Our U15 side advanced to the Elite Cup quarterfinals as group winners after a mature and disciplined victory over Politehnica Iași in a decisive match for qualification. Following the game, head coach Fogarasi Zoltán shared his assessment.

Our U15 side advanced to the Elite Cup quarterfinals as group winners after a mature and disciplined victory over Politehnica Iași in a decisive match for qualification. Following the game, head coach Fogarasi Zoltán shared his assessment.

The final round of the group stage carried significant stakes for the U15 team: a win or a draw meant qualification, while a defeat would have sent the visitors through. At the start of the match, Iași took the initiative, mainly trying to create danger with long balls, but we gradually took control. In the 24th minute, Matei Darius opened the scoring, which settled the team. In the second half we defended in an organized manner and posed threats on the counterattack, and in the 79th minute Forró Patrik sealed both the match and qualification with a goal from a corner. The U15 team finished the group stage with a perfect record: five wins from five matches.

After the game, Fogarasi Zoltán highlighted the opponent’s strength and his team’s attitude. – We hosted an opponent in very good form, who had progressed far both in the Elite League play-off and in the Cup, making this match decisive for qualification. I am very proud of the team because they approached the game with the right attitude. It was clear they wanted to execute the tactics we had chosen for this match, and I saw many elements we had practiced in training. Therefore, our victory and qualification are fully deserved, especially since we advanced from the group with a perfect 5 out of 5 record, which is a huge achievement – said Fogarasi Zoltán.

He also emphasized the special value of the win considering previous encounters. – Especially knowing that we had met Iași twice earlier this season and not only failed to win, but even failed to score against them. In that light, this victory is truly valuable – he added.

According to the coach, even more important than qualification is the opportunity for development. – First and foremost, I am not happy because of the qualification, but because we will have another Cup match among the best eight, which will present new challenges for the children. These challenges have a real developmental impact; through them they learn and practice. Matches like this are essential for further progress – he stressed.

In closing, he shared a personal thought. – With this victory, the team gave me a wonderful birthday present, which makes me very happy. It truly fulfills me to coach a team that is open to development, and I am sure they will bring much joy in the future to me, the club, and the academy – concluded Fogarasi Zoltán.

László Orbán
Photo: Zoltán Pál