Bulletin

2 June 2010

TEAM ASCENDAS 2 vs AMKOR UNITED 4

Team Ascendas and Amkor United kicked off the evening game with highly entertaining football. With the World Cup Fever in the air both teams brought good fair play and clean competitive football to the courts. With both teams enjoying equal share of possession in the first half, it was Amkor who capitalized on Team Ascendas’ defensive error early in the first half to draw first blood. Team Ascendas’ strategy seems to be going for long range shots at goal. But they found Amkor’s seasoned last man too tough to beat.

The second half started off with the same tempo but some sloppy defending by Team Ascendas allowed a running man to tap in a simple goal for Amkor. However that became the catalyst for Team Ascendas who suddenly found wisdom and went instantly with wing play to square the ball to a waiting man in the center and tapping into an easy goal. Team Ascendas did that twice to level the game. But Amkor had the last say in the evening to put in 2 more goals to seal their victory. This game was seen as a perfect example of football played from start to finish. Well done Team Ascendas, and Amkor United who are currently topping the League table.

SAIPEM MALVIVENTE 0 vs DSO A 0

Saipem took the game to DSO from the start of the whistle and held them hostage in their own half for the entire game. The ball possession was a staggering 70% to Saipem and 30% to DSO. Saipem’s strategy was worth highlighting. They came prepared with 7 players and substituted their players every 2 mins. This kept up the pressure and tempo of the game up against DSO. In fact, the strategy to maximize the players in rotation is a great way to win this league since each half is only a short 10 mins.

DSO was completely strangled in the center and had no answer in the counter attack. Saipem deployed 2 players in the center and fought for every ball.

The only lethal ingredient missing in Saipem was their short passing and clinical finishing. Their players tend to hold the ball too long and miss out on the free attacking players in the center waiting for the ball. Saipem had 3 clear chances when a running player in the center was unmarked and waiting for the ball to be squared to him but only to wait in vain as the wing player held on to the ball for too long.

The other point to Saipem’s agony for the night was clearly the fact that Saipem had no Lady Luck on their side. DSO will only be happy to admit that Lady Luck was on their side instead throughout the game. Saipem missing a penalty late in the second half to seal victory is an example of their luckless game. This game had to be one that has the most misses. Saipem who should be the deserving winner with at least 4 goals but went home with a frustrating draw. We look forward for the both teams locking horns again soon!