Match Review: Singapore Vikings FC vs FC Nippon

3 penalties against - and game over

An extremely hot Saturday afternoon in lovely Singapore welcomed in form FC Nippon against the rather opposite out of form Singapore Vikings. We had a tough time gather a team of 11 but with Coach Domino using his pursuasive whatsapp skills we had a rather decent squad for the day. We knew FC Nippon would likely be fit enough to play 2 matches of 90 if they wanted to and we would have to play compact and try dominate position to avoid running. As expected FC Nippon did dominate possesion but majority of it was on their own half. Our midfield and defense played well in cutting out any big chances for the first 45 minutes. Unfortunately FC Nippon scored rather quickly in the first half and it was an uphill battle from there we thought. We came together as a team, well spirited, and scored two rather swift goals through a lovely volley by Martijn and a classic strikers goal by Joe. At this point we were playing well and created most of the big chances - although FC Nippon had majority of possession. We didn't capitalize and went into the half 2-1 up. We could have killed the game as attacking four in last 20 of first half - AKA Joe and the kids were constantly threatening for more. 2nd Half and Vikings were tired. Some subs were necessary due to exhaustion and injuries. FC Nippon's greater stamina and quick passing seemed to be the key here and proved to strong for the Vikings. With 3 penalties given to FC Nippon in quick succession ( 1st of which was rather soft and last could looked rather dodgy ) - the game ended 3-2 to FC Nippon - who over the full game of 90 minutes deserved the points -. Being 2 - 1 and half time we thought we could see the game out, which we didn't and that was rather disappointing. But we saw good things collectively as a team and hope to get the points in the run in to end of season. Thank you FC Nippon for a great game in good spirit and to the Refs.