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Cosmos shines at Marrero stadium (+ Photos)

New York soccer team Cosmos shone at the Pedro Marrero stadium, defeating the Cuban squad (4-1) in a friendly match held June 2

Author: | arielbcoya@granma.cu

Despite the rain, New York soccer team Cosmos shone at the Pedro Marrero stadium, defeating the Cuban squad (4-1) in a friendly match held June 2 which, to the delight of fans, saw global soccer star Pele arrive to the island heading the U.S. team.

The iconic Brazilian “10” received a great ovation on taking to the pitch, later watching his team from the stadium balcony. Pele played for Cosmos during the 1970s before retiring, after having won more World Cups than any other player.

The U.S. team’s new star forward, Raúl also received a round of applause, who about to turn 38 is obviously no longer the same player that captained “los Galácticos” of Real Madrid, but still has plenty of soccer in his boots as he demonstrated yesterday on the pitch.

Raúl set up the first two goals for Cosmos, although on this occasion he played unusually far outside the area, more like a centerfielder, to support his teammates. First, he chipped a pass to Mkosana, who fired a shot into the lower left-hand corner of the net to open the scoring in the 8th minute. And later, with a controlled header which then saw Uruguayan Sebastián Guen­zatti put the team 2-0 ahead.

By the 32 minute, the Cuban team was still looking to find its pace and order, with Chrisian and Mkosana scoring two more goals before half-time, after which An­dy Baquero was able to get one back for the home team, which coach Rául González Triana later commented on stating “we were able to get something back in the second half… we must continue working to better settle ourselves on the pitch in the world Cup qualifying matches against Curazao on June 10 and 14.”

Meanwhile, Cosmos coach, Venezuelan Giovanni Sava­rese, stated that “We would love to return, given the hospitality and human warmth with which we have been treated;” and asked about the possibility of the Cuban squad visiting the New York Club he noted that, “After today, anything is possible,” reflecting the sentiments of both teams who embraced after referee Yadel Martínez blew the final whistle.