Despite taking the lead, Belasica failed to hold on in the 1:1 draw against Varese.

The players from Belasica needed a win to advance to the knock-out stage of the Coppa Carnevale in Viareggio, but they only managed a draw against Varese. Thus, Belasica is now done with the competition.

In Saturday’s game, Belasica took the initial lead in the 15th minute through Kocev who notched his second goal of the tournament. Belasica maintained that lead until the 85th minute when Comani netted the equalizer. It was a crucial goal for the opponents that propelled them to the next round. In the other game of the group, table leaders Nacional defeated Lazio to eliminate the Italian club from the competition.

Belasica – Varese 1:1 (1:0)
Goals: 15′ Kocev (B), 85′ Comani (V).
BELASICA: Aleksovski; Nikov, Gjorgiev (75′ Markov), Gligorov, Mitev, Ivanov, Kostadinov, Mitevski (90’+3 Petrov), Jovanov (46′ Bozhinov), Conev (90′ Naskov), Kocev (82′ Jankov). Manager: Eftimov.
VARESE: Bordin; Azzolin, Cason, Comani, Cornacchia (74′ Cerrone), Di Stefano, Gjonaj (63′ Ruzzittu), Legnani, Marku (54′ Molino), Ruzzenenti, Simonato (52′ Romano). Manager: Ganz.
Referee: D’Apice.

Final standings:

Belasica fought hard in this year’s edition of one of the most prestigious youth tournaments in the world, but they came up just short in their quest to reach the next stage of the competition.