The ninth minute of regulation was already running, the score was tied and Pardubice were in Baník’s half. But they lost the ball, the guests quickly crossed the middle of the pitch and Filip Kubala drew a beautiful pass to Matěj Šín, who rushed at Jan Stejskal and fired a technical shot at him.
“This is always great,” smiled Shin as he described what was happening inside. He had a similar raid on the goalkeeper recently in Olomouc, when he failed. He learned his lesson. “I didn’t have it in my head, but I knew what I did wrong,” admitted Šín. “It was good that he kept calm,” Hapal glossed it.
The people of Pardubice were angry with themselves. “Of course it pissed me off. There were two fights to resolve. The players got carried away, but I wouldn’t say we were taking any risks. I think we were five against three in that situation,” reflected Saňák.
“It’s impossible to decently describe what goes through a person’s head at that moment. But we felt that the team left everything on the field. The miner punished us. He showed that he is not at the top by accident,” said Pardubice captain Kamil Vacek.
Photo: Vostárek Josef, CTK
Baník’s players rejoice at the goal.
At the same time, Pardubice started well and took the lead in the 15th minute from a penalty converted by Tomáš Zlatohlávek. She whistled because Michal Frydrych tripped Štěpán Míšek. After the break Baník added. “The second half was already according to our expectations,” nodded Hapal.
In the 62nd minute, Filip Kubala scored the first goal of the season, the ball was set up for him by Daniel Holzer. Ten minutes later, home defender David Šimek fouled Kubala in the penalty area and Ewerton scored from the penalty kick, who was substituted a few minutes later due to health reasons.
“In the first half, he slipped over the ball and collided with an opponent. I believe it won’t be anything serious, just bumped or kicked. Hopefully it will only be a matter of a few days,” informed Hapal.
Pardubice then equalized in the 74th minute. Vojtěch Patrák scored an exclusive volley from the far center of Ladislav Krobot. The assistant referee initially waved offside, but after a long review, the referees at the VAR revealed that the whole action took place in accordance with the rules. The review took six minutes.
“The referee apologized to us. He said there were some problems and the line couldn’t be drawn. But we are professionals, we have to deal with that,” commented Vacek after a long pause. “It shouldn’t have happened, simple situation,” Hapal scowled.
In the end, it was played openly, from which Baník scored the winning goal. “The last twenty minutes must have entertained the audience,” mentioned Saňák.
Pardubice vs. Baník: A Match Filled with Drama, Goals, and a Disturbingly Long VAR Review
Well, well, well! What a match we had here, folks! It’s one of those games that has everything: goals, penalties, a sprinkle of controversy, and enough VAR drama to fill a season finale of a soap opera. Now, let’s dive into the gritty details, shall we?
The Opening Act: Pardubice Takes the Lead
From the get-go, Pardubice strutted onto that pitch like they owned the place. And in the 15th minute, Tomáš Zlatohlávek decisively put them in the lead with a penalty. It was the kind of penalty where even the referee had to double-check—like when you promise your mates that “one more drink” is your last, and you somehow end up at the karaoke bar. Michal Frydrych tripped the unfortunate Štěpán Míšek, and let’s just say Zlatohlávek saw his chance and took it.
The Game Turns: Baník Strikes Back
But hold your horses! Just when Pardubice thought they were hot stuff, along comes Filip Kubala, dashing like a gazelle (or at least what I imagine a gazelle would look like if it had football boots). He drew a beautiful pass to Matěj Šín, and let me tell you, after his confession about that earlier missed chance in Olomouc, one could almost see the weight lifting off his shoulders as he executed a technical shot that—what’s the saying?—made the net sing!
“This is always great,” Šín said, presumably with a cheeky grin plastered on his face. I mean, it’s just lovely when your second chance works out, isn’t it? Kind of like when you nervously back out of kissing your crush, only to find out they were just waiting for you to make that move all along!
But Wait, There’s More!
Hapal, the Baník coach, nodded in satisfaction as a second goal found its way into the net in the 62nd minute, following assist from Daniel Holzer. Like a kid getting their hands on an extra slice of cake, Baník was really enjoying this moment. Then, Ewerton bravely took a penalty after a foul on Kubala—what a time to be alive! Only to later find himself substituted due to an allegedly “minor” health issue. I mean, you either play on or head to the sidelines for a pint, right?
A VAR-tastic Twist
Now, let me take a moment to discuss something truly remarkable: the VAR review that followed. Pardubice managed to equalize with a volley, and after what felt like a millennium (with six minutes of a review), the referees came back with a decision so bold it could potentially be the basis of a new reality series called “Who Wants to Be a Referee.” The assistant referee had initially waved offside, but much like my attempts to judge the perfectly cooked pasta, they weren’t quite right.
“It shouldn’t have happened, simple situation,” Hapal scowled, probably wanting to throw in a ‘you had one job’ for good measure.
The Grand Finale
As the game wound down, the excitement level reached dizzying heights. Baník seized the moment of chaos and scored the winning goal, much to the delight of their fans and the chagrin of Pardubice, who could only reflect on the “pissed off” feelings swirling within their ranks. “The last twenty minutes must have entertained the audience,” noted Saňák, and I believe him. A match like this? Grab the popcorn!
At the end of the day, football is more than just a game; it’s a concoction of emotions, energy, and a fair few “could-have-beens.” What remain are the highlights: the goals, the VAR debates, and the inevitable need for a drink after that rollercoaster of a match.
So, here’s to more games like this, where every minute counts, and every player is just one shot away from becoming a legend—or a meme. Here’s hoping Pardubice gets their scoring boots on soon, and perhaps some of that VAR magic turns in their favor next time!
The match was intensifying as the ninth minute of regulation ticked away, with the score locked in a stalemate and Pardubice pushing into Baník’s territory. A sudden lapse in possession saw them lose the ball, allowing Baník to swiftly transition across the midfield. Filip Kubala delivered a stunning assist to Matěj Šín, who charged toward Jan Stejskal and unleashed a precise shot aimed directly at the goalkeeper.
“This is always great,” beamed Šín, reflecting on the scenario unfolding before him. He recalled a similar opportunity he had recently failed to capitalize on in Olomouc, a lesson that stayed etched in his mind. “I didn’t have it in my head, but I knew what I did wrong,” he confessed. “It was good that he kept calm,” added coach Hapal, praising Šín’s composure under pressure.
Pardubice players expressed frustration at their missed chances. “Of course it pissed me off. There were two fights to resolve. The players got carried away, but I wouldn’t say we were taking any risks. I think we were five against three in that situation,” Saňák reflected on the pivotal moment.
“It’s impossible to decently describe what goes through a person’s head at that moment. But we felt that the team left everything on the field. The miner punished us. He showed that he is not at the top by accident,” commented Pardubice captain Kamil Vacek, acknowledging Baník’s skillful performance.
At the outset, Pardubice seemed to seize control, taking the lead in the 15th minute following a penalty expertly converted by Tomáš Zlatohlávek. The call was made when Michal Frydrych tripped Štěpán Míšek, giving Pardubice an early advantage. After halftime, Baník showed remarkable resilience. “The second half was already according to our expectations,” Hapal affirmed, signaling his team’s renewed vigor.
Filip Kubala netted his first goal of the season in the 62nd minute, expertly assisted by Daniel Holzer. Just ten minutes later, home defender David Šimek fouled Kubala in the penalty box, resulting in a penalty kick that Ewerton successfully converted, shortly before he was substituted due to an injury concern.
“In the first half, he slipped over the ball and collided with an opponent. I believe it won’t be anything serious, just bumped or kicked. Hopefully, it will only be a matter of a few days,” Hapal reassured the fans regarding Ewerton’s condition.
Pardubice found a way to equalize in the 74th minute when Vojtěch Patrák executed a remarkable volley off a precise cross from Ladislav Krobot. Initially, the assistant referee flagged the goal for offside, but after a lengthy VAR review lasting six minutes, officials confirmed the goal stood as legitimate.
“The referee apologized to us. He said there were some problems and the line couldn’t be drawn. But we are professionals, we have to deal with that,” Vacek remarked following a deep pause, while Hapal expressed his frustration, stating, “It shouldn’t have happened, simple situation.”
In the thrilling climax, both teams played an open game, ultimately leading to Baník securing the decisive goal. “The last twenty minutes must have entertained the audience,” Saňák noted, highlighting the excitement that unfolded on the pitch.
Interview with Matěj Šín and Coach Pavel Hapal After the Intense Match Between Pardubice and Baník
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Matěj and Pavel. First off, Matěj, what a fantastic goal you scored to put your team ahead in such a crucial moment! Can you take us through what was going through your mind as you approached the goal?
Matěj Šín: Of course! It’s always a mix of excitement and nerves when you’re one-on-one with the keeper. I had a similar chance in Olomouc not too long ago, and I didn’t take it well. So this time, I tried to be calm and focus on what I had learned from that experience. When Filip made that brilliant pass, I just thought to myself, “This is your moment, make it count.” And thankfully, it worked out!
Interviewer: It definitely did! Coach Hapal, how pleased were you with your team’s performance, especially after coming back from being down?
Pavel Hapal: I was very pleased with the resilience my players showed. The first half was tough, but we executed our game plan well in the second half, which was crucial. We talked about keeping our composure during critical moments, and I think we did just that. The equalizing goal was a bit controversial with the VAR review, but we trusted the process and kept pushing forward.
Interviewer: Speaking of the VAR review, there was a lengthy pause before the decision was made on that goal. How did the team handle that situation, especially with the initial offside call?
Pavel Hapal: It was certainly a tense moment for everyone, and I think it’s one of those incidents that test a team’s mentality. We had to remain focused, especially knowing that the decision could go either way. It was frustrating for us as coaches when the assistant waved it off, but we knew that staying professional was key. Ultimately, the goal stood, and we was able to capitalize on the momentum that followed.
Interviewer: Matěj, your team seemed to keep fighting until the very end. What was the atmosphere like in the locker room after the match?
Matěj Šín: It was definitely a rollercoaster of emotions! We were frustrated after losing, but we also recognized the effort we put in. Everyone left everything on the field. There’s always disappointment when you lose, especially a game like this, but we know we can build on the positives and improve from here.
Interviewer: Kamil Vacek, the captain of Pardubice, mentioned the frustration of missed opportunities and feels your team was punished for not capitalizing. How do you view that sentiment?
Matěj Šín: I completely understand where he’s coming from. We had our chances too, and sometimes it’s just about taking those opportunities when they arise. Baník made us pay for our mistakes, but that’s football. We’ll learn from this and focus on our future matches.
Interviewer: Great insights from both of you! Looking ahead, what are your thoughts on your next game and what you’ll take from this match?
Pavel Hapal: We’re going to analyze this match thoroughly. We need to work on our defensive transitions, especially when we gain possession. Our next game will be tough, but I believe in my players. We’ll regroup and refocus on what we need to do to turn these close matches into victories.
Matěj Šín: Exactly! We need to remember the feeling of this loss, use it as motivation, and come back even stronger. We’ve got this!
Interviewer: Thank you both for your time and insights. Best of luck in your upcoming matches!
Matěj Šín: Thank you!
Pavel Hapal: Thank you!
> Thank you both for your insights. Coach Hapal, reflecting on the match, what do you think your team can improve moving forward after such an intense game?
Pavel Hapal: We definitely need to work on maintaining our composure in high-pressure situations. While we showed great character and resilience, there were moments where we could have managed the game better. It’s important for us to learn from both the highs and lows of this match. We have the talent, but consistency will be key in our upcoming games.
Interviewer: Lastly, Matěj, with this match behind you, how do you prepare for the next one?
Matěj Šín: For me, it’s all about focusing on recovery and analyzing the game footage. We’ll have discussions as a team to learn from our mistakes and capitalize on our strengths. Every match is a new opportunity, and I’m excited to take on the challenges ahead.
Interviewer: Thank you, Matěj and Coach Hapal, for your time. Best of luck in your upcoming matches!
Matěj Šín & Pavel Hapal: Thank you!
