Viareggio surprise as APIA Leichhardt Tigers shock Italian giants Juventus

DAY 9 – MONDAY 11th FEBRUARY 2013
As what was predicted by the weather bureau a few days ago, and we were very aware, we awoke to heavy rain and a very cold 2 degrees.
The local TV channel confirmed that heavy snow was falling at Pontedera and the pictures confirmed many roads were closed, heading towards Pontedera, due to snow covered roads.
Certain members of team management felt that our first Cup match would be called off, whilst others laughed at this suggestion, as it is very rare, if ever that Viareggio Cup matches are cancelled.
In fact a few years ago when a police officer was killed at a Serie A match between Palermo and Catania, due to rioting and crowd disturbances, in the local Sicilian derby – the Italian FA and the entire Italian population were so angered and outraged that for the first time in the history of Italian football, all football matches throughout the country were cancelled and in fact totally banned. Including for 48 hours the Viareggio Cup tournament.
The Italian FA only relented and gave permission for the tournament to proceed only due to the fact that 21 overseas clubs were already in Italy. But the Italian FA refused for two weeks to allow any other matches to be played.
After breakfast the team went for a stretch and a light 20 minute training session in the forest, before returning to the hotel for a very early 11:45 am lunch. This was due to the 3pm kick off and the match venue was approximately one and half hours away from Viareggio.
As we were ready to depart for our match at 12:45pm, in fact a mere 5 minutes before departure we received a phone call from our tour liaison officer that the field was under at least one metre of snow, and the match could not be played at that venue.
He further informed us that the match would still go ahead today, but under lights and at 5:15pm, at a venue 12 km from our Hotel base.
The players were asked to relax in their rooms, in fact have a nap if they wished, and we would be leaving at 4pm. Refer to detailed match report.
After a gruelling and physical match and further injuries, it was back to our Hotel for a late dinner at 9pm – and for the opportunity to sit back and unwind after a very intense match and exhausting day.
The players after dinner quickly disappeared to their rooms and by about 10pm, the entire Hotel was in total silence – everyone was sound asleep. The hectic schedule had obviously taken its toll, and the entire playing group, is at this stage totally exhausted and leg weary.
Tomorrow morning it will be a sleep in and late breakfast at 9:30am, a light training session in the morning and an afternoon training match against a local Cararra team with a 3pm kick off.
Match Report: APIA Leichhardt Tigers VS Avellino (2-2)
APIA’s Line Up:  Gardel, Vallelonga, Symons.S, Symons.J (Feller), Vlastelica, Raciti, Faro, Funari, Micevski, Filippou, Taneski
(Subs) Moore, Tok, Cook, Gray, Feller, Angeloni, Aspropotamitis, Colls, McCarron, Schifino, Adaltini, Millgate, Gomez, Zahra
Goals:  Taneski (36th),  Micevski (42nd)
Avellino’s Line Up: Capotosto, Cozzolino, Criscito, Amedoro, Guerriero, Minelli, Guidelli, Musto, Pugliese, Evangelista, Pellegrino.
(Subs) Napolitano, Cioffi, Nicoletta, Dello Russo, Romano, Caiano, Rizzo, Cretella, Angeletti, Ferazzoli
Goals: Guidelli (56th), Ferazzoli (85th)
The match started nearly 90 minutes after the scheduled 5:15pm kick off time,  It was raining and very cold. Due to another team playing prior (Inter Milan), the dressing rooms were unavailable so the players waited on the bus to keep warm and focused ready for the big kick-off. 
As they walked onto the artificial pitch you could see the determination on the players faces, no way were they doing to go down without a fight.
Avellino wanted to grab an early goal, with 5 offside calls in the first 10 minutes. However APIA were pressing high up the park and winning every second ball. APIA was looking strong particularly, the backline, even though they didn’t look like scoring.
With Avellino now frustrated 20 minutes in they became more aggressive, they certainly didn’t like the offside rulings the 50/50 lost challenges and time delays the APIA players were taking to restart play.
With motivated instructions on the bench, APIA’s tempo lifted. The Symons brothers never looked like losing a heading challenge, Faro and Raciti controlling midfield, APIA now had some real swagger and on the 35th minute they made Avellino pay when Miceski beat his marker and with Avellino players in transition found Taneski in space, and under pressure from the defender Taneski smashed the ball into the net, sending the crowd and players crazy.
Avellino now furious and began piling on the pressure, goalkeeper Gadel looking safe and in control after a bombardment of crosses into the box.
On the rare opportunity to get forward minutes before half-time. Miceski beat two players on the edge of the box and hammered the ball that nearly ripped the net giving Capotosto no chance. APIA now 2-0, and looking safe for a strong victory.
A massive rollicking to his players from the Avellino coach at half time saw them return a different team.
Their number 10 Duilio was instrumental and silky in fact, looped an angled ball to an unmarked player in the box and with loads of time he placed the ball past Gardel.
Avellino now back in the game, 55 minutes in.
Moments after the Avellino goal APIA could have grabbed a third when Raciti stole the ball off Ferazol high up in the Avellino half to create 3V3 situation, Raciti played Taneski and under immense pressure Avellino captain Amedoro made a last ditch tackle.
APIA holding on, many minor scuffles happening all over the pitch APIA giving back as much as they are getting, neither team want to lose.
Avellino thought they had equalised, twice in fact only for the referee to call offside on both occasions to a relieved APIA bench. Every play from Avellino now is long, everything is getting pumped into the box.
Lone striker Taneski chasing everything down like a greyhound not letting the Avellino defenders play out from the back.
With relentless pressure, Avellino grabbed the equaliser in the 85th minute and again with a long ball forward that found the striker, he headed it down comfortably for Ferazzoli the oncoming centre midfielder to drill the ball bottom corner leaving Gardel with no chance.
Both teams had a chance to win it late, APIA via a corner that the Avellino keeper easily dealt with, processing that corner a swift counter attack and free kick that went high and wide.
Full time score 2-2
DAY 10 – TUESDAY 12th FEBRUARY 2013
We awoke to blue skies, and a perfect 9 degrees. The camp is very concerned with the escalating number of injuries.
We are playing intense matches against very aggressive super fit and organised opponents.
We have just started our pre-season back home, our opponents are at the peak of their fitness and just past half the way mark of their respective competitions.
Due to the climbing injury toll and the number of matches, training sessions have been limited, and been replaced by short walks and stretching morning sessions just after breakfast.
Just after lunch we set off for our afternoon trial game. See below match report.
After the game and on our way back to the Hotel, we asked our bus driver to stop at the local suburb known as Forte De Marmi for no more than 10 minutes.
Why you may ask?
It was a must see area in the magnificent Tuscany area of Italy, in fact in my humble opinion it is without doubt the crème della crème of all suburbs in Italy, in fact in all of Europe,  the enclosed two minute video clips will give you an insight.
Currently the local Italian population of approx. 9000 residents, are concerned that this majestic, out of this world suburb is home to hundreds of mega rich Russians – who are buying large chunks of real estate involving super mansions and villas.
Home prices commence at 4 million euro up until 50 million euro. The footpaths are lined with marble and granite. It is a picture perfect suburb, with not even a cigarette butt, or piece of paper or rubbish, in the streets anywhere to be seen.
It is home to name just a few, Massimo Moratti, the Italian petroleum king, and also owner of Inter Milan, the Agnelli family, owners of Fiat and the Juventus Football Club.
Andrea Bocelli, Andrea Pirlo & Gianlucca Buffon and more than 50 past and current Serie A players.
Then it was back to our hotel for dinner and a well-earned down time period.
Later in the evening the players were given permission to go to the local bar to watch the Champions league match live between Celtic and Juventus, and a late night supper of crepes.
The entire group reported back diligently to the hotel at the scheduled time and were quickly sound asleep.
At this stage of the tour it must be noted that this team is the best behaved, well-mannered and professional group of players that have represented APIA in the clubs 11 year tournament participation.
Match Report: APIA Leichhardt Tigers vs. Tirrenia (2-2)
APIA’s  Moore, Tok, Cook, Gray, Angeloni, Aspropotamitis, Colls, McCarron, Schifino, Adattini, Zahra
Subs: Millgate, Gomez, Gardel
Today’s match was played not far from one of Europe’s, if not the most magnificent suburbs Forte Di Marmi, which is approx. 20mins from Viareggio.
Tirrenia, a semi-professional club, up against their youth side scored on their first attack, when Moore (gk) was caught off his line rushed out, way outside the box to try and clear only for the number 9 to beat him to it and chip it over him into an empty net.
Unfortunately due to heavy rain the day before, the pitch was in terrible condition; in fact it was the worst pitch thus far we have played on, which meant the game was scrappy. In the 30 minute a lovely combination play between Schifino, Gray, Cook saw Zarah make his way into the box, round the Tirrenia goalkeeper and placed his shot low into the bottom corner to equalise for APIA.
Cook, Schifino and McCarron were now controlling the midfield and really putting on a show, Colls also getting forward from left back joining in the attack. APIA were starting to look very strong.
Tirrenia had a fantastic opportunity to go ahead just before half time, when the right fullback anticipated and intercepted a pass breaking forward, miscommunication between Moore and Tok saw the Tirrenia forward beat them both to the ball and chip Moore similar to their first goal, only this time going slightly wide.
Schifino put APIA 2-1 up, APIAs first attack after halftime, Schifino beat 2 Tirrenia players and then rounded the goalkeeper and places the ball into the corner of the net. Individual brilliance by the young midfielder.
APIA were now in cruise control with Tirrenia unable to get out of their half. 
Five minutes to go and after a string of missed chances, APIA’s young side are running out of gas mainly due to their hectic schedule, Tirrenia found the equaliser via their number 10, a lovely strike from 30 yards as he beat Millgate to the ball and smashed it past Moore giving him no chance, to level score at 2-all, which was the final result.
Stand out performers for APIA, Adattini and Griffiths Colls.
DAY 11 – WENDESDAY 13th FEBRUARY 2013
Team management this morning were up very early, as they had a very important 9am meeting with the tournament organisers.
It was to be a very significant meeting in regards to the clubs ongoing participation on the tournament or otherwise. Members of team management reported back after the meeting that the talks had been very successful and fruitful.
At this stage we cannot disclose or make any announcement, until the competition of the 2013 tournament.
After breakfast and a short walk down the beach promenade, the playing group returned for lunch, packed their bags, and rested for a short 1 hour period before departing for the game
It would be a crucial match, obviously anything less than a victory would of course result in the team not progressing past the group stage of the tournament.
See below match report.
After the game a bitterly disappointment team boarded the bus.
Our small group of local supporters and support staff were shocked. “What was wrong” asked prominent player agent Valentino Nerbibi who said in the 11 years he had religiously followed all APIA’s matches in the tournament – he had never seen such a poor and listless performance from the Australian team.
“You are always so committed, work hard and give more than 100%” he exclaimed
Ex Serie A player Tony De Vitis echoed similar comments. Team management said nothing, other than to nod in agreement.
Now, was not the time or place to offer any comment. To be honest we were a little embarrassed and at this stage we were not sure, what had actually went wrong.
A very quiet and despondent team bus headed back to our hotel.
It was an early dinner and the playing group was given permission to go to one of the local bars to watch, for the second night in a row, a Champion League Match between Manchester United vs Real Madrid.
After the telecast, all reported back on time and quickly were settled into their rooms and fast asleep.
Match Report:   APIA Leichhardt Tigers VS Maribor (Slovenia) (0-5)
 Viareggio Cup: Match 2 at Capizanno 28 kms from Viareggio
APIA’s Line Up:  Gardel, Vallelonga (Aspropotamitis), Symons.S, Symons.J (Cook), Vlastelica, Raciti, Faro, Funari (Colls), Micevski, Filippou (Feller), Taneski
(Subs) Moore, Tok, Cook, Gray, Feller, Angeloni, Aspropotamitis, Colls, McCarron, Schifino, Adaltini, Millgate, Gomez, Zahra
Maribor’s Line Up: Lovrec, Vuklisevic, Zivko, Filipovic, Vujcic, Hotic, Sauperl, Dodlek, Zahovic, Stojanovic, Dautovic
(Subs) Vidic, Ledinek, Javornik, Rozman, Javor, Dzemailji, Zver, Peterka, Lazar
Today’s match was played in one of the best facilities I’ve seen in Italy thus far, simply thanks to AC Milan, which supports the local club via its youth academy.
Prior to kick off, Maribor’s pre-match warm up, preparation and build up was the most professional and intense I have ever seen.
Maribor’s pre-game warm up reflected in their performance, they were very quick on their feet, keeping possession with accurate passes. APIA were struggling to come to terms with the synthetic surface, slipping and poor ball control.
Only twelve minutes in, a long ball forward by Hotic (centre midfield) found Stojanovic (Left Winger), on the edge of the box with an excellent first touch set himself up for a shot which Gardel parried straight to Sauperl (Forward) which he finished giving Maribor the lead.
Maribor number 8 and 10 were now totally controlling the midfield, and after a missed challenge by Raciti on Dodlek from 30 yards out, he smashed the ball past Gardel, this could get embarrassing, two-nil Maribor.
APIA were lucky not to go three nil down, another through ball, long this time on their right hand side found Sauperl who slotted the ball past Gardel, fortunately for APIA the referee ruled off-side.
APIA can’t get out of their half and hasn’t had a shot on goal, the only threat at this stage is via long throw ins and corner kicks. Maribor playing two-touch football with every player looking for the ball moving around the pitch looking really confident.
Finally the first strike from APIA, Raciti won the ball from Dodlek and what looked like a cheeky hand ball, continued on under the instructions of the referee and drilled his shot from 35 yards that went directly to the Maribor keeper Lovrec.
Just prior to half time Maribor scored their 3rd, long ball forward by Hotic again found Sauperl through on goal only for Gardel to parry again straight to Zahovic and he made no mistake firing the ball into an empty net.
Straight from the half-time kick off, Hotic floated a free kick to the far post and with no pressure from the APIA defence, Sauperl headed the ball past Gardel to make it four zip against a flat and very deflated APIA.
Taneski found a bit of space in the 65th minute when he turned his marker and placed a shot in the top corner, only for Lovrec to tip the ball over the bar. Great strike and great save.
A poor clearance led to Maribor’s fifth, Rozman received the ball one on one with Gardel and smashed it past him giving Maribor an emphatic victory 5 zip.
It must be stated that 9 of Maribor’s starting 11, are all under 20 internationals and they are one of the best youth teams at this level, in Europe.
In their previous encounter against Juventus, even though they lost 4-2, they dominated the match, having been denied two clear cut penalties. Juventus scored all their goals in a 20 minute period. APIA unfortunately wore the brunt of this loss and there is no doubt they had been 100% in the past 48 hours preparing for this match.
In the other match in our group Juventus beat Avellino 2-1 in the dying minutes of the match.
As it stands now for the brilliant Maribor to qualify they would need APIA to beat Juventus in the final group match.
The failure to capitalise on the 2-0 lead against Avellino, now in hindsight has proved very costly, and the younger APIA team has struggled to lift since that demoralising result.
DAY 12 – THURSDAY 14th FEBRUARY 2013
There was a little bit of doom and gloom in the camp this morning, following yesterday’s heavy loss.
Team management had organised two games later in the afternoon against the Pescia 1st team and youth squad.
Even with a squad of 25 players, it was impossible to play the two friendly matches. Of course these trail matches had been organised and set down 8 weeks earlier.
The camp had too many injured and very tired players, and our squad playing two matches would have been stretched to the limit.
As such we rang our host and apologised. “Can we play just the one game? Not a problem”. We asked “not a problem, but we prefer to play our senior team. Do you have a problem with that” of course we did not.
See below match report.
After the match, team management was extremely pleased with the youngsters performance, and they had all played well above their weight.
We could sense that, in 17 short days they had grown up real quickly and they had matured as footballers and as young adults.
It was back to the hotel for dinner and preparing the camp’s mindset for the mega Juventus match. Straight after dinner the squad gathered in the teams foyer for a 30 minute session of stretching, with team physio Michael Sawan
Later in the evening the team gathered in the dining room for a tactical awareness talk with the President of the Tuscany Soccer Association, Roberto Tapanecco. Roberto has been an ally and supporter of the club since day one. In fact in the early years of the clubs participation in the tournament, he was our assistant coach for the tournament.
Age has slowly caught up with him, but he had been to watch and analyse the Juventus vs Avellino match, and he was keen, as we were, to give the camp an overview of Juventus strengths and weaknesses.
It was impressive stuff and Roberto’s interest in the camp, the players and support, preparation and awareness for the tournaments big match was greatly appreciated.
The players were again early to bed and their spirits lifted. They were ready to make amends for their “flat” performance and disastrous preparation on Wednesday.
Match Report:  APIA Leichhardt Tigers VS Pescia (0-4)
APIA’s  Moore(Gardel), Tok, Cook, Gray(Reilly), Angeloni, Aspropotamitis, Colls, McCarron(Gomez), Schifino, Adaltini, Zahra  (Feller)
Subs: Millgate, Gomez, Gardel, Feller, Reilly
Today we travelled to Pescia 55kms from Viareggio, a picture perfect village very close to the snow-capped mountains approx. 1hr from Viareggio, and close to the historical town of Lucca.
Within ten minutes, a fairly even match so far, a mistake from APIA’s defence allowed the Pescia centre midfielder that noticed Moore off his line and chipped the ball top right hand corner, to give Pescia the lead.
Five minutes later Tok makes a critical challenge slide tackling to stop the Pescia striker that was through on goal. APIA’s still in the match.
APIA’s first shot on goal came via Zahra, after a long ball forward by Colls, Zarha accelerated past his defender only for his shot not to trouble the keeper.
Pescia, looking very strong on their right hand side using one,two combinations with the fullback looking to get around the APIA’s defence, and it certainly worked on the 40th minute mark.  The fullback drilled a cross into the box and after Moore parried his shot, the forward was first to react and hammer the ball home giving them a 2 nil lead.
Minutes after the half-time kick off, the Pescia winger found himself free and with only Moore to beat smashed the ball bottom corner, to sink a now tired and sore APIA team.
Adaltini with a Ronaldo step over beat his man on the right wing and directed a cross into the box but the Pescia defender headed the ball away, not giving any opportunity for this young APIA team to score.
Free kick to APIA on the edge of the box, Angeloni steps up confidently only for the shot to go high and wide.
APIA’s lucky not to go four down, a neat one-two again out wide saw the forward free with only Gardel to beat, however Aspropotamitis was there to clear right on the goal line.
Millgate had a chance to pull one back for APIA with a spectacular 40 yard drive that forced the keeper to tip the ball onto the bar and out for a corner kick.
With minutes only to go, a scuffed clearance by Aspropotamitis looped over Gardel from 30 yards, APIA Lose 4 nil.
The younger players in the group all played solidly against the senior first team Pesica, who are in the Eccellenza League which is the league below Serie D, and heading for promotion next season as they are currently second in the league.
Outstanding performances today by Moore, Adaltini and Cook with Colls also strongly in the mix.
DAY 13 – FRIDAY 15th FEBRUARY 2013
A very early start for the day as the team were required to be at breakfast no later than 8am.
Today we would be our third and final group match against current Primavera Italian and Viareggio champions – Juventus
It would be a minimum two hour drive to the province of Grosseto, and the small and magnificent medieval village of Monterotondo (Population a mere 1000).
This little village was nestled, created and built within and high up in the mountains.
Tournament organizers insisted that we leave our hotel by no later than 9am, so as to reach our match destination by 11am and be hosted for lunch by the local council.
The players at breakfast were very quiet and appeared intense, focussed, prepared and fully had their gear packed, ready to go.
Today the camp meant business, you could fell the vibe. They had a point to prove.
They fully realised they hadn’t prepared or been mentally tuned for the Maribor game.
On the way to our match destination, half way on our road trip we stopped at a large Autogrill (service station and mini supermarket / deli), for a break, and yes our team physio Michael insisted on a stretch and even insisted on a light jog.  Michael was also pumped up!
On arrival at Monterotendo, we were warmly welcome by a local club official, who kindly escorted us to the restaurant, which appeared to be the only one in town. In all there was no more than 5 or 6 retail shops.
The restaurant owner and our host for lunch Alessandro and his family were warm and obliging in a restaurant that appeared to be cut into the mountains to create retail space in which to operate a business.
The lunch was appropriate, tasty, well prepared and full of flavour – just before departing, as we appreciated the friendliness and assistance we handed over to Alessandro a Kangaroo and Koala souvenir and thanked him and his family with a loud and warm applause for their hospitality.
Prior to boarding the bus, Michael Sawan again insisted on a five minute walk, right down the main street of this tiny town. In fact, there were only two streets in all, and of course, no street lights.
We then set off for a less than 5 minute drive to the local stadium. It was picture perfect with a magnificent grass surface that was lush with a billiard table surface and immaculate line markings.
Yes, grass and plenty of it, in the middle of a harsh European winter.
The playing surface was magnificent, because they do not allow any training, at any time or at any time of the year.
When are we in Australia going to learn the importance of a proper playing surface that gives players the opportunity to perform in a proper manner.
It was only about 1.20pm and Juventus were already in their dressing room.
In our dressing room there was complete silence – you could sense they were up for a big game.
First grade player Brendan Reilly co-ordinated the warm up – it was intense, co-ordinated, professional, sharp and explosive.
The players were consistently calling out to each other to “switch on” and yes they were switched on.
The ground was packed to the rafters, Italy’s biggest football club and their elite youth team were in town a squad of player’s collectively worth $8 Million Euro (approx. $12million Australian dollars)
Obviously they came out in big numbers to witness an avalanche of spectacular goals – a goal feast, no less, and for Juventus of course.
Refer to below match report. After the game the camp was delirious with happiness. They were all proud and collectively they all knew that they were simply outstanding and magnificent.
Caretaker coach and football manager Tony Raciti was roundly applauded after the match as the architect, behind this extraordinary result.
He started after the match. “Of course I am proud and honoured that the players believed I played a role in this world class result, ever for an Australian club side”
“This is simply ridiculous, Chris Moore was out of this world, I had nothing to do with  his performance”
“He was possessed; I have never seen a goalkeeping performance like it”
He was given an opportunity and my god did he seize the opportunity”
I was stunned by his performance, words cannot describe it.
I had nothing to do with the fact that the 10 field players ran for the entire ninety minutes
They closed space; they squeezed, and kept shape and structure “They were strong on the ball, valued possession, played as a united team, fought for each other.”
“They prepared themselves mentally and physically”
“I had nothing to do with the result; it was all the players themselves”
“It would simply be dishonest for anyone to suggest otherwise”
“They wanted it badly, they were determined”
“I am personally proud to have had the opportunity to have been associated with the squad on the day”
“It was the players themselves and nobody but the players themselves that delivered this memorable result for the club, which will be spoken about for many years to come”
After the game, our camp were not keen to leave the stadium, and team management, even less so.
And why would we? It was nearly 90 minutes after the match before we boarded our bus.
Congratulations phone calls were flooding in both from within and from our many supporters in Italy, not to mention from Australia – it was amazing that within minutes after the full time whistle, how many people knew about the result.
The 100 or so calls received was greatly appreciated and satisfying.
As we entered the hotel, the Smurro family (owners of the hotel) warmly embraced the players. They were also so proud.
They knew that the next day the locals would be asking them about this Australian team.
After dinner the camp although ecstatic and exuberant, was totally drained. It had been a tough and super intense 17 days.
Although the players love the sport they have chosen to play and think about it all the time and every day of their lives, you could sense deep down they were tranquil, relaxed and really pleased, for a week or so at least, there would be no more pressure, no more games, and no more stretching and training.
No more recovery sessions, they deserved their down time as they had all collectively played the best they have ever performed in their careers. Every single one of them.
Because of their sheer exhaustion, they just wanted to go to there rooms, relax, enjoy the moment and a momentous day and occasion and were sound asleep, within minutes.
Team management did not allocate any time for breakfast, we just knew that not to many would be up early or in fact not be too interested in breakfast. They were obviously going to sleep and in the morning were not going to be rushed into doing anything.
APIA DRAW NIL ALL WITH ITALIAN GIANTS JUVENTUS
APIA’s Line Up:  Moore, Vallelonga(Colls), Symons.S, Symons.J, Vlastelica, Raciti, Faro, Furnari, Micevski, Filippou,Taneski
Juventus Line Up:  Branescu, Rugani, Rarcia, Ruggiero, Romagna, Mattiello, Tavanti, Cevallos, Bonattini, Beltrame, Kabasci
Today was the much anticipated match against Juventus a team that is valued at 8 Million Euro; the stadium was approximately a 2 hour drive from Viareggio along a bendy country side road.
Due to family reasons coach Rod Williams was on a flight back to Sydney, so club football manager Tony Raciti was in charge leading the team to their most adventurous football task to date.
In front of a strong capacity crowd, the locals came out in force and huge with numbers to witness a flurry of goals and a goal feast for Juventus, of course. The APIA team looks pumped, prepared, and up for the challenge.  Our caretaker football manager Tony Raciti’s team talk left even myself with shivers down the spine. Every player went on that pitch focussed, determined and wiling not to go down without a fight.
Within minutes APIA were off to a great start, with Juventus unable to find any rhythm, the only chance they had is when Tavanti (Forward), finished a through ball only for the referee to rule offside
Ten minutes in, Taneski saw Branescu (Juventus’s GK) off his line, and with the outside of his foot chipped the goalkeeper hitting the bar, Branescu managed to get back and calmly catch the ball on the rebound.
Taneski again found space just outside the box and with a curling shot tried to place it top right hand corner, but it narrowly went wide. The Juventus keeper was left stranded.
Great save by Moore!, Ruggiero through on goal after beating Lewis and going one on one with Moore, Moore did brilliantly well by getting a strong palm to the ball pushing it wide. A very even match so far.
Vallelonga cleared off the line, Juventus hitting long balls, trying to get around the APIA fullbacks, and when Ruggiero delivered a ball into the box Juventus’s Tavanti got first to the ball and with his shot going into the net, Vallelonga was there to save the day and clear off the line and out for a corner.
APIA on the attack after that corner and found themselves 3 v 1, on the attack, Faro on the ball driving towards the box with Taneski and Funari free to the right but he elects to go himself and after a heavy touch Juventus’s Rugani (Centre back) cleared. Missed opportunity for APIA.
Moore is having a brilliant game, no I will correct that, he is simply out of this world, mind boggling. Opposing all Juventus half chances, at least making seven saves.
Missed challenge at the back by Vallelonga, Funari recovered putting pressure on the Juventus striker and when he placed the shot towards the goal with only Moore to beat, Moore parried and Vlastelica clearing high up the field.
Micevski got himself a yellow card on a late challenge on the Juventus fullback, putting pressure on himself for the rest of the match.
55 minutes into the match, Juventus are piling on the pressure, particularly down the left hand side with two crosses from the by-line after beating Vallelonga. Moore saved one and the other, Juventus’s striker Tavanti skewed it well wide, and it was an absolute sitter much to the dismay of the huge crowd.
Filippou found himself half an inch of space on the left and floated a ball into the box to an oncoming Faro just inside the penalty area; Faro connected sweetly forcing the Juventus keeper to tip it round the post.
APIA’s players stepped up a gear, chasing and closing everyone down. Blood, sweet and tears they are determined to hold on and possibly even grab the winner.
The determination was so evident that with 8 minutes to go, Raciti got his second yellow card and headed straight for the dressing room. Raciti misjudged a header and as the Juventus midfielder skipped past him, he stopped the ball with his hand, giving the referee no option. The locals heckled Raciti as he walked off noticing that he has Italian origins.
After massive Juventus pressure and all the big guns on for them, a relentless APIA Tigers held on for a memorable draw to the displeasure of the Juventus players, coach and supporters.
Chris Moore was the man of the match, but it’s unfair not to name everyone in this report as a solid performer, each and every player should be proud of their performance, they were like Tigers today.  Passionate, determined Aussies.
I also want to mention that after a dismal performance last game against Maribor the entire Apia squad after the match were delirious, exuberant and excited.
It was touching to see them enjoy the moment because this Juventus team was spectacular, super human, machine like athletes.
It was a magnificent result. Apia’s Youth team had drawn with the best U/19 Youth team in the world.
The majority of the Juventus squad already at such a young age are full-time proffessionals.
Club president Tony Raciti said after the match, “Simply unbelievable, magnificent. Tomorrow morning 62 million Italians will be shocked with this result. The Italian football world will be talking about it.
How times have changed. In our first 5 to 6 years participation in the tournament we struggled to get past the half way mark in matches. In some matches in the entire 90 minutes we never once entered into our opponents penalty area.
Look how far Australian football has come. I am proud, we as a club are proud, I am simply lost for words. We are getting closer, real close to qualifying past the group stage.
These incredible performances has enhanced Apia’s participation annually on this tournament.
As of 2014 Apia will be the only club exclusively invited to participate. No other Australian club will be admitted.
This is another shot in the arm for the club on top of the brilliant news that the club’s DA approval for the $2.2 million upgrade of Lambert Park being approved last week.”
-By James Chetcuti