Sevilla FC could not get past a 0-0 draw in their first match of the 42nd edition of COTIF, held at Els Arcs in l’Alcúdia. The Seville team, competing in the U-20 tournament, faced the debuting Brazilian Sorriso Sporte Clube in a balanced match with few clear chances.
Sevilla FC began their participation in the 42nd edition of COTIF with a goalless draw against Brazilian Sorriso Sporte Clube, in a match played at the Els Arcs stadium in l’Alcúdia. Over a thousand spectators witnessed a match marked by mutual respect and few goal-scoring opportunities.
First half of respect and controversy
The Seville team, led by Joaquín Hidalgo, tried to impose their game from the start through ball possession. However, the Brazilian debutants surprised with quick transitions and created the first dangerous chances. In the 5th minute, Sevilla goalkeeper Menayo received a yellow card for handling the ball outside the area, an action heavily protested by the Brazilians, who claimed a harsher penalty.
Sorriso continued to press, and in the 16th minute, Baiao scored a goal that was disallowed for offside. Sevilla, on the other hand, struggled to penetrate the Brazilian defence and resorted to set pieces and crosses without success. The speed of the Brazilian attackers put the Sevilla defence under pressure, which managed to keep their goal intact until half-time.
Revolution in the lineup and final chances
After the break, Joaquín Hidalgo revolutionised the team by substituting all eleven players who had played the first half. With a completely new lineup, Sevilla stepped up their game and began to threaten Luiz Gustavo's goal. However, clear chances continued to elude both teams.
In the second half, Castillo had the clearest chance for Sevilla when he received the ball at the penalty spot, but Brazilian goalkeeper Eviazaro thwarted the shot. In the final moments, Sorriso had a double opportunity: first, Isra cleared a shot from Eviazaro off the line, and then Nazzari failed to connect with a through ball from Baiao when he was alone in front of the Sevilla goalkeeper. Sevilla tried to respond with a shot from Silve from the edge of the area that missed the target. With time already up, Sorriso had the last chance, but a back pass from Gustavo found no taker.
The scoreboard at Els Arcs remained unchanged, and the match ended in a 0-0 draw, leaving both teams with a point in the group standings. Sevilla FC will need to improve their finishing ahead of the upcoming matches in the U-20 tournament, where they will face stronger opponents.
For Sevilla fans, the debut in COTIF leaves bittersweet feelings: the team showed defensive solidity but lacked clarity in attack. The next match will be crucial to set the course right in the tournament, which is held annually in the Valencian town of L'Alcúdia and is considered a breeding ground for talent in world football.
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