Match Review by Chris Tan
Set pieces murdered Maestro of a win
I can say when I watch Man Utd plays their soccer recently, I was shocked by their will to win the ball and their teamwork despite everyone is individually talented. This made me hate them even more. My favourite team Arsenal was unable to achieve out what they were lacking all these while. Man City killed every match with a bang, while Chelsea has inclusions that promised a fight out next week; against Manchester United.
When I looked at BPL, I believe our playing style seems to be like Fulham. Based on the players, Fulham has no excellent strikers, nor midfielders, nor defenders, averages at every level. They do have at least a good goalkeeper, similarly like us. However, they lose the ball easily, they made sure they earn back the balls quickly. Sometimes demoralizes when opposition scores, and concedes more when morale is low, but when they play good, nobody even Man Utd can lay a finger on them.
Before the match, there was a little warm-up and training session. Training is always the fastest way to get your technique and skills right. Maestro is still a weak team, but with hardwork, everyone have the possibility to run faster than Abi, reflexes like Gary goalkeeping, tackles like iron-leg Norris, movement like Rong An, first touches like Guo Xian, free kicks like Alex. Nothing is impossible, possibilities come with intelligence, experience and will-power.
Warm-up was conducted on the field, there are some unhappiness with the late-comers on running the field as punishment. There are concerns raised by the late-comers running the field as no more energy is left for the game. Despite the disagreement in ideology, there are certainly some truths in conducting warm-ups, and if slow jog round the field would exhaust anyone’s stamina that readily, it could only mean one reason: More stamina training should be required. Punishment might be harsh, but discipline should never be compromised.
The match started with fresh legs Randel, GX and Chris as centre backs, Walter on the right while Howard on left. The half was defended well with not much noticeable chances given to opposition. There are a few scares which were diffused heroically by Randel. There are many attacks by Maestro, spraying long balls to the attacks, pressuring their defenders to commit mistake. A reward was given to Maestro for their persistence, a foul committed just outside the box provide opportunity to Alex. He floated the ball in with the intention of Norris to finish the ball, but the ball was too high for him and it fell to Chris. All Chris had to do was a simple header into the corner of the net. The goal was indeed deserved for the little fellow who promised to play better than last year at every game.
Rong An had a penalty call right before half time, when he was tackled inside the box. Everyone saw that except the referee who gave a free kick right outside the box. If this was given, the match was totally ours to claim.
Gerald gave a boast up for 2nd half after the encouraging words to clam the nerves of the first half.
The second half was a flop for Maestro, Maestro was always at the defending end of the half. Many straight passes went right through the wing backs, forcing frantic defending by defenders. There was once a corner when Alex gave a short pass to Rong An, and he dispossess the ball left Maestro stranded with 2 defenders facing 3 attackers. Luckily, many rushed to race back to save the embarrassment.
During the defending, a corner is conceded. Chris instructed everyone of their positions and their markers. Out of expectation, the ball floated in to the far end of the goal was won by 3 attacking attempting to head the ball without any Maestro’s markers. The ball was cleared off the line by Walter and unfortunately fell to the back of the line.
Maestro was demoralized by the goal down. Defenders were furious about the lack of discipline during corners, allowing headers to be won easily.
A counter-attack was diffused by Walter right outside the penalty box. A free kick was given to Nani, which shot right through the wall, leaving Gary helpless in saving the ball. Real stroke of luck.
Attacking chances by Maestro after the 2 goals were rare and balls were lost even easier. Recovery of lost balls was not in much effect anymore.
But did Maestro do badly? No. Maestro just did not take their chances well. More improvement required from the team. We can surely do better. Coaching is necessary, but without a coach, there is a restriction on improving ourselves. How about taking turns in teaching your own special skills set?
Good Points
• Excellent first half performance.
• Long balls threats still persists in our team efforts
• Strong defense and individual talents are still team’s assert
Bad points
• Set piece goal is weakest point in our team
• From a win to a lost, the spirit was heart-wrenching
• Many selfish plays that require correction
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