Frederick penalty decides second friendly against Saint Lucia

The anticipated, and entirely expected, fast start from Saint Lucia proves even more overwhelming than imagined. Yet in the storm of the opening quarter of an hour – following the brief climatic downpour just minutes before kick-off – San Marino manage to avoid going behind, despite the hosts, in yellow and black today, creating at least three clear chances. On two occasions Simoncini is decisive, producing two outstanding reflex saves to keep the goal intact on 3 and 13 minutes, helped by the crossbar on Frederick’s thunderous effort from a very tight angle. In between, a disastrous back pass gifts the Caribbean side another opening, where Franciosi does brilliantly to clear when it seemed already too late. The match is physical and tense, another aspect Costantini had fully anticipated. On 18 minutes a scuffle breaks out in the San Marino box after Saint Lucia play on with Cevoli down injured. At the end of the move, a home player goes to ground in the area, protesting for a foul. Referee Radix from Grenada, busy calming the crowd of players, does not share that view. Shortly beforehand, Tomassini – off target – and Frederick had tried their luck, with the latter’s free-kick tipped behind for a corner by Simoncini. The game remains extremely intense, but there are no further clear-cut chances to record. The momentum stays with the yellow-and-blacks, even though San Marino’s defensive shape grows progressively more effective and compact. Before the break, the only moment of note is a tame header from Doxilly that Simoncini deals with comfortably. Credit also to Evans, who gets a touch on Tomassini’s cross – the forward doing well to hold the line – intended for Capicchioni on 44 minutes. On the restart, the only change is for San Marino, with Enrico Golinucci replacing his brother Alessandro. After a flat quarter of an hour, Saint Lucia threaten again from a set piece: Simoncini is not deceived by the bounce and turns Frederick’s attempt behind for a corner. Shortly beforehand, Costantini had reshaped his attack, sending on Vitaioli and Pancotti for the starting pair of Tomassini and Rinaldi. On 66 minutes, a long throw into the San Marino box leads to a penalty for Saint Lucia: Radix penalises contact between Tosi and substitute Henville, sending Frederick to the spot. Simoncini guesses the left-footer’s intention and gets a hand to the ball, but cannot keep it out: the home side’s lead will spark debate for the manner in which it arrived. Earlier, assistant Daniel’s flag had been impeccable in ruling out a Stanislas goal for a clear offside. The contest is highly fractious and what happens on the pitch does little to calm tempers. The Titani are once again forced to chase the game, as three days ago. In truth, the following minutes produce a lot of kicks and very little football. The hosts are clever in "scrapping" the match, and San Marino struggle with their passing game, which had been the key to putting the opponents under pressure last Thursday. On 88 minutes, a fine move down the flank results in a ball delivered into the heart of the area, where Ceccaroli is unable to emulate Lazzari’s debut goal. Beyond that, the match fizzles out amid nerves and broken play in a game that Saint Lucia – overall – succeeded in steering onto the terrain that suited them best.  

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FIFA International Friendly | Saint Lucia 1-0 San Marino   SAINT LUCIA Barclett (from 90'+2' Donaie); Evans, Doxilly, Myers, Frederick; Aa. Richard, Similien (from 63' Henville), L. Joseph, Stanislas (from 84' Elva); Junior Baptiste (from 90'+2' Gopal), Augustin (from 63' Propere) Substitutes: An. Richard, Harrow, Fred, Clarke, C. Joseph, Elva, E. Joseph, Louisien Head coach: John Stern   SAN MARINO Simoncini; Zafferani (from 72' Hirsch), Cevoli, Palazzi, Tosi, Franciosi (from 84' M. Ceccaroli); A. Golinucci (from 46' E. Golinucci), Capicchioni, Lazzari (from 84' D. Tomassini); F. Tomassini (from 60' Pancotti); Rinaldi (from 60' Vitaioli) Substitutes: S. Benedettini, E. Benedettini, D'Addario, Stefanelli, Grandoni, Ciacci, Matteoni, Mularoni, Sopranzi Head coach: Fabrizio Costantini   Referee: Reon Radix (GRN) Assistants: Denroy Barker (VIN) and Kenran Daniel (VIN) Fourth official: Gaymes Moeth (VIN) Scorer: 68' pen. Frederick Booked: Junior Baptiste, Franciosi, Lazzari, Frederick, Zafferani, Palazzi, Capicchioni, M. Ceccaroli Sent off: Frederick Attendance: 3,723

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