FC Merivälja – FC Doker

We started Grandliiga Futsal 2021/2022 with an opening match against one of the top teams in the league FC Doker.

FC Doker took initiative in first halftime, while FC Merivälja offered good resistance with compact defense in first 10 minutes of the match. Soon after came the only goal in first halftime, after Solodov made a bad pass directly to Starodub, who took the gift and scored with the precise shot to bottom right corner. In the rest of the first halftime we saw good and dynamic futsal from both sides, but the score remained 0:1.

In the middle of the second halftime came the crucial moment in the match, where Kask was fouled in the penalty box and referee showed to the penalty spot. However, FC Doker bench used the VAR challenge and after referees have seen the video, they cancelled the penalty. Decision was that Kask simulated and hit his own foot, although the initial impression was that it was clear penalty. Whether technology works or we have a superb actor in our team remains the mystery…

While our players were still under the impression of VAR challenge decision, FC Doker rushed to a counter attack. Kuusk forgot to mark Starodub, who found Ištšenko in front an empty goal for 0:2. Kuusk corrected his mistake already in next minute with exceptional diagonal pass to Bnatov, who lowered the score to 1:2. FC Merivälja pressed higher and tried to equalize the score, but as it usually goes opponents scored another 2 goals from counter attacks. Both times Starodub, who was man of the match today with hat trick and an assist.

Well deserved win for FC Doker, they were better team today. Next week we’re up against Amigo Takso who lost 1:2 to Admirals today in last minute.