U17s denied from the spot in Budapest
PAOK and AC Sparta Praha played an entertaining 2-2 draw, with the Czechs prevailing in the penalty shootout and progressing to the semi-finals of the Future Talents Cup held in Budapest.
AC Sparta Praha players got lucky to score the opener in the 5th minute with a header after PAOK defenders failed to clear the ball. But the Greek side reacted almost immediately. A stunning volley by Chatzistravos leveled the encounter in the 11th minute. The young players of the “Double-Headed Eagle” dominated proceedings in the first half and managed to take the lead with a long-range net-buster by Τsaousis after 22 minutes of play.
After the interval, the Czechs looked for the equalizer pressuring high up the pitch. Just before full-time, they culminated successfully a counterattack and forced a penalty shootout that they won 5-3.
The trip of the “Double-Headed Eagle” in Hungary doesn’t end here though, as they will face the losing side of the encounter FC Bruges – Vojvodina, for a 5th-8th place finish.
PAOK U17 coach Angelos Zazopoulos spoke to paokfc.gr after the final whistle of the encounter:
«This tournament is an excellent opportunity for us to keep the players in shape ahead of the Super League U17 Final Four. We play against strong opponents and collect valuable experience that will help us improve«.
PAOK U17: Siampanis, Papathanasiou, Tsaousis (51′ Lyratzis), Dimitriou, Voutsas, Chatzistravos (40′ Μiskovic), Αidonidis, Μeletidis (51′ Νoukaris), Τzovaras, Chatzidimpas (51′ Gaitanidis), Gargalatzidis (51′ Υfantidis).
