Playing against the runaway leader of the division and having suffered a 6 - 1 demolition in the earlier encounter, observers were expecting ESFC to suffer another thrashing from Futbolistas FC. Furthermore, Futbolistas FC were on a 6 games unbeaten run while ESFC, who were beaten 3 – 0 in their previous game went into this game as underdogs.
Without any proper game plan in hand, Jason Ang brought the team together for a prep talk and did a long-forgotten team cheer before the start.
The main tactical trait apparent in the first half was ESFC’s aggressive, narrow pressing high up the pitch. The compactness of the midfield and the higher line held by the impressive duo of Adib and Zhong meant that the middle third was crowded and Futbolistas struggled to get any foothold throughout the match.
There were some concerns though. Futbolistas made full use of their set piece opportunities and ESFC were fortunate that the early attempts by their star man, no. 8, hit the cross bar and over a couple of times.
Most of ESFC’s work on offense came on semi-counter and full-blown counter attacks with the intelligent movements of Sebas and Ashley causing headaches for Futbolistas. Indeed, the quick succession of goals came from the duo. By then, Futbolistas had lost their focus and their defender was sent off after receiving 2 yellows within five minutes.
At half-time, Futbolistas reorganized the team with their no. 8 playing the quarter-back role and this gave them a better base to build from and as ESFC continued to try and press, it meant that ESFC allowed Futbolistas to build or pushed players forward, creating more space for them to work in. However, the calming presence of Adib and Zhong managed to repel any penetrations from Futbolistas. It was to their credit that ESFC conceded only through the exquisite freekicks from no. 8 and not from open play.
Quick counter-attacking moves from either flanks brought the final two goals as curlers from Jason Ang and Boon just needed Sebas and Wx to make contact with the ball.
Men-of-the-Match should be awarded to Adib and Zhong for their awesome defending. Futbolistas could not hit them on the deck or through aerial bombardment. We could be witnessing the birth of a long-term partnership (not homosexual, we hope) here….
