Team Ronaldinho and Copa Pele Play to 7-7 Draw in Klagenfurt Legends Cup Thriller
The Wörthersee Arena in Klagenfurt played host to a 14-goal exhibition spectacle as Team Ronaldinho and Austrian legends Team Copa Pele battled to a 7-7 draw during the Ronaldinho’s Legends Cup. The high-scoring encounter featured a star-studded international roster going toe-to-toe with Austrian veterans across three distinct periods of play.
International Stars Build Early Lead in Klagenfurt
With an international selection featuring Ronaldinho, Wesley Sneijder, Maicon, Bruno Alves, Giorgos Karagounis, Hernanes, and Ronald de Boer on the pitch, the visiting side quickly asserted control. After the opening 35 minutes of play, Team Ronaldinho established a 4-2 advantage.
Wesley Sneijder provided one of the standout moments of the first half by curling home a precise shot. Ronaldinho added a goal from the penalty spot, while Marcos Tavares also found the back of the net to pad the international side’s lead.
Copa Pele Fights Back Through Liendl and Maierhofer
The Austrian legends refused to fold after the break. Michael Liendl cut into the deficit early in the second half with a well-struck volley. However, Team Ronaldinho answered back when Giorgos Karagounis, the European Championship winner with Greece, and Xess Xava Sneijder—the 11-year-old son of Wesley Sneijder—extended the lead to 6-3.
With regulation time concluding after twice 35 minutes, organizers instituted a 15-minute third period that ignited a frantic scoring sequence. Stefan Maierhofer struck first in the final segment to make it 4-6, before Sneijder restored the lead with his second tally of the match. Liendl matched him shortly after, driving home his second goal to bring Copa Pele within striking distance at 5-7.
Late Drama Secures 7-7 Stalemate
As the match wound down, Maierhofer capitalized on a header from Walter Schachner to scramble in an opportunistic goal, narrowing the gap once more.
With the final action of the contest, Liendl delivered a precise pass to Jakob Jantscher, who converted the chance to complete the comeback and seal the 7-7 final scoreline. The dramatic finish brought an end to an entertaining afternoon in Klagenfurt that saw both teams combine for 14 goals.
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