Final Score: Lega Calcio 3 : 2 MFC (Norris 2)
A strongest chain is only as strong as the weakest link.
Before I start, I would like to congratulate Maestro for the wonderful games these few weeks. The team have matured into a team capable to produce magic in the match. Although we are not sitting comfortably at the top of table, even Lega Cacio post match comments suggested we were the toughest opponents to break down. Everyone is enjoying the game~!
The last match with Lega ended with a frustrating draw for them. The Lega players have difficulty in handling their emotions and threats of fights broke out as a consequence of it. The fire was started off with a spark from Little Eric, who made sure his comment isn’t tiny as his name sound. (Remember where’s Muthu shirt as well?)
Lega knew from the start that this game was a must-win match for them, and their attacks never proved otherwise. Raja 1 and Raja 2 combining in attacks, putting make-shift centre back HanRong and Alan the shivers throughout the game. While Maestro welcomed Gifford who found “Love” during his overseas study, his introduction produced an encouraging performance on his debut this season and appeared to do the hard work to the glamorous love-life he had outside.
Relentless attacks on long ball spraying left, right, centre at Maestro defence right from the first half. Lega had 15 shots out at Gary, 8 were on target, 14 of the shots were outside the penalty box. The statistics proved a worthy defence line Maestro put in front of Lega, it also suggested the retaining possession is a leaking worried concern for Maestro. Maestro have 0 shots on target, 0 shots off target, 0 offsides caught, 20+ saves by Gary today, possession % is as low as 15% while Lega have the ball control most of the time. The Maestro defence is pumping balls up to nobody in particular and the pace of Lega was often unchecked in the tactics mishaps of Maestro. Wet condition did not aid Maestro as well, the goal-kicks are lacking power, leaving Midfielders to doubt about the positions to receive the balls. The attempts to dribble were also self-destructive; a simple close-down by Lega players, Maestro are back to defending. Nevertheless, “सभी प्रकार से चैंपियन विजेता” never rang out by Lega in celebration of any goals.
Lega had several good chances, sniping at every effort on goals upon 15 yards of goal. The alertness of General Gary kept the gates closed from the invading forces, his reflexes never failed to amaze everyone all the time. Good effort by Gary, HanRong, Alan, Kartik and Walter too, no clear chances on goal that Lega had. The half-time ended with strong comments from GuoXian who made sure that we played defensively and cautious on our lacklustre.
Gifford and Norris were brought on to inspire the Bees’ attack. That move was impressive as Maestro recovered from only defend, attacks were pouring in. Despite losing ball possession as much as Maestro did on the first half, the least Maestro could do is to cherish the few attack moves available. The first chance of Maestro came when Norris swift past 2 players on the left wing, and cut-in with a lethal shot that ended up blasting the net. Maestro tasted the success the first time on attack, and what a boast for the morale. The reason for Norris presence in the left was simply finding the only loop hole in Lega’s defence. The strong chain is only weakest at its weakest link, a mouse can even win over an elephant.
“I bet Lega would score in 2 minutes after we scored. It happened all the time” – Kartik commented casually. Not sure if he was son of Shiva or god of Moses, his words are incredibly true. The next moment, a random catchable shot was slipped by Gary. Raja 2 clearly in offside position sealed the uncertain dangling ball into the net. Mistake not excusable, but due to the extent of saves Gary made, he wasn’t condemned. Maestro encouraged him to do better.
The next goal by Lega with 11 minutes to go was also a stroke of luck. A shot that hit the bar came off similar fashion as the first. No defenders were on sight to guard the rear, allowing Raja 1 to finish behind the net. The disaster made by the lack of concentration. Maestro would only wish that they would be back to the game by pouring more forwards. Positions were reverted to 3-6-1 formation, with attacking support available.
The third Lega goal sponsored by Raja 1, came in a spectacular way. A sprint by Lega winger caught Little Eric off-guard, and there’s nothing Eric could do as the winger worked past him and finished off the goal. Perhaps this time, the lack of match fitness of Little Eric was to blame. He had been out for several months with an injury, and Maestro shouldn’t wish more that he could be back to his form.
However, did Maestro gave up? No. If Lega was to win this match, they had to work for it. Norris played a similar style when GuoXian fed him a ball that he finished in frantic style. Wonderful solo effort. – If Maestro was a sword, Norris (See profile) is definitely the tip of it, piercing in Lega flesh while the rest of Maestro could only provide the strength and resilience of it.
Referee had seen enough, and he blew the final whistle in favour of Lega Calcio.
High Points
1) Tactical discipline seen from Maestro FC; we could see players like GuoXian dropped deep just to defend, Alex making defensive runs to earn the ball, Aylwin heading balls away, Alan desperately calling for support.
2) Man of the match: Gary or Norris? - Gary’s blunder cost him this award despite the good game he had. Norris undisputedly changed the game’s tempo during 2nd half. I wonder what he would have performed if he had played the first. Norris is my Man of the Match pick.
3) Wash-up tap available unlike Katong’s pitch. Anyway, how did Gary in his muddy, dirty, disgusting uniform went back home is a mystery.
4) Sportsmanship showed both sides. Was very impressed on how both team congrat each other for the effort. Example: Gary made several good saves and it was commentated by opposition several times. No fights or threats broke out as well.
5) Maestro is feared as the best team defensively and never to break down easily. Knowing tactically to cut the left-hand side was a good move.
6) Referee decisions are good and fair unlike Howard Web wearing Man Utd jersey.
Low Points
1) Goal-kicks were disappointing. Gary – Time to step up taking one, train if necessary. I do not see any difference between you taking or defenders taking. They have similar trajectory.
2) Pitch was in very bad shape despite good weather. Did anyone feedback to Koh? – Are we thinking to move to another league that offers good soccer pitch?
3) Lack of concentration cost the match. Losing possession was the catalyst.
4) Any update on the injury status of Calvin and RongAn? Anyone joining that list during this match, we had a rough game today.
5) Overlapping tactic is good for today’s game upon seeing the weak defensive winger, but nobody can hold the ball long enough before someone could overlap the winger position.
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| Chris' attributes rating of Norris via Championship Manager! |
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