River Plate find redemption in shootout win

Action during the match between River Plate and Aspire International yesterday.

By Sports Reporter/DohaRiver Plate prevailed over Aspire International 3-0 in a dramatic penalty shootout yesterday evening, with the score tied at 2-2 after 90 minutes.Holders Aspire had faced the tough task of picking themselves up following their shock 4-0 defeat to PSG the previous afternoon. Meanwhile, for the Argentineans, the game represented an opportunity to redeem their reputation after the unseemly scenes that marred their quarter-final defeat to Arsenal. River Plate made wholesale changes to the side that had lost out to the Gunners, some of which were enforced following the suspension of four players for their involvement in the post-match fracas.With both sides disrupting the rhythm of their opponents in the early stages, possession was frequently surrendered and retrieved in the crowded midfield area. Gabriel Chocobar was among those making their first appearance in the tournament for River Plate, but it was no picnic for the defensive midfielder as he was made to work hard to nullify Aspire’s threat through the middle.Franco Lopez, the Argentines’ stand out performer of the tournament, was rested for this encounter in favour of Diego Amarilla, and River Plate were clearly missing the outlet he provided as they struggled to gather momentum during a sterile opening quarter.But on 27 minutes they put together a delightful passing move that culminated in burly striker Juan Andrada firing a rising drive that keeper Francis Uzoho just kept out at full stretch.Moments later Uzoho was almost embarrassed after being dispossessed by lively midfielder Matias Dolce as he went to clear, but the keeper somehow managed to scramble back and gather the ball on the goal line.River Plate were beginning to dominate, and moments later they took the lead in spectacular fashion. Full back Cristian Yanez picked up a square ball 25 yards out on the right and smashed a thunderous first-time effort that curled into the far corner. The 16-year-old may well go on to enjoy a glittering career, but he will struggle to score a better goal no matter how long he plays.Aspire were struggling to create chances but, with two minutes of the half remaining, they were awarded a free kick on the edge of the River Plate box. Washington Becarra’s effort was just over, but within a minute the substitute had levelled, ghosting into the box to get on the end of Denny Schmid’s cutback from the left.River Plate introduced Lopez at the start of the second half and he instantly began to show the way to Amarilla, who he had replaced. The winger’s direct running asked questions of the Aspire defence, but it was International’s attackers who were becoming more influential as the second half progressed.Ten minutes in, Ramazan Orazov drifted a free kick into the area from the left that Becerra almost scored from, his inventive backward header briefly fooling keeper Ezequiel Muth. And on the hour mark Aspire were awarded a penalty for a reckless challenge by Dolce on Ishmael Baidoo. Silas Gnaka stepped up and slotted home with the minimum of fuss. And Aspire could have extended their lead moments later when Baidoo was set free down the left, rounding the keeper but clipping his shot over from a tight angle. Instead, it was River Plate who got on the scoresheet next, Alan Brondino forcing home from close range after a goalmouth scramble, although in truth the towering centre back knew little about it as the ball cannoned in off his arm. The equaliser sparked carnival scenes in the stands, with delighted Argentinean fans singing and chanting in praise of their team.Lopez was growing into the game and won a free kick on the right of the box after finding his route to goal blocked by Jean Mvondo. Substitute Mauricio Vera’s effort was on target, but Uhozo saved comfortably.  The Argentines were now clearly on top, creating chance after chance, and it seemed inevitable that they would add a third. With five minutes remaining Chocobar, who had put in a marathon shift, played in Valentino Cernaz on the edge of the area but the substitute striker curled his shot high and wide of the right post. River Plate continued to press but time ran out, and a penalty shootout was required to separate the teams.Becerra stepped up first for Aspire but hammered his effort onto the crossbar. Vera was next, making no mistake to put the Argentines ahead. Gnaka was then unable to repeat his earlier feat, his unorthodox effort gong well wide of the left post before Bruno Fernandez put his side two up with a confident punt into the roof of the net. Aspire’s Alimn Alisic was up next, but his low effort was saved by Muth, leaving Lopez with the task of scoring to win the game, which he did with a nonchalant chip into the top right corner.