This coverage spotlights a remarkable encounter between HJK Helsinki and FC Ilves that took place on the 22nd of July, 2023 in the Veikkausliiga competition.

The match was dominated by both teams equally in terms of corner kicks, with HJK Helsinki and FC Ilves both attaining a total of 5. The game was robust, and it was indeed a tough spectacle as the stats reflect a high number of fouls made by both teams, with HJK Helsinki committing 9 fouls while FC Ilves raised the bar a little, committing 10 fouls.

However, FC Ilves's zealous play led them to receive more yellow cards, tallying four overall during the match, as compared to the home team, HJK Helsinki, who received one. These multiple cautions for FC Ilves, especially the two handed out within the first half, may have affected their game strategy and performance by putting added pressure on them to avoid further sanctions. This eventually played in favour of HJK Helsinki, who took advantage of the situation to maximise control over the game.

Evidence of such control can perhaps be seen in the sole goal of the match, scored by HJK Helsinki in the second half at 52 minutes 59 seconds. This lead put additional pressure on FC Ilves, who despite continuous efforts and an equally good strategy in corner kicks, could not manage to level up the score. This decisive goal unavoidably affected the morale of the FC Ilves, likely putting them on the defensive and affecting their performance for the remainder of the game.

Summarising the match's significant factors, the breakthrough goal by HJK Helsinki, the pressure brought on by their lead, coupled with FC Ilves’s high number of fauls and yellow card deterrents, all came together to ultimately determine the game's fate.

Discipline certainly played a considerable role in this fixture. While a more aggressive game plan could sometimes bring advantage, in this scenario for FC Ilves, it seemed to have an adverse effect. This match thus serves as a crucial reminder to teams about maintaining a balance between offensive strategies while keeping within the sporting boundaries set by the game's rules for optimum performance.

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