Match Review: FC Nippon vs Singapore Football Club

• GK Takaki NAKAMURA
• DF Katsumi Oku
• DF Akihiro HORI
• DF Tom Yoshida
• MD Hiroki NARABAYASHI
• MD Ryuhei IKEDA
• -- Seito Yachimoto
• -- Nobu Honma
• -- Rui Suzuki
• -- Takuya Matsushima
• -- Jo Kagitani

• GK Kento Joko
• DF Ryuko Mon
• MD Shoya MIYASHITA
• ST Koichiro KOSUGI

A gloomy weather (and result for Nippon)

After winning a game for the first time in this season, Nippon was highly motivated to grab the second win although everyone knew SFC has a strong and fit squad. However, the game started with an unexpected opening goal in the very first few minutes when the left side defender of SFC delivered a cross ball which turned out to be a tricky shot that directly went into the side net of Nippon's goal. Despite this disappointing start, Nippon stood strong and reacted well by making a few opportunities in the next 10-15min. One of the free kick was so close to the goal but the GK showed an amazing response after he failed to catch it and SFC managed to maintain the lead. Soon after, the second goal was borne by the SFC forward when they snatched the ball in Nippon's side and quickly delivered to him. It was not so difficult to carry the ball and smash the 1on1 with the GK. After the intensive 1st quarter, Nippon started to increase their ball possession and leveraged their short passes and techniques. The 2 defensive midfielders especially showed great performance in this instance. The SFC back line remained solid though and the wet pitch did not allow Nippon to deliver critical chances. In the second half, SFC regained their aggressive style and pushed the ball towards Nippon's goal. Although the number of critical chances were not many, they managed to squeeze in the third goal from a great header and made the game very difficult for Nippon. Nippon once again reacted firmly to this situation and created many threats from side attacks with their fresh members. The field was almost under their control and possession was fairly high. They just couldn't control their shots and failed to score. The game was wrapped up with the fourth goal that came out of a very good pass work by SFC folks. Because of the wet and slippery field, the GK failed to stop a relatively easy shot and with that, the game was set. Overall, SFC scored most of the opportunities with an amazing concentration and a bit of luck while Nippon couldn't make the finishes. Both teams showed great fighting spirit and unique performances. Well played SFC. Also, many thanks to the ref team who handled a slightly tricky game with minimal cards and distractions.

• Martin Lavoo GK
• Jahan Rezai DF
• Ryosuke Ataku MD
• Anthony Garreau MD
• Tim Walter MD
• Joe Claridge MD
• Sam Balls MD
• Fazrul Nawaz ST
• Andrew Hutcheon ST
• Simon Lloyd --
• Josh Jones --

• Roberto Bruce DF
• Collins Mbeutcha MD
• Alex Catanescu ST
• Rory Brennan --

Return of the Hutch

As with every game against Nippon, SFC knew we were in for a tough afternoon and Saturday was no different. The challenge from management was to dominate the game and attempt to play our usual style. The game started very well, with a fortuitous cross from Faz which ended up lobbing the Nippon goalkeeper. From the goal Nippon played their usual style controlling the ball with some intricate passing in the midfield without too much penetration. SFC seemed content to allow them to play in front of their defense and break aggressively upon retention of the ball. Shortly after Joe released Faz with a lovely weighted pass, which was latched onto and finished well to make the game 2-0. Deep in the second half Joe unleashed one of his trademark crosses which was finished well by Hutch on his return to the team. A further first Cosmo goal followed for Alex which rounded off a good 4-0 victory. Especially pleasing was the manner in which we weathered the storm in the first half and managed to secure our first clean sheet of the season. Well done Nippon for a well contested game. SFC MOM: Joe Claridge