HAUGESUND-KFUM 0-1 (0-1). We have a Johannes on the sideline and a Johannes on the field. Today, both delivered in a way that again gave us three delicious away points.
– This victory obviously reinforces our belief in what we are doing. We know we can, and today we showed it again, says player Johannes.
Johannes Hummelvoll-Nuñez was YMCA’s top scorer in 2023 and absolutely decisive in the promotion. Then followed a few months which were anything but what he had hoped for when he would now get to try himself in the Eliteserien.
Because it was a winter with drafts and injuries. Then he got an opportunity from the other Johannes, for which he is extremely grateful today. During a difficult time, he was allowed to visit his Holmlia friend Sheriff Sinyan, who plays in Sparta Prague.
There he gained motivation, optimism and put some good training hours in the bank.
– Johs was kind, and gave me space and time to train on my own. I got to visit my friend in the Czech Republic, which meant a lot to me. I used the week I had down there well. Ran in some parks there and sent video evidence back to physio Tals (Fredrik Talsnes). These scores are now my payment back to Johs, says Nuñez.
Gift package
Because after a few short jumps in the first games, Nuñez has now played himself into shape and into the team.
Putt our first when we took our first win in the Eliteserien against Sarpsborg and today he became the match winner with the only goal of the match.
It was not the day for propaganda football of the highest Kåffa brand. It was also not expected against a home team chasing points.
– We are quite good in the first 25, I think. Then the last 20 there will be heavy in the first half, says our number 9.
And when the YMCA players seemed to long for a half-time chat, Nuñez again showed his smarts. Yes, it was a gift package he was served by Haugesund’s goalkeeper, but it wasn’t finished scoring and it didn’t come completely out of the blue for our man.
– Earlier in the match there was a similar situation. Then he came right in front of me. I thought that if the same thing happened again, I would have to cut it.
As thought, so done.
– I lay a little behind him on purpose, but when I saw the goalkeeper had decided to start in there, I sprinted and pushed myself in front.
Alone with the goalkeeper, he was freezing cold. Of course.
– If there’s anyone who doesn’t waste chances, it’s me, says an offensive Nuñez.
Nephews in the stands
The second half was about resisting. And again the YMCA boys now really showed that they take the necessary battles in the games when they have to. In addition, we have the necessary margins in front of our own goal.
– We are unable to take advantage of the transition opportunities we get there, even though we win the ball several times at the right time. Then we occasionally hang on to the ropes – and have margins with us. But, that’s how you earn margins, and the guys at the back are doing a tremendous job again today, says the match winner.
And once again, he loves to respond to accusations from critics who talk about “shortcomings” on the YMCA team:
– There is talk that we don’t have strikers, we don’t have strikers. No, I say now.
After the game, in addition to celebrating with teammates and visiting prophets, he could take a lap of honor with two nephews who had made the trip from Klepp to accompany uncle Johannes.
Was it worth the trip? In any case, there was nothing to wonder about.
