Scoutmania

Jõhvi FC Phoenix met Esiliiga B newly promoted team Maardu Linnameeskond in Narva Jalgpallihall (Narva, Estonia), in an indoor environment. The teams already set the final score at half-time (1-2).

This friendly was definitely interesting to watch, especially because these two teams will play each other four times in the Esiliiga B. Jõhvi FC Phoenix secured its place in the third tier, in the last round of Esiliiga B 2024, in an exciting nine-goal game against Läänemaa JK (find the article here). Maardu Linnameeskond, who played in the Estonian club football pyramid’s highest tier Meistriliiga back in 2019, is a newly promoted team in the third level, as champions of II liiga (Põhja/Ida region) last season.

Jõhvi FC Phoenix, under its coach Vladimir Aga, started this friendly clash in a 4-2-3-1 formation. The players kept the shape in possession, especially at building up from behind; they tried to operate by using quick short passes, when arrived to the final third. Brave and likable game was put onto the pitch, with the players demonstrating some really creative moves. Until the final whistle, the whole team fought well, and it was delighting to see how the younger players picked up the rhythm of the play.

Maardu Linnameeskond, under the guidance of Deniss Kovtun, former player of the team, started this game in the same formation as the opposition played (4-2-3-1). In the second half, they often changed the shape in play to a 4-1-4-1 reminiscent one, with full-backs in high position. The team’s special ability was to take the advantages of the opponent players’ back-line mistakes, turning them into quick counteractions. The great individual qualities and decisions played key role in the final result.

The first goal of the match came up in the 13th minute, by the left-footed hit of Maardu’s Ivorian striker Manucho (0-1). Ten minutes later, Vadim Velikanov scored the equalizer, by a ball bounced back from the opposition’s goalkeeper Artjom Jakovlev (1-1). In the 44th minute, the game decisive goal was scored with a wonderful shot, performed by Stanislav Tšõmbaljuk (1-2).

(The moments at the game decisive shot – as Stanislav Tšõmbaljuk scored Maardu’s second goal)

The best potential players:

Marek Juhkov (Jõhvi FC Phoenix), right winger born 2004.

Marek is an energetic winger who played on the right flank who showcased dynamic movements and the abilities to speed up the game. Skillful on the ball; he strove to create an intensive short passing play on the opposition half. He was also useful at combinations, and showed himself well at calling for crosses or long-range passes. In terms of his defensive play, was able to make effective normal tackles on the opponent team’s side. Performed a promising header in the 11th minute of the match.

Vadim Velikanov (Jõhvi FC Phoenix), midfielder born 2005.

Vadim is a strong build player with great stamina and high level of tenacity. Versatile in the midfield: was visible in various positions/roles. A confident player who was quite promising at playmaking and also at creating advantageous situations for himself and for the teammates. Clearly gave stability for his team; always tried be a ‘central figure’ in the team play. His decisions showed the signs of a good awareness, making him the key midfielder. Scored the equalizing goal in the 23rd minute by a ball bounced back from the goalkeeper; also had a wonderful long shot in the 56th minute.

Matvei Minajev (Jõhvi FC Phoenix), right-back/winger born 2007.

Matvei came on to the pitch in the 24th minute as result of a substitution. Despite his original position is winger, he found himself playing as right-back in this match. He is an agile and mobile player who has superb technique on the ball; was useful in combinations, on the side of demonstrating good level of bravery and initiative. Presented nice ball handling and first touch, even in the air. He wasn’t afraid of shooting from outside of the box, with his weaker foot (left). Tried to show liveliness both in attacking and in defending.

Stanislav Tšõmbaljuk (Maardu Linnameeskond), winger/attacking midfielder born 2002.

Stanislav is a tall, confident and technically gifted player. He started the game as left winger, played on the right side (as right winger) in the second half while often was visible in the position of ‘Number 10’. He has good pace and dynamism on the ball; was fairly promising in dribbling. Awareness and liveliness both were typical of his play and decisions; often took positions for himself where he could ask for the ball without pressure. Seemed creative at playmaking; basically he has very good vision. His off-ball mobility turned to be quite useful for Maardu. In the 44th minute, scored a goal – which became the game decisive hit.

To FOLLOW also Jõhvi FC Phoenix right-back/midfielder Ilja Shashkov (2006) and Moldovan-Russian midfielder Elisey Stoyanov (2008); and Maardu Linnameeskond Russian left winger Nikita Naydis (2006).

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