Bitter Endings

I just finished watching Etoile lose on penalties to Urawa Reds, a team they thoroughly dominated, and I can’t begin to explain how pissed off and annoyed I am. Despite flexing their muscles for much of the first half and being the exclusive owners of the ball in the second, they just couldn’t get finish off the plethora of opportunities they created. Urawa was a lot more efficient and I think the fact that they were outplayed but still took the game to penalties gave them a huge psychological advantage at the end. The home fans probably helped a little there too. It really sucks because this match had Etoile written all over it. They really strutted their stuff out there in all facets of the game. Besides for the two defensive mistakes that were taken advantage of by headers from Washington, I can confidently say that everything was on point.

Sadly, the result follows what was the perfect start from the Tunisians with Ben Frej finishing expertly from the spot after Chermiti was taken down in the area in the 5th minute. Then later in the half they conceded a goal off a precise cross that should have never happened due to a missed clearance. The second half saw Etoile utterly dominate Urawa but once again a defensive lapse spelled doom for us off of a free kick. Thankfully, the African champions league winners got their just due when Chermiti showed incredible skill and dedication to score off a play where he fooled a defender, then fell down and got back up to push past the onrushing keeper. Truly sensational goal and I’m glad that Chermiti finally got one in this tournament. He deserved it.

Still though, it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth that we don’t get to take a medal home with us. A podium finish is truly what we wanted from Etoile and I feel slightly robbed. Perhaps this is how Pachuca felt when we snatched that game in the 85th minute. That’s what happens when you don’t capitalize on possession and opportunities. Nevertheless, one can only be proud of how they played in this tournament. Hopefully next year they (or perhaps another Tunisian club) can be there to set the record straight. Etoile didn’t get the ending they deserved but it doesn’t change the fact that they played very well in this tournament and pleased the fans with their creativity and speed. I have a feeling a lot of these players will be on their way to new leagues next year. They really showed a lot of ability and showcased Tunisian, African, and Arab soccer to the world.

I’ll update this post with highlights once they’re available. You really want to see this Chermiti goal. Truly exceptional from the 19 year old.

Update

I watched these highlights with a night’s sleep behind me and I’m still as pissed off as ever about the result. This video doesn’t show how Etoile controlled the match practically from start to finish. Plus it doesn’t show enough replays of the ridiculous Amine Chermiti goal. Seriously, that one deserves another look: The Flip flap that puts the ball through the defenders legs is incredible and then the recovery from the fall is even crazier. I need to find one that shows this from all angles and in slow motion. Seeing that at least makes me a bit happy. Too bad the lotto of penalty kicks didn’t smile on us.

Goal of the Tournament?

Here it is. What a mix of speed, technical ability, and perseverance, to give Etoile the goal that eluded them for all of the second half despite having Urawa on the backfoot the entire night. A great night by the young Tunisian star, let’s not forget he was at the genesis of the first Etoile goal by creating the penalty.

Smart Ball?

There was a lot made of the fact that a new “smart ball” was being used in this tournament. A ball with a microchip in it that would send a signal to the ref’s watch when it crossed the goal line. Well, I think that ball might have failed its first test yesterday. The Seif Ghezal header looked to have crossed the line to me. Haven’t found a video of it yet but its something to take a look at.