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Pip Sports Network

Saratov wins SIFA Women's World Cup
By Laura Brown
Published: Septem, 1600


Saratov captain Masha Bondarchuk, facing two Kave rivals.


Halvadag, HLE - Saratov won their second SIFA Women's World Cup, after defeating Kave 2-0 in Halvadag.

It's the second World Cup title for Saratov, which won their first World Cup in 1584. After drawing their first two matches against Magentina and Arrenland, many feared that Saratov would repeat the fate of the 1596 World Cup, when Saratov was not able to advance beyond the group stage. However, Saratov defeated precisely Kave 2-1, not without problems, to advance to the round 16 as first in their group.

After defeating Karjelinn in an as entertaining as chaotic match, Saratov struggled to defeat Mordvania and Sequoia in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively, before facing Kave again in the final. It was the second World Cup final for Kave, which lost in 1596 in Goldecia against the host team.

Unlike their previous match in group stages, Saratov was able to control the match, and Kave was not able to threaten Saratov except in a few isolated counter-attacks. Saratov wasn't able to open the score until minute 51, when Masha Bondarchuk scored, assisted by Zhanna Onopka.

Kave seemed to react the following minutes, with several chances to score the 1-1. However, Saratov were able to slow down the match, probably as consequence of the fatigue of their rivals, as Kave won in the extra time in their three last matches, while Saratov did not.

Nina Kolotushkina decided the match in the minute 81, after a long play. In the last minutes, there were barely one clear chance for each team, until the referee blew his whistle for last time, and Saratovian played could celebrated their World Cup title.