities that the defense of the Raiders controls, often sharing on the break, where the goalkeeper is two parades on shoots from outside Hoggy. Look like the Raiders have the game under control but in a restart of the Japan you do find discovered and full the offside (probably an offside 1 meter) implement the equalizer.

The Raiders after the draw, lose their harmony and style of play and become overwhelmed by the pressure of Japan and on a corner, went ahead, taking advantage of a defensive inattention.

The Raiders have the feeling that the dream is wearing off and fail to get back into the game but a beautiful action in attack, Hoggy is in front of the goal but the goalkeeper saves the shooting and cannot throw anything on the shot in the intersection of Stuart. Raiders back into the game 2-2.

But a few seconds left in the first half on a cross for almost half the field, Mirko (Seaman) is caught unprepared and end up in the door with the ball. Serious mistake which probably marks the whole race. 2-3 Japan.

SECOND HALF

The Raiders back on the pitch with the desire to recover the dream and skim the draw several times with Mike, Hoggy and Tam. Incredible the action that leads to 3 consecutive shots toward the door with the ball dancing on the line and then finish off.

Japan takes advantage of the huge spaces granted by the Raiders, and commits the defense and Mirko with dangerous throws.

Halfway the second half Japan, with a photocopy of the action first goal increased the lead to 2-4.
It all seems over, but Stuart with a lob returns the Raiders. 3-4

Great offensive effort of the Raiders back into the game and in a Holy scrum with the ball of the tie but shot wide.

The Japan counterattack scored in the 3-5 thereby closing the race and breaking definitely probably the dream of the Raiders to win the tournament.

I would like to apologize to the whole team, who fought until the last second, but as I often happened in the past, have failed in the most important moment. Probably my mistake changed the game and perhaps will mark the championship.

By Mirko Traini