Match Review by Guo Xian
Maestro FC came into this pre season friendly at our "home" ground Katong hoping for a good afternoon workout. Everything but the football match was a disaster. Firstly, the match was delayed because there was a "professional" cricket league match going on at Katong that was telecasted on ESPN. Secondly, football was played on a field more suited to plant vegetables. Thirdly, our friendly organizer went to orchard road earlier to get a referee who was not even interested in the match at all. Mr Koh must have told him that it was a TENNIS friendly match because he was standing at the centre circle and rubbing his big tummy. And lastly, our opponent is the all familiar indian team who likes to thrash talk during the game (this is true, because I'm going elaborate later in the review).
Maestro FC welcomes back Jason Song after a long absence and will most likely sign for MFC again in the transfer window. Also, we welcome Rong An's and Eric's friend, Saiffudin, who play a commanding role as our centre back today. MFC started in a 4-4-2 formation with Calvin as keeper, Wee Hian and Alan as CB, Alywin as RB, Eric as LB, Chris and Gerald as CM, Walter as RM, Kartik as LM, and Jonathan and Guo Xian as FW. Abi, Saiffudin and Jason were on the bench.
Both sides started the match cautiously due to the heavy pitch. It was MFC who got used to the pitch early in the first half when Chris played a lobbed pass into an open space and GX rounded the keeper to make it 1-0 to MFC. The goal calmed the nerves of MFC as the defence were playing some neat passes at the back. Play became more open as El Manchuchos look to equalize. A pass was misplaced by the opposition as Guo Xian look to capitalize on the mistake and was en route to goal with a defender behind. He was clipped and the referee showed a yellow. Bad decision.
It was increasingly more difficult to play flowing football as the half went on. The next goal would most probably come via a set piece. A free kick on the right of 18 yards was nicely floated in by GX after Walter was fouled after a run on a right flank. The keeper was able to parry the ball away which landed in front of Chris. If Norris' miss from 3 metres was the record for MFC, Chris had overtaken the record for missing an open goal from 2 metres. The miss almost defy physics and until now, nobody can explain how he can sky the ball from 2 metres out. (Sorry Chris, have to write this).
Another through ball was played by strike partner Jonathan to GX who made no mistake beating the keeper 1-on-1. It was a beautifully weighted pass from the versatile player who has emerge as the front runner for the player of the year award. Saiffudin, Jason and Abi were introduced mid way through the first half to provide some new added energy for MFC who were fast tiring under the hot evening sun. Jason and Saiffudin did well to clear away the many high balls pumped into MFC half. As for Abi, as the opposition look to secure his signature, he was looking out of sorts on the right flank. All he did was to complain about the mud. Haha. Although without much success, Abi was able to play a clever throw in on the stroke of half time to GX to make it 3-0 to MFC. Although Kartik was shouting at the far post for the ball to e played to him, who was having a good game on the left flank, GX was able to slot the ball pass the rooted keeper.
The second half started when the sun has already set. The whole of the 2nd half was quite a blur to the writer as the match was played in almost dark conditions. MFC started with a 3-5-2 formation which proves not to be a style MFC could use. A 3-5-2 formation needs the winger to play as an attacker during offensive play and as a wing back during defending. A very demanding role and needs a very fit player. Until then, the defence was playing admirably well and were even able to launch counter attacks. MFC conceded 2 goals late in the second half as the defence were caught out by the opposition attacking midfielder. Space between the 3 men defense was too wide. The pitch condition did not help too. El Manchuchos were looking for the equaliser late in the second half when their No.27 was red carded after a succession of late and rough challenges. To prove that they are a thrash-talking team, the No. 27 asked the referee whether it was a april fools' joke when the ref showed him his second yellow of the match. The field was almost unplayable as MFC were able to hold on against the 10 men opposition for a 3-2 win.
Good points
- A good Sunday afternoon workout for all of us.
- Saiffudin playing very well as CB despite the unfamiliar conditions and most likely will join us.
- MFC play has certainly improve after playing a season with X-league. But it was not helped by the poor pitch condition.
- Energy level for the game did not drop despite being a friendly. Positive attitude from all of us.
Bad points
- Bad pitch, match delayed, a tennis referee. Probably our last match ever at Katong?
- Still can't believe Chris miss from 2 meters. Can u explain what happened? Haha.
- Poor turnout for the match. Looks like we have to confirm the player list soon for the new season and have a good pre season with most of us present for friendlies and training.
- Poor challenges from opposition No. 27 on Gerald and a few others.
No comments:
Post a Comment