For those who still do not believe the ill-effects of global warming, the best evidence came in ARFC’s match just now at St. Wilfred’s. Clearly affected by the Sahara Desert-like temperature, ARFC went down 1-3 to a not-so-good team.
Prior to kick-off, reliable David Mak (father of Marco Mak) and entrepreneur Guoxiong pulled out due to family and work commitment respectively. However, the losses were off-set by the last-minute appearance of Kiat Gulam and astute-reading sweeper Elvis. Mean machine Hock also made surprise appearance. ARFC was also well-supported by Kiat Gulam’s wife+daughter, WO Neo’s daughter, influential Sebastiano’s wife-to-be and Tjioe’s girlfriend.
Dependable Jinzhong started in goal, with astute-reading sweeper Elvis back marshalling the defence. He was supported by Towering Toh, predictable Blackburn and hard-working Tong. In midfield, left-foot wizard Bernard had big shoes to fill in taking ovr sublime Khim’s left-midfield role, WO Neo was at the opposite flank, and influential Sebastiano and hard-man Tjioe patrolled the centre. Speedy Hee and ARFC scoring legend Haron led the attack. Mean machine Hock and Kiat Gulam were temporarily loaned to the opponent, with talisman Derrick and powerful Alvin on the subs bench.
The heat was obviously affecting both teams which took some time to settle down. Both teams cancelled each other out in the opening minutes. ARFC’s class finally told in the 17th min when ARFC scoring legend Haron latched on to a ball just outside the penalty area. ARFC scoring legend Haron side-stepped their defender who appeared to have tripped him. To his credit, however, he stayed on his feet and managed to expertly place the ball beyond the reach of their keeper for his 109th ARFC goal. 1-0!!
The score remained at 1-0 at half-time.
Tragedy struck within minutes of the re-start. Their speedy and energetic right-winger sent in a cross from the right and amongst the confusion, their striker equalized for them. 1-1 now!!
7 minutes later, ARFC fell behind. Off a counter-attack, their keeper pumped the ball deep into our half. A mix-up in communication between astute-reading sweeper Elvis and dependable Jinzhong allowed the same winger to lob the ball over him into the empty net. 1-2 now!!
ARFC had several golden chances to find an equalizer. Off a goal-mouth melee, unpredictable Blackburn struck the post and talisman Derrick later had a one-on-one chance but he exercised the wrong option in trying to square to powerful Alvin.
7 minutes from the end, the opponent struck the final nail in ARFC’s coffin aftr their impressive right-winger won the ball ahead of left-foot wizard Bernard, eluded dependable Jinzhong and slotted the ball into the empty net. 1-3 and this was ARFC’s 42nd defeat in its illustrious history.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Sunday, June 10, 2007
ARFC goal-scoring chart (20 goals and above)
ARFC Scoring Legend Haron - 108 goals;
Retired Robin - 69 goals;
Unpredictable Blackburn - 59 goals;
Influential Sebastiano - 48 goals;
WO Neo - 46 goals;
Speedy Hee - 45 goals;
Hard-man Tjioe - 32 goals;
Powerful Alvin - 29 goals;
Kiat Gulam - 24 goals;
Sublime Khim - 24 goals;
Reliable David Mak (father of Marco Mak) - 22 goals;
Towering Toh - 22 goals;
Missing Jiong jiong - 21 goals
Retired Robin - 69 goals;
Unpredictable Blackburn - 59 goals;
Influential Sebastiano - 48 goals;
WO Neo - 46 goals;
Speedy Hee - 45 goals;
Hard-man Tjioe - 32 goals;
Powerful Alvin - 29 goals;
Kiat Gulam - 24 goals;
Sublime Khim - 24 goals;
Reliable David Mak (father of Marco Mak) - 22 goals;
Towering Toh - 22 goals;
Missing Jiong jiong - 21 goals
Left-foot wizard Bernard's debut goal in thumping 7-3 ARFC victory
After 2 winless matches, ARFC returned to its winning ways with a comprehensive 7-3 trouncing of a young and enthusiastic Indian team, Goodfellas.
ARFC welcomed back its scoring legend Haron, talisman Derrick (back from 1-week soccer attachment with FC Mindanao) and hard-man Tjioe (back from 1-week trial with Nagoya Grampus 8) to its line-up. Playing in a new venue, thousands of ARFC could not find their way to the stadia, however, ARFC was still supported by Dora Mak, lovely wife of David Mak and mother of Marco Mak, as well as sweet Caren, wife-to-be of influential Sebastiano.
Dependable Jinzhong started in goal, with unpredictable Blackburn taking over the absent Elvis, and assisted by Towering Toh, left-foot wizard Bernard and reliable David Mak (father of Marco Mak). Sublime Khim, talisman Derrick, influential Sebastiano and hard-man Tjioe found the midfield, with Speedy Hee (also back from 4-days attachment with Chennai FC) partnering WO Neo in attack. Powerful Alvin and ARFC scoring legend Haron were surprisingly dropped to the bench.
Just 17 seconds into the match, influential Sebastiano’s “smaller head” was hit by an over-hit pass from reliable David Mak, rendering him out of action for almost 70 seconds. However, ARFC was not affected by the momentary absence and easily dominated proceedings.
17 mins into the match, ARFC won a free-kick after hard-man Tjioe was brought down about 7 metres outside the box. Up stepped Speedy Hee who seemed to “pass” the ball under the wall and the ball rolled past their keeper for the opening goal. This was almost similar to Ronaldinho’s free-kick goal earlier in the La Liga season. This was Speedy Hee’s 45th ARFC goal.
7 mins later, the opponents equalized after the striker broke the off-side trap and slotted the ball past Dependable Jinzhong. 1-1.
ARFC took the lead again 7 mins later. Their defender used his hand to control a high ball into their area. After much prompting, left-foot wizard Bernard stepped up and coolly placed the ball past their keeper for his first-ever ARFC goal!!. This sparked off wild celebrations and a small pocket of Japanese lady fans were heard chanting Bernard’s Japanese name, “Kanineh”, and one fan was even seen taking off her bra and waved it around. 2-1 now. ARFC scoring legend Haron and powerful Alvin then replaced WO Neo and Speedy Hee. However, Haron did not manage to get a touch of the ball before the referee blew the half-time whistle.
For about 7 more mins into the second half, Haron still did not touch the ball. Amazing!!
Tragedy struck mins later. Dependable Jinzhong made a successive “sarong” mistake when he allowed a weak shot to go between his legs. 2-2 now.
7 mins later, ARFC restored its lead. From a brilliantly-taken powerful Alvin’s corner, Towering Toh showed the world why he is being bestowed such a nick-name when he leaped majestically to power home the ball, beating even the out-stretched hand of their keeper. 3-2 and this was Towering Toh’s 22nd ARFC goal.
ARFC extended its lead about 3.7 mins later. This time round, powerful Alvin met talisman Derrick’s corner from the right and thundered in a volley that was so powerful that their could only parry. ARFC scoring legend showed he has not lost his scoring instinct (despite out injured for 2 weeks) when he reacted in a flash and toe-poked the ball home, almost ripping off the net. 4-2 and this was his 108th goal for ARFC. 4-2.
In the 67th min, ARFC won a free-kick after yet another foul on hard-man Tjioe, who added much-needed steel and aggression in ARFC’s midfield. Spotting a small gap on the right-hand side, influential Sebastiano curled in a brilliant ball into the top-left corner of the goal. 5-2 and this was his 48th goal for ARFC.
7 mins later, influential Sebastiano took a quick free-kick to the lurking ARFC scoring legend Haron in the penalty box. Although he lost his footing, he still managed to pass the ball to sublime Khim, who turned and cooled placed the ball past their keeper. Fantastic goal which was his 24th ARFC goal. 6-2.
In the 77th min, ARFC scoring legend Haron flicked the ball over their defender who foolishly handled the ball. Talisman Derrick quickly took the ball, placed it on the penalty spot and shot the ball straight down the middle for his 9th ARFC goal. Before he took the penalty-kick, reliable David Mak (father of Marco Mak), had correctly predicted that talisman Derrick would shoot down the middle. Spot-on!!!
Just mins before the end, a defensive lapse allowed them to pull a goal back. 7-3.
The return of hard-man Tjioe provided much-needed power, strength and ball-winning ability to ARFC. Credit must also be given to Speedy Hee and WO Neo who had to be deployed at right-back and left-mid respectively due to not enough defenders. Talisman Derrick and ARFC scoring legend Haron also made much difference. Of course, sublime Khim and Towering Toh were almost unbeatable at all, and powerful Alvin’s power had their defenders at full-stretch. Unpredictable Blackburn also had a wonderful match marshalling the defence. Reliable David Mak (father of Marco Mak), left-foot wizard Bernard and dependable Jinzhong displayed their usual standard.
Addressing the Japanese media and fans, left-foot wizard Bernard was clearly over the moon with his first-ever ARFC goal. “Credit to all ARFC warriors for giving me the chance to break the duck. I must also thank the fans for keeping faith with me even though I had missed several good chances to open my account. Last but not least, credit must be given to my wife for preparing me in good shape before my weekly Sunday match.”
ARFC welcomed back its scoring legend Haron, talisman Derrick (back from 1-week soccer attachment with FC Mindanao) and hard-man Tjioe (back from 1-week trial with Nagoya Grampus 8) to its line-up. Playing in a new venue, thousands of ARFC could not find their way to the stadia, however, ARFC was still supported by Dora Mak, lovely wife of David Mak and mother of Marco Mak, as well as sweet Caren, wife-to-be of influential Sebastiano.
Dependable Jinzhong started in goal, with unpredictable Blackburn taking over the absent Elvis, and assisted by Towering Toh, left-foot wizard Bernard and reliable David Mak (father of Marco Mak). Sublime Khim, talisman Derrick, influential Sebastiano and hard-man Tjioe found the midfield, with Speedy Hee (also back from 4-days attachment with Chennai FC) partnering WO Neo in attack. Powerful Alvin and ARFC scoring legend Haron were surprisingly dropped to the bench.
Just 17 seconds into the match, influential Sebastiano’s “smaller head” was hit by an over-hit pass from reliable David Mak, rendering him out of action for almost 70 seconds. However, ARFC was not affected by the momentary absence and easily dominated proceedings.
17 mins into the match, ARFC won a free-kick after hard-man Tjioe was brought down about 7 metres outside the box. Up stepped Speedy Hee who seemed to “pass” the ball under the wall and the ball rolled past their keeper for the opening goal. This was almost similar to Ronaldinho’s free-kick goal earlier in the La Liga season. This was Speedy Hee’s 45th ARFC goal.
7 mins later, the opponents equalized after the striker broke the off-side trap and slotted the ball past Dependable Jinzhong. 1-1.
ARFC took the lead again 7 mins later. Their defender used his hand to control a high ball into their area. After much prompting, left-foot wizard Bernard stepped up and coolly placed the ball past their keeper for his first-ever ARFC goal!!. This sparked off wild celebrations and a small pocket of Japanese lady fans were heard chanting Bernard’s Japanese name, “Kanineh”, and one fan was even seen taking off her bra and waved it around. 2-1 now. ARFC scoring legend Haron and powerful Alvin then replaced WO Neo and Speedy Hee. However, Haron did not manage to get a touch of the ball before the referee blew the half-time whistle.
For about 7 more mins into the second half, Haron still did not touch the ball. Amazing!!
Tragedy struck mins later. Dependable Jinzhong made a successive “sarong” mistake when he allowed a weak shot to go between his legs. 2-2 now.
7 mins later, ARFC restored its lead. From a brilliantly-taken powerful Alvin’s corner, Towering Toh showed the world why he is being bestowed such a nick-name when he leaped majestically to power home the ball, beating even the out-stretched hand of their keeper. 3-2 and this was Towering Toh’s 22nd ARFC goal.
ARFC extended its lead about 3.7 mins later. This time round, powerful Alvin met talisman Derrick’s corner from the right and thundered in a volley that was so powerful that their could only parry. ARFC scoring legend showed he has not lost his scoring instinct (despite out injured for 2 weeks) when he reacted in a flash and toe-poked the ball home, almost ripping off the net. 4-2 and this was his 108th goal for ARFC. 4-2.
In the 67th min, ARFC won a free-kick after yet another foul on hard-man Tjioe, who added much-needed steel and aggression in ARFC’s midfield. Spotting a small gap on the right-hand side, influential Sebastiano curled in a brilliant ball into the top-left corner of the goal. 5-2 and this was his 48th goal for ARFC.
7 mins later, influential Sebastiano took a quick free-kick to the lurking ARFC scoring legend Haron in the penalty box. Although he lost his footing, he still managed to pass the ball to sublime Khim, who turned and cooled placed the ball past their keeper. Fantastic goal which was his 24th ARFC goal. 6-2.
In the 77th min, ARFC scoring legend Haron flicked the ball over their defender who foolishly handled the ball. Talisman Derrick quickly took the ball, placed it on the penalty spot and shot the ball straight down the middle for his 9th ARFC goal. Before he took the penalty-kick, reliable David Mak (father of Marco Mak), had correctly predicted that talisman Derrick would shoot down the middle. Spot-on!!!
Just mins before the end, a defensive lapse allowed them to pull a goal back. 7-3.
The return of hard-man Tjioe provided much-needed power, strength and ball-winning ability to ARFC. Credit must also be given to Speedy Hee and WO Neo who had to be deployed at right-back and left-mid respectively due to not enough defenders. Talisman Derrick and ARFC scoring legend Haron also made much difference. Of course, sublime Khim and Towering Toh were almost unbeatable at all, and powerful Alvin’s power had their defenders at full-stretch. Unpredictable Blackburn also had a wonderful match marshalling the defence. Reliable David Mak (father of Marco Mak), left-foot wizard Bernard and dependable Jinzhong displayed their usual standard.
Addressing the Japanese media and fans, left-foot wizard Bernard was clearly over the moon with his first-ever ARFC goal. “Credit to all ARFC warriors for giving me the chance to break the duck. I must also thank the fans for keeping faith with me even though I had missed several good chances to open my account. Last but not least, credit must be given to my wife for preparing me in good shape before my weekly Sunday match.”
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
ARFC Online Lesson No3 - Goal Celebration
Score a goal
Make a sudden twist
Face the supporters
Punch fist into the air and enjoy those few seconds of glory
ARFC Online Lesson No2 - Scissors Kick
Execute kick while in mid-air
Cushion landing with non-kicking leg absorbing most impact. Cross over kicking leg and stretch out both arms to maintain balance.
Lift up kicking leg while anticipating a goal
Maintain posture till the ball hits the net, post or crossbar, or goes out of play, or is saved by keeper.
Persevere...
even after 7attempts!
ARFC Online Lesson No1 - One on One Situation
Make sure opponent is not Terry or Cannavaro
Push ball to one side when opponent's feet are rooted to the ground
Go past opponent with lightning speed
Finally, unleash a thunderbolt
Sunday, June 03, 2007
ARFC in undeserved 3-1 loss
In a match played under the merciless scorching sun at Parc de Balestier, ARFC was unluckily beaten 3-1 by a very experienced Chinese team comprising of an ex-Singapore player and a couple of Singapore Chinese players.
ARFC received a huge boost prior to the kick-off when sublime Khim announced his availability after his family lunch. Also, ARFC welcomed the return of reliable David Mak (father of Marco Mak) from his 2-week soccer attachment at the Los Angeles Galaxy in the US which is David Beckham’s new team.
Dependable Jinzhong started in goal, with astute-reading sweeper Elvis (in his new shining white boots) and Towering Toh at the heart of defence and assisted by determined Huiming and left-foot wizard Bernard as full-backs. Influential Sebastiano, hard-working Tong, sublime Khim and entrepreneur Guoxiong formed the midfield. Powerful Alvin, restored to the starting line-up, was partnered by WO Neo who brought his lucky-charm pretty daughter along. On the subs bench, unpredictable Blackburn, Kiat Gulam, Speedy Hee and David Mak (father of Marco Mak) warmed the seats. David Mak’s lovely wife, Dora Mak, and Marco Mak were also there to cheer on the ARFC warriors.
ARFC started the match brightly and threatened the opponents with several forays down both flanks, where sublime Khim and entrepreneur Guoxiong were having a field day. However, ARFC was let down by the awful inexperienced referee with many debatable off-side calls. He was to have a lousy game as the match wore on.
Despite several chances, ARFC still could not open the scoring. In the 27th min, the experienced opponents punished ARFC after astute-reading sweeper Elvis completely missed a ball into the box. Their striker gleefully picked up the ball, rounded dependable Jinzhong and put the ball into the empty net. Totally unlucky!!
ARFC was soon made to pay for its wastefulness in front of goal. In the 37th min, their striker let go a shot which had no power at all. To the crowd’s astonishment, the dependable Jinzhong let the ball in between his legs to give the opponents a totally undeserved 2-0 lead in the half.
A stinging half-time pep talk by determined Huiming woke ARFC warriors up. Within minutes of the re-start, ARFC had several goal-scoring opportunities. 7 mins into the half, influential Sebastiano sprung the off-side trap and sprinted down the right flank. Looking up, he squared the ball across to the on-rushing WO Neo. Unfortunately, he failed to connect properly with the ball and they managed to clear the ball.
In the 57th min, ARFC pulled a goal back. Picking up the ball in his own half, influential Sebastiano threaded the ball to the lurking powerful Alvin who managed to reach the ball ahead of their keeper and stroked the ball home. 1-2 now. Sensing a fight-back, the crowd rose to their feet and cheered them on ferociously.
7 minutes later, Speedy Hee also broke their off-side trap and brought the ball right up to the edge of their 6-yard box. However, he shot weakly at their keeper, ignoring the unmarked powerful Alvin in the box.
In the 67th min, a cross by left-foot wizard looked destined to fall on the feet of sublime Khim. Trapping the ball expertly, sublime Khim was inexplicably brought down by WO Neo who had backed into him. Unlucky!!
Dependable Jinzhong, barring his horrendous error, was having a superb game with at least 4 or 5 world-class saves to keep ARFC in the game. However, another dubious off-side call by the woeful referee resulted in their right-winger crossing for their unmarked striker to place home their 3rd goal. 1-3.
By now, ARFC was clearly deflated. Nevertheless, powerful Alvin nearly got his 2nd goal of the game after cleverly evaded their keeper. However, he sliced the ball wide.
When the referee blew his whistle, and thereby ending his own and both teams’ misery, the crowd still applauded the warriors as they acknowledged that this was a game which they totally did not deserve to lose at all.
Speaking to ex-MTV VJs Noni, Nadya Hutagalung, Donita Rose and Sonia Couling after the match, Man-of-the-Match dependable Jinzhong was puzzled at how ARFC can lose the match. “KNN!! The referee totally lost the plot. This kind of referee should be sent to FIFA for remedial lessons.”
ARFC received a huge boost prior to the kick-off when sublime Khim announced his availability after his family lunch. Also, ARFC welcomed the return of reliable David Mak (father of Marco Mak) from his 2-week soccer attachment at the Los Angeles Galaxy in the US which is David Beckham’s new team.
Dependable Jinzhong started in goal, with astute-reading sweeper Elvis (in his new shining white boots) and Towering Toh at the heart of defence and assisted by determined Huiming and left-foot wizard Bernard as full-backs. Influential Sebastiano, hard-working Tong, sublime Khim and entrepreneur Guoxiong formed the midfield. Powerful Alvin, restored to the starting line-up, was partnered by WO Neo who brought his lucky-charm pretty daughter along. On the subs bench, unpredictable Blackburn, Kiat Gulam, Speedy Hee and David Mak (father of Marco Mak) warmed the seats. David Mak’s lovely wife, Dora Mak, and Marco Mak were also there to cheer on the ARFC warriors.
ARFC started the match brightly and threatened the opponents with several forays down both flanks, where sublime Khim and entrepreneur Guoxiong were having a field day. However, ARFC was let down by the awful inexperienced referee with many debatable off-side calls. He was to have a lousy game as the match wore on.
Despite several chances, ARFC still could not open the scoring. In the 27th min, the experienced opponents punished ARFC after astute-reading sweeper Elvis completely missed a ball into the box. Their striker gleefully picked up the ball, rounded dependable Jinzhong and put the ball into the empty net. Totally unlucky!!
ARFC was soon made to pay for its wastefulness in front of goal. In the 37th min, their striker let go a shot which had no power at all. To the crowd’s astonishment, the dependable Jinzhong let the ball in between his legs to give the opponents a totally undeserved 2-0 lead in the half.
A stinging half-time pep talk by determined Huiming woke ARFC warriors up. Within minutes of the re-start, ARFC had several goal-scoring opportunities. 7 mins into the half, influential Sebastiano sprung the off-side trap and sprinted down the right flank. Looking up, he squared the ball across to the on-rushing WO Neo. Unfortunately, he failed to connect properly with the ball and they managed to clear the ball.
In the 57th min, ARFC pulled a goal back. Picking up the ball in his own half, influential Sebastiano threaded the ball to the lurking powerful Alvin who managed to reach the ball ahead of their keeper and stroked the ball home. 1-2 now. Sensing a fight-back, the crowd rose to their feet and cheered them on ferociously.
7 minutes later, Speedy Hee also broke their off-side trap and brought the ball right up to the edge of their 6-yard box. However, he shot weakly at their keeper, ignoring the unmarked powerful Alvin in the box.
In the 67th min, a cross by left-foot wizard looked destined to fall on the feet of sublime Khim. Trapping the ball expertly, sublime Khim was inexplicably brought down by WO Neo who had backed into him. Unlucky!!
Dependable Jinzhong, barring his horrendous error, was having a superb game with at least 4 or 5 world-class saves to keep ARFC in the game. However, another dubious off-side call by the woeful referee resulted in their right-winger crossing for their unmarked striker to place home their 3rd goal. 1-3.
By now, ARFC was clearly deflated. Nevertheless, powerful Alvin nearly got his 2nd goal of the game after cleverly evaded their keeper. However, he sliced the ball wide.
When the referee blew his whistle, and thereby ending his own and both teams’ misery, the crowd still applauded the warriors as they acknowledged that this was a game which they totally did not deserve to lose at all.
Speaking to ex-MTV VJs Noni, Nadya Hutagalung, Donita Rose and Sonia Couling after the match, Man-of-the-Match dependable Jinzhong was puzzled at how ARFC can lose the match. “KNN!! The referee totally lost the plot. This kind of referee should be sent to FIFA for remedial lessons.”
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