Quarter-Finals: Norden FK 0-0 Zagreb NK (3-1)

Myung Choi's Penalty Heroics Clinch Victory for Norden

Written by: Wolfgang Fötze

The game kicked off, and it was clear that Norden had gone for a conservative approach for this tie. Sending more players back to their defense against the formidable attacking ability of Zagreb, who are currently sitting in 2nd place in the league table. The first half unfolded as a tense and cagey affair, with Zagreb enjoying the fair share of attacking possession but struggling to break through Norden's disciplined low defensive block. Norden, who were happy to only pass the ball around in their own half, stopped Zagreb's attempts to get through.

As the second half kicked off, Zagreb showed more attacking intent, determined to unlock Norden's low block. The visitors continued to dominate possession in Norden's half, with their breakthrough moment coming in the 56th minute. Henry Kamel played a pass into the box for Jethro, who took a touch with his right foot, turned towards goal and fired a shot, only to be denied by the woodwork, narrowly missing the target.

Norden, defending for their lives, struggled to create any chances throughout the game, and it looked like they were banking on their defensive abilities to take the match to penalties. As the referee's whistle signaled the end of normal time, the match headed to penalties.

The hero of the night proved to be, Myung Choi. Choi's heroics included three consecutive saves, denying penalties from Lucca Rizzo, Jethro, and finally Henry Kamel. The Norden players rushed to celebrate with their hero, Myung Choi, as his performance in the shootout secured an unlikely but well fought victory.

Norden FK has now booked their place in the semi-finals, where they are set to face league champions Vienna.