Through the eyes of a pretty girl in the stands

Soccer through Germaine’s eyes…

It was a gloomy day, rain was pouring heavily throughout the island and soccer just didn’t seem possible. I remember telling Shao that I thought soccer will probably be cancelled but after a few calls, we decided to head up to Admiralty just in case.

The grounds were wet and it was still raining. I must say I was surprised at the good turnout despite the weather. I’d give an A+ for commitment on this one. Jenson had forgotten his boots but he still showed up for the game in the hopes of being able to borrow a pair. Kenneth too had left his boots at home and he actually drove the long way back just to get it. I was pretty impressed that even though it was seriously raining like there was no tomorrow – lightning, thunder and all; and in spite of the God forbidden location of the pitch, almost everyone showed including many new faces.

And so after much deliberation, the match began with Isa declaring “4-3-2-1”. I figure that is some game strategy which essentially means 4 back defenders and 1 striker? Well I don’t think it worked very well at first (sorry Isa!!). From where I was sitting, the opponents were attacking relentlessly and making many attempts at goal. It seemed to take a lot of effort for us just to get the ball into our attacking half, and it just wasn’t well supported. I’d say the opponents were pretty rough and they were pushing our guys about, and perhaps it was also due to the slippery pitch; I really don’t know, but we didn’t seem to be holding our own. Playouts was being taken for a ride and playing the opponent’s game.

The first half was frustrating to watch frankly as we were missing many opportunities due to lack of communication, not spacing out, some inaccurate passes, and just no follow through. We would intercept the ball but then we would lose it just as quickly. We were playing a defensive game I think, for we really weren’t attacking much. (Just so you know, Shao isn’t around so he has no idea what I am typing here…) From where I was sitting, I think many opportunities were lost because people didn’t take a shot at goal when they could have. Maybe in soccer, it’s different, so please don’t mind my ignorance.

I have no idea who from the other team scored, but it was 2 nil, with us down, in the first half and both goals happened very quickly. To some extent, I’d say it was a case of bad luck, yet with a semi-blocked view because of the pillar (and no, I didn’t get up and move), I think there was a lapse of duty in the goal box. Everyone just seemed all over the place and the opponent was literally given a free shot.

Maybe it was because you were trying a new combination of players, but there really just wasn’t any team work. Not apparent to me at the stands anyways. Plus I must say that the opponents were rather distracting as they kept yelling and calling for the ball; which was really quite annoying at some point. As for you guys, you kept calling “Israel”, but no one that called him really offered him an option. It was like we were rooting for a country or something at a soccer stadium as opposed to calling to a team mate and saying “hEy! I am free! Here!”

So that was the first half. You guys seemed pretty beaten after the 2 goals which was to be expected but I applaud you as I felt you didn’t give up. In previous matches, I have seen you guys completely just go flat after the opponents score, but this match, you guys fought on and hard. So WELL DONE!!!  The 2nd half was A LOT better.

The 2nd half saw the opponents still persistently attacking but our defence seemed stronger. I think its because Guoming shifted position. I am not sure, but he seemed to be at his usual position as opposed to the first half whereby he was running around like a centre or midfielder. I think the Guoming-Shao-Chong-(oMG please don’t kill me, but I can’t seem to recall who plays this. Does it always change? Sometimes I think I saw Ryan play) defence line is quite formidable. The opponents didn’t get to score this 2nd half. Instead, Israel scored the breakthrough goal easily and with restored and renewed vigour, Playouts fought harder. Everyone was watching the ball and I think the defence was seriously tighter this time. Finally, Shao did one of his fluke ‘supposed-to-be-a-shot-at-goal’ passes and Kenneth confirmed the equaliser. That was some adrenalin pumping there! Good follow through!

Towards the end of the match, we had more opportunities for goals but I guess it was a mixture of luck as well as hesitance. Nonetheless, I think it was a great game and you guys have come a long way since the first few times I saw you play the last season.

You guys are a strong team with good fundamentals, and I would say you have many gems amongst the team for various reasons. I am proud of you guys and I think you will do just great this season. 

Some take-aways:
1) Follow through!! Your job ain’t done right after you pass the ball. A lot of you tend to pass the ball then “close shop” until the next time the ball comes your way.
2) It doesn’t matter if the opponent scores first. It’s only who wins at the end that matters. So don’t lose steam and don’t hang your heads low. They score first, you score MORE!
3) I get it that we should try to pass the ball and I guess try to plan the goal attack. BUT if you are 2 down already, or if you are in a fairly good position, just TAKE THE SHOT. No one is going to think you are action balek but at least you are giving the team more chances at goal. ALTHOUGH having said that, if the play is still nil-nil, or if you are at an advantage then there is no need to take such risks or play so frivolously. It really depends on the situation. But do keep that option in mind.

You guys are an excellent team so keep it up! Playouts must be division champs again yah! 

Disclaimer: I didn’t run this by Shao. I watch soccer but I am really not very in tune with it so some of the stuff I say are just purely off the top of my head. Sorry if it they sound silly and ignorant. I know match reports aren’t supposed to be like that but with no knowledge of soccer, this is just what I think and feel watching you guys from the stands. Hope you don’t mind my directness. It’s just me. I probably don’t make sense at all so that’s your review from a clueless girl sitting at the stands.

- by Germaine Lim – “WAG”