B11 quarterfinal at Heden 6 attracted enthusiastic Chilean crowds

Academia Sebastian Rocco gave their compatriots a reason to celebrate as they advanced to the semifinals in the B11 category.

On Heden 6, next to a parking garage with long stairs that can serve as stands when needed, a lively crowd gathered during lunchtime on Friday. The occasion was the B11 quarterfinal match between Chilean team Academia Sebastian Roco and Mongolian team FC Deren.

Drums, flags, chants, and the passionate support of the Chilean fans turned Heden 6 into a boiling cauldron of excitement, even louder than the nearby SKF Arena. Among the jubilant supporters was Fabian Gonzalez.
– There are many Chileans born and raised in Gothenburg who are here to support our fellow countrymen. The atmosphere is incredible. If we make it to the final tomorrow, there will be even more of us, he said.

Although the Mongolians displayed dazzling play at times, resulting in a 0-1 deficit at halftime, they couldn't withstand the Chilean team's mature and well-oiled tiki-taka style in the second half. Four exceptional goals in the latter half led to a comfortable 5-0 victory.

Carlos Cotal Calvetti, an SKF employee, acted as an interpreter for Academia Sebastian Roco throughout the week. He is impressed not only by the team's performance on the field but also by their attitude off the pitch.
– The boys are here because they won a domestic tournament in Chile, part of SKF's initiative 'Meet the World.' They are very skilled and have played well all week. Moreover, everyone in the team is incredibly humble, and you can see they are genuinely happy to be here, he shared.

Academia Sebastian Roco later advanced to the finals after beating Lion City Sailors from Singapore on penalties in front of an equally excited crowd.