Final Score: ISCOS FC 3 : 1 MFC (Guo Xian 1)
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Is there such a thing as a good defeat? On paper, a defeat usually means an unhappy outing for the MFCians. The post match atmosphere after a defeat would be a silent one, whereby everyone packs their things and goes off, back to each of our weekly routine. No chatter or banter, no morale boosting post match briefs and no encouraging words. A win on the other hand would produce happy times, whereby everyone revels in the victory and goalscorers being praised for the good work, high fives all around. So what happens if you have a defeat but yet every MFC player leaves happy, with a feel good factor? It's what I regard as a good defeat, one with a silver lining. The 2nd match of the year pitted MFC against ISCOS FC. This writer is sure that the name ISCOS struck terror into the hearts of some MFCians when Capt Guo Xian informed the opponents for this week- who can blame them? After all, ISCOS FC did thrash MFC 5-0 in the earlier league round and MFCians in that match would remember the hard tackling and aggressive approach meted by ISCOS players. In spite of the opponents, MFC saw the return of a few players who made a difference to the team. Hardworking midfielder Hanrong was back, along with Kartik, sporting a cool haircut. The baby of the team, Jeffrey also returned to the team after his holiday in Thailand. With about 14 players available for selection, Capt Guo Xian started the match with a 4-5-1 formation, in defensive mode. The game started off quickly with ISCOS sweeping past MFC with their fast flowing football. The fluidity in their play was commendable as they switched from left to right flank effortlessly. It was clear that they were targeting to penetrate through the right flank as they had a player capable of cutting the MFC defence with his tricky runs. He indeed exploited right back Walter on a few occasions with Adam Johnson-like runs but each time he got through, keeper Gary was either on hand to clear the ball or the ISCOS strikers would let themselves down with wasteful finishing. MFC's main attacks came from counter attacks on the left flank. Howard and Augustine sensed the opponents' weak link at their left back and on a few occasions, half chances were produced. As the match proceeded, MFC had to defend as more as a team than individuals and follow the pace dictated by ISCOS midfield. By defending as a team from the midfield line, MFC had to shift the midfield quickly along with the direction of game play. This forced the ISCOS players to either play the long ball past the midfield or shift the gameplay from left to right quickly to exploit holes. There were no unneccessary tackles committed as a wayward tackle would result would mean a hole in the midfield line. The MFC defence also kept a tight rein on the 2 ISCOS strikers, limiting their chances to attack. While this kept ISCOS from scoring, their first real chance at getting ahead came midway through the first half. Augustine tracked back to defend against an ISCOS winger and as he approached from the winger's back, the winger's heels clipped Augustine and he fell in the penalty box, shouting for a penalty. The referee controversially awarded the penalty but ISCOS still could'nt score; their striker let pressure get to him as he struck wide of the post. That missed opportunity kept MFC's spirits up high and kept ISCOS on their toes as they urgently pressed for the opening goal. The combination of team defending and ISCOS' impatience to score kept the scoreline at 0-0 as they produced wayward passes and wasteful finishing. At half time score at a 0-0 stalemate, MFC started the 2nd half in similar fashion- to defend well and contain ISCOS attacks and launch counter attacks through the wingers. This paid off as MFC grabbed the opening goal at the start of the 2nd half courtesy of Guo Xian. Exploiting the weak ISCOS left back, MFC cut deep into the penalty area and the MFCian (either Howard, Jeffrey, Hanrong, Chris or Norris) provided a good side foot pass Guo Xian whose first time finish deflected off his own standing foot and wrong footed the ISCOS keeper. ISCOS was shellshocked as the goal was against the run of play and they turned their game up a notch, with more aggression. That paid off for them as they scored 2 controversial goals. Their equaliser was a clear offside, with 2 ISCOS players in offside positions. Their 2nd goal was given after the referee failed to see a foul committed by the ISCOS winger on right back Walter. The winger upended Walter and his strike which resulted in the goal took MFCians by surprise as it was a clear foul. They almost went got a third goal after an ISCOS player blatantly punched the ball into the goal from a corner kick. A yellow card was given but it seemed lenient for the blatant offence. At 2-1 down, MFC refused to sit back and concede more. Kartik and Norris all had good chances to equalise if not for some indecision in front of goal. It was hard for them, especially since the ISCOS defence was fast in recovery of the ball. More bad news followed after Augustine was tackled late by an ISCO defender after he showed the defender a pair of clean heels after a good shimmy off the ball. That put him out for the rest of the game. As MFC poured forward to try for an equaliser, ISCOS took advantage of the lax defending as they launched a fast counter attack down the wing and a ISCOS striker was on hand in the penalty box to sidefoot for a third goal. Despite behind 3-1 down, MFC continued to play to score and the team kept its shape throughout the match till the referee's whistle. The post match mood was a cheerful one; as correctly put by Guo Xian, MFC played better in this game than the 6-0 win last week. The team's shape, tactical discipline and a jointed effort in defending put all MFCians in the same state of mind throughout the game and with everyone having the same end goal in mind, it is no wonder all the players felt happy with the effort put in. This writer felt that a win or draw could even have been possible, if ball possession had been retained more with MFC. Let's hope that we all learn something from this good defeat! High Points 1) Great team shape and tactical discipline 2) Gary was surely the man of the match with many outstanding saves, keeping MFC in the game 3) Good free flowing football; the game was not scrappy 4) Guo Xian's injury did not limit his importance as MFC striker; a good goal after a long hiatus 5) Best dribble of the match surely belonged to Augustine's shimmy! 6) Good bubble tea session [sorry Alan, Ginni:0(] Low Points 1) Referee failed to disallow the 2 goals by ISCOS; he could have been pressurised to "sway" 2) ISCOS's blatant handball; was that not a red card offence? 3) Injuries to Augustine and Calvin (from another match); Calvin has been hospitalised 4) Missed chances to equalise | |
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