ARFC ensured that it will end 2008 at the top of the league (JUST LIKE LIVERPOOL) with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over FC Ventz, thereby completing double-header victories over the same team.
Playing in front of 99,999 fans at Xinmin Sec under the scorching heat of 39.99 degree celcius, the attendance was not ideal as only 12 warriors turned up since most as most were either injured during the last game or on "depression therapy" (aka holiday) to overcome the disapointment of the Lions in the Suzuki Cup, experiencing the Singapore Flyer incident as well as seeing Man Yoo winning the Club World Cup). However, all 12 warriors were determined to put on a great show to maintain its lead at the top, especially in front of the WAGS of Alvin (Irene), Elvis (Anna) and Guoxiong (Tracie), who chose to avoid the sale frenzy going on in Orchard and support their beaus.
ARFC started with his line-up:
GK - Jinzhong
RB - Guoxiong
CB - Elvis
CB - Toh
LB - Bernard
RM - Tong
CM - Soon
CM - Tjioe
LM - Hee
FW - Blackburn
FW - Alvin
Sub - Haron (chose to anlayse the game 1st before coming in, in other words, asking his team-mates to tire the opponents first before he plays)
ARFC started the game well with some neat passes around defence and midfield, however was a bit disapointing in the final third as either Alvin lack the support or Blackburn failing to hold onto the ball longer than was expected from him.
In the 9th min, Ventz nearly shocked the crowd when their tall and big Ang-moh striker took a venomous shot from the right side of the box, despite being double-marked, and was seemed to be going in, if not for the excellent and alert save of Jinzhong whom parried the ball away. World-class reflex that would have make Peter Schmeichel very proud!
Encouraged by the above moment, ARFC stepped up a gear in search of a goal but somehow could not penetrate the crowded backline of the opponent.
By the 29th min, the heat was slowly taking its toll on the players as some were seen slowing down or panting hard. Even the bald-headed referee who was a distant nephew of Pierlugi Collina, had to take a few seconds break by rushing to his bag at the side of the field, to find his suntan lotion and thereafter applying it on his clean shaven head, before resuming play amidst the giggles of the crowd.
To make matters worse, FC Ventz were busy making substitutions in freshening up their play as they intend to give each of their 18-man squad some time in the game. While ARFC had one only sub, which they finally used in the 39th min as Haron came in for the out-of-breath Tjioe. The tactical change saw Haron deployed as striker with Blackburn moving to RM and Tong covering the centre.
The above tactics somehow paid dividends, as ARFC grew more purposeful in attack. And from one of such relentless attacks made, they got their goal. With his back towards goal, Toh hooked the ball over everyone as he instinctively sent it into FC Ventz penalty area where Haron was lurking and the latter making no mistake, side-footing it past the goalkeeper with his left foot for his 132nd ARFC goal. 1-0!
ARFC nearly doubled their lead a minute later, when a dangerous cross from Blackburn into the penalty area nearly met Toh's diving header and Haron at the far side but alas it somehow missed everyone.
Thankfully for every ARFC warrior, the weather changed for the better in the 2nd half as it kicked off in a slight drizzle. FC Ventz got back into the game aggresively as they try to get the equalizing goal, making numerous tactical changes and countless substitutions. ARFC on the other hand, defended stoutly as they try to play their passing game and extend their lead through the soak and strike strategy ala inspiration from Vietnam. And they nearly got their reward when Haron's overhead kick from the right side of the goal missed the left post by a mere 0.99mm.
As the game wore on, the tired legs of ARFC warriors soon started to give way as one by one fell victims to cramps and other injuries. As there was only ONE substitution available, a lot of changes had to be made, thus somehow affecting ARFC's skillful play.
We even played with 10 men at one point of time with Tong and Toh suffering from cramps, Tjioe had abrasions on his left knee after falling off the pavement that was at the side of the field while Hee was boot-studded on his left knee by the opponent's clumsy defender. His shouts of pain could be heard almost 99 blocks away as it was thought that he would never play football again. However ...... miraculous of all recovery, Hee who was subsituted earlier, made his entrance a few minutes later and nearly made a dazzling goal with a virtuoso solo run from the halfway line. His pass to Alvin was however thwarted by the opponent's on-rushing defenders.
Nevertheless, ARFC never gave up and that 2nd goal finally came in the 90th minute as Alvin made amends from his earlier opportunity to slam the ball home in the penalty box for his 75th ARFC goal. 2-0 the final scoreline.
It was truly a hard-fought game won by all 12 deserving warriors out there today. Kudos and credits to all of them. I could not have asked for more contribution as they bravely withstood the opponent's attacks, the searing heat in the 1st half, did not succumb to their injuries without a fight and played intelligently when it mattered. It was a pity though that we only had 1 sub and missed a lot of our regular players.
While everyone had played their heart out, special praise has to go to Soon for another sterling MOM performance again. He ran when most of us has stopped and covered every blade of the grass even when he does not have to. His countless interventions in foiling the opponent's attack and control of the midfield was also stupenduous.
Now you may note why the numbers did not start or end with 7, and instead 9. It is simply because this report was penned by Haron (with very minimal editing)...
Cheers....
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