The match against FC Vaduz was an unforgettable evening for Yusuf Barasi. The 19-year-old striker made his basic debut, scored the opening goal and saw his team win 4-1. “I didn’t even know what to do,” Barasi says of his reaction after his goal.
Yusuf Barasi dedicates his goal to his parents: “They have been behind me since day one” – NH Sport / Stephan Brandhorst
Immediately after his goal, his thoughts immediately went to his parents. “They have been behind me since day one,” says the attacker, who says he comes from a ‘difficult period’. “It just didn’t work out with the chances.”
“Secretly you think about it”
Stand-in
Barasi is considered an exponent of the AZ youth academy. Since the injury of Vangelis Pavlidis, the Alkmaarder has increasingly come into the picture as a stand-in. Together with Jens Odgaard, he competes for the spot in the point of the attack. Against Vaduz, the goalkeeper got the chance for the first time to show himself from the first minute. “Then you have to show it and not think too much. Secretly you do think about it,” said Barasi.
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Barasi: “You have to seize your chance” – NH Sport / Stephan Brandhorst
Difficult match
Although Barasi signed for the opening goal, three minutes later he saw the ball on the other side. FC Vaduz equalized and what followed was a difficult match on the part of AZ. “They play with five defenders and that’s why we had to search.”
When Barasi left, the 1-1 was still on the scoreboard. In the meantime Vaduz played with ten men after the red card for goalkeeper Benjamin Büchel. From the bench, the young striker saw his team lead to a 4-1 victory.
Next Sunday, AZ will play against Ajax at home. The match in Alkmaar starts at 4.45 pm and can be followed during the radio broadcast of NH Sport.
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