Match Review: FC Nippon vs Hotspurs FC

15-Mar-2024 19:30

League // UWC Dover

FC Nippon

L L L W W

4 - 1

Hotspurs FC

L W W W L

Referee - Alex // Assistans - N/A & N/A

FC Nippon

Line-Up

Substitutes

Report

Great 2nd half after a tough 1st half

The Japanese team was looking for another win after a dramatic victory last week and so did it became. It started with their usual 4-4-2 with a few key players missing which meant it was going to be a tough game. The game started at a calm pace but Nippon couldn't control the ball very well and ended up losing it carelessly in the midfield. The first 30 minutes was a tough one for both sides, trying to gain the ball and develop their football. One big chance came when Hagi received a through pass behind the defence line. Everyone thought he would win the 1on1 with the keeper, but he was dragged by the defender's arm right before the shot and it was a penalty kick. Hagi let the keeper go the opposite side and calmly slotted in. 1-0. The team thought this goal would give them some comfort, but Hotspurs didn't allow that. They reacted strongly and it was a tough period for both. In the very last minute of the 1st half, from the right side, a Hotspurs player cut in deeply to the penalty box after winning some duels and won the 1on1 vs the keeper to equalize. 1-1 and half time. In the half time, Coach Tom advised the team to play more calmly and posses the ball without hurrying too much. He also sent Kotaro Hayashi to the field in the second half to add possessing ability. The team followed the Coaches strategy and started the control the game better. 15 min into the second half, Ichi made a great pass cut, excellently carried the ball and passed to Kotaro who cut into the vital area and delivered a soft pass to Seiji. Seiji made a good run and fired an accurate shot from his right foot which found back of the net. 2-1. It didn't take too long for the Japanese team to score another two goals. The 3rd goal was borne by Abe, who substituted Ryuhei. Hdelivered a lovely lobby pass to Hagi from the center and Hagi brilliantly touched it in the vital, won two defenders in the box and calmly put it in the left side net. 3-1. The 4rth goal was borned by Jaume, who collected a loose ball and found Kotaro running into the space behind the defence line. After a velvet touch, Kotaro smashed the ball into the right side net and that was it. 4-1. The rest of the match was pretty much Nippon's game and they closed the game with 4-1. A great Friday night game. Thanks to Hotspurs and the referee team.