Nicaragua is one of the few countries where football is still being played, a fact which boosts its exposure and popularity during the coronavirus era.
Nontheless, this reveals some of the country’s darker sides.
Although a formal complaint was issued to suspend the league’s activity and players protested their discomfort, President Daniel Ortega urged the show to go on. Moreover, match-day 11 was pushed forward to the middle of this week. Behind the scenes, it is rumoured that players are threatened with contract termination, shall they not perform.
Juventus Managua - C.D Walter Ferretti
After the hammering received on Sunday by Managua FC, Juventus returned to their winning ways on Wednesday evening, scoring four goals of their own. Opponents Ferretti, who also hail from Managua, are historically related to the Sandinista party police force. Although standing in fourth place, Ferretti are now in a three game losing streak.
The star of the show was Juve’s 20 year old midfielder Junior Arteaga, who is also part of the Nicaraguan national team: After an opening goal on the 21st minute, he then latched on to a loose ball in the box and scored the second in the 32nd minute. Two goals for the youngster, and poor defending by Ferretti’s back line. The visitors reduced the deficit four minutes later, after Mexican striker Fernando Villalpando chipped over rushing goalkeeper Denillson Gutierrez.
In the second half, Juventus reassured their dominance. In the 64th minute, Alexis Somarriba received a great ball after running behind the defense, and laid it to Arteaga in front of an open net for his hat-trick. In stoppage time, Melvin Hernandez was fouled in the box after tricking his defenders with some nice skills. Somarriba scored the penalty to make it 4-1. Game, set and match.