Final Score: ISCOS 5 : 0 MFC
“Almost every time Alan revealed that I have to write the match review, I felt I have to shoulder the responsibility to boast the lost morale back, the difficulty of writing such a report surmounted the fact that many players mentioned in the report would get hurt. (“Must write a funny report”- Walter) comment proved harder than I thought; especially when Rong An’s departure due to internal conflict to take a penalty; rampant shooting at goal from half the field; poor performance by many of players; laughable penalty miss by opponents. Before continued reading, please understand my position. Thus, take this report as a focus on improving the squad dynamics and showmanship. “ – Chris.
Today Maestro had no answer to ISCOS’s goalscoring spree as ISCOS rattled Maestro 5 goals past the helpless goalkeeper. Maestro was brought down to earth at the tactics, possession and skills showed at the pitch today, neglected the fact that the opponents were a strong team to beat. Strong doesn’t mean beating up the Brits to hospital in a confrontation though.
Maestro had started the season well, keeping 4 clean sheets out of the previous 5 games, Maestro had already shown more capability to own the league than any other clubs in Sunsports. While the opponents ISCOS, who mainly made up of men working on the yellow ribbon project was not a pushover. ISCOS was a dominating contender sitting comfortably at the 2nd position of the league. Despite the early downfall, the pitch was deemed playable and Maestro had 14 players at captain’s Alan disposal. The match started with a 4-4-2 formation, with Jeffery and Rong An heading the attacks, Gerald and Alex controlling the midfield, Chris and Augustine playing at the wings, Wee Hian and Alan patrolling the backline, Walter and Howard guarding the flanks.
The match started well for Maestro, attacks were frequent. The first chance of the game came to Chris’s spectacular shot outside the box. The ball looped over the keeper but was unluckily hindered by the post. ISCOS got a wake-up call from the veteran who showed no mercy in giving up the game. The alarm was soon responded, the next attack from ISCOS resulted in a goal. A typical Gareth Bale run-down from the left flank, finished Norris with a slot in goal to the corner of the post. Maestro was devastated, losing control left to right, right to left, Midfielders are losing aerial battle, and strikers are clueless on keeping possession.
The next unfortunately goalmouth chance fell to Chris again when Rong An’s cross was knocked away from the defender, and Chris was first to response to the loose ball. However, he ballooned the ball away haplessly. The alarm screamed towards ISCOS again, who responded in another Gareth Bale’s run-down and ended off with a similar fashion. ISCOS lead 2 goals ahead of Maestro.
Despite chances presented in front of Maestro’s mouth, Maestro was unable to bite it and finish the game off. A counter-attack chance with Jason, Rong An and Augustine showed good understanding, but when Rong An shrugged off the defenders and provided a clear ball chance to Jason, Jason was unable to connect the deadly touch. Every chance Maestro had, ISCOS responded with a goal. Despite opponents were carrying a big belly hindering their speed, they were a technically good team that finished off the game when they were presented a chance. The third goal was no spectacular which nobody remembered how it went in, but Maestro was unable to guard the hungry wolves from meeting goalkeeper Norris for a 1- 1 showdown. The first half ended with the 4th goal given to ISCOS when Wee Hian brought down a striker in the penalty box.
Maestro knew its all over even before the start of 2nd half, and everyone was fuming on the referee’s decisions. Maestro riveted back to 4-5-1 formation to ensure stability in the defence and push for consolation.
Maestro was never sucky at a formation they are always familiar and it could clearly show on the pitch at the 2nd half. Maestro controlled the 2nd half with gaining possession, passing and many goalmouths chances. Rong An had a shot hit on the woods when he intelligently dribbled past few players and unlashed an unstoppable shot. Many injuries occurred as well when Maestro tried to keep the play to their feet; ISCOS destroying every part of Maestro attacks with fatal tackles.
Let’s face the inescapable truth of the match. Who would be the next penalty taker? Rong An? Alex? The question prompted up when there’s dispute between the penalty takers when a penalty was shown to Maestro. Maestro was suffering from missed penalties since Guo Xian’s injury struck the team. Rong An had one missed last week, so question was should Alex stepped up? Or Rong An should remain? Nevertheless, Alex took the penalty that went out wide. The opponents launched evil laughters which showed their unsportsmanship manner and that definitely did not pleased Alex. The game was rough for him and the player 22 since then.
Actually the last 8 minutes was my personal favourite. The eager Norris who unselfishly became the goal keeper on Gary’s absence was substituted by Walter so Norris could provide the consolation the team needed. Within the 8 minutes, Norris had 2 shots, first narrowly missed the goalmouth, another hit the bar. The 2nd shot was my moment of the match, where he surprised everyone after Howard’s long throw. He calmly controlled the ball and unlashed a furious shot that hit the bar. Good effort from the veteran!
The Game ended with 5 – 0 thrashing of Maestro. There are certain lesson learnt that could bring back from the match. Firstly, didn’t the team agree that new players should have a fair share of time played last week, but it was clearly not shown by the team despite having only 14 players today. Secondly, regardless of who will be taking the free kicks or penalty or corners, everyone wanted to help the team in a way or so, I do not think it is a personal pride when anyone scored from penalty or free-kicks, we still celebrate the goal as a team and console if it is a miss. Thirdly, why are we playing like gays who would panic after seeing the tattoos wore by the ISCOS? This would not be a pleasing thing when our girlfriends watching at the stand hoped that we would win the game.
High Points
- · Maestro’s Man of the match performance – Norris, with splendid teamwork.
- · Disciplined and cultured performance by Maestro of not provoking fights
- · Jeffery and Jason have made much improvements since
- · Good referee. Poor decisions are rare.
- · Good playable pitch despite the heavy downpour.
- · Good opponents who forgot to bring their boxing gloves out today
- · Bubble tea despite lost, we are still a team! Team talk is important.
Low Points
- · Shots made from near half-court range? Whats that for?
- · Rong An’s anger departure, Alex’s provoking throw-in. -Enough said-
- · No wanted substitutions when new players requested
- · Guo Xian’s touchline leadership, Garyless goal keeping were clearly needed
- · Our players still clueless on how to take throw-ins?
- · Physical shrugging and career ending tackles were not Maestro’s love for football
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