Match Review by Jonathan Low
Itching to make amends for last week’s defeat, MFC had a near full strength team that
was available for this week’s X-league match against Grampus FC. There were a total
of 21 players fit and raring to go against a team that looked very physical at first glance.
They were new to the X-league and had previously only played 1 league match.
MFC began with a modified 4-3-3 formation with the emphasis on playing thru the
middle. That meant that there would be virtually no width and MFC would be channeling
their attacks to the 3 central forwards. Brian began in goal with a back 4 comprising of
the returning central partnership of Alan and Wee Hian and full backs consisting of Chris
and Howard. The strong midfield 3 was provided by Big Eric, Eugene and Hakim. Guo
Xian, Rong An and Thomas completed the fluent front 3 strikers.
The match began with both sides having about the equal share of possession with not
many clear cut chances for either side. Midway thru the 1st half, ugliness reared its
head with Grampus FC’s striker challenging a high ball with a studs up kick straight
into Brian. This was similar to the World Cup 2010 final incident where Nigel De Jong
committed a similar offence to Xabi Alonso. Brian was unable to continue and had to be
replaced by Calvin. The Grampus FC striker was only shown a yellow card.
Barely minutes after the incident, Grampus FC opened the scoring with a goal out of
nothing. The striker was given time to turn and shoot and the shot crept pass Calvin into
the bottom corner. MFC players felt a little disheartened as up to that point everyone was
playing well and defended staunchly against the opponents. The first half ended with
MFC trailing 1-0.
The 2nd half began with MFC reverting back to a 4-4-2 formation with the introduction
of fast and tricky wingers, Joel and Abhi. MFC were left shell shocked when Grampus
FC scored two quick goals to go 3-0 up. The first was a poorly marked corner resulting
in a headed goal and the second was a powerful shot was outside the box giving keeper
Calvin no chance. MFC knew that they had to reply quickly and they certainly did with
man of the match Hakim scoring two quick fire goals to pull within a goal. Both goals
were similar with Hakim being at the right place and the right time to put the ball into the
net. Joel played a big part as his mazy runs down the right flank created the goals.
Hakim nearly completed his hat trick with a mesmerizing run which started from the left.
He cut pass a few opponents and finally unleashing a powerful shoot that just went above
the crossbar. MFC continued to bombard Grampus FC’s goal and were only thwarted
with some good saves by their keeper. Alas, it was not meant to be for MFC as the
opponents held on for their victory. It was a great effort by all players and we should look
forward to winning next week’s league match!
High Points:
- The strong fight back by MFCians even after going 3-0 down.
- Hakim’s two goals and a man of the match display.
- A great turnout by the players
- Joel’s many incisive runs down the flanks created havoc.
Low points:
- Some players did not get to play at all or played very little today.
- The 2 goals conceded in the 2nd half could have been avoided.
- The ugly studs up challenge on Brian.
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