Our second group match is against KIKS from Japan.

First Half:

5:00 – The game begins with a timeout for KIKS. We initially play with our black shell inlay and KIKS with their white bands. This will likely be swapped at halftime. Kickoff. Nice duel in front of our penalty area and we are already in front of KIKS’ goal.

4:30 – KIKS has significantly improved compared to previous years, and their ball placement works very well now. Many good chances for us in front of KIKS’ goal, but unfortunately, we stumble over the ball here and there, missing opportunities.

4:00 – One of our robots is driving a bit crooked and is replaced. It’s great to see that both teams contribute to a fluid game with good ball placements.

3:00 – We have to take down a robot due to a yellow card, which creates an interesting situation for ball placement as the game controller switches to stop. Actually, it would be KIKS’ turn for ball placement now since we didn’t succeed.

2:00 – For the first time, we see one of our robots drive to the edge on its own to be replaced due to an error. Great performance by our strategists to implement this so spontaneously for RoboCup. We are waiting for referee decisions. The ball is in front of our penalty area, and we kick off. The ball rolls across the field. Very good play from us. But unfortunately, now and then, a robot is not in the right place, and we miss a pass.

1:00 – Unfortunately, we pass into empty space too often, otherwise, we could have scored many goals. We place the ball in our half. Unfortunately, the robot doesn’t drive properly, and KIKS is allowed to place the ball in our half.

0:30 – Ball placement by KIKS and we are back in their penalty area.

Halftime: KIKS changes batteries and both teams swap the colors of their shells.

Second Half:

5:00 – The second half begins. Both teams have kept their pattern color but changed the shell color. Kickoff for us. Unfortunately, the pass goes into empty space again, and both teams have to take out a robot due to yellow cards.

4:30 – Goal for us. We deflected a ball so that it rolled into the goal. Ball placement for us, unfortunately not successful, and KIKS takes over.

4:00 – Intense battle in the midfield. Ball placement in the midfield. Hard duels in the midfield. Unfortunately, our robot loses, and KIKS has the ball again.

3:30 – Two ball placements directly in a row and very little progress in between. KIKS signals a challenge flag. We are not sure why. Let’s see when it continues. We take out our number 10 because it is not playing properly, but a new robot is already ready.

3:00 – We place the ball in a very difficult situation. But with well-driving robots, it works again.

2:00 – KIKS shuts down one of our robots when it pushes against the ball. Unfortunately, we fail the ball placement. Battle in the midfield. Our new regulation doesn’t drive perfectly yet, which unfortunately affects the quality of the ball placement. Chip across the field, luckily KIKS touches it shortly before, and we can play the ball.

1:30 – We shoot at the goal. But unfortunately too fast. A robot replaces itself due to a yellow card. Nice to see. Unfortunately, we are driving a bit drunkenly. One of the robots with a broken light barrier wants to place the ball but can’t shoot.

1:00 – A puzzling decision by the automatic referee. KIKS has the kickoff and dribbles past our robots. Shoots at the goal and… unfortunately, a goal in the last second.

A well-deserved 1:1 for both teams, which have their problems but play fluidly overall.