Espresso Wake Up Call
Zhan's Parting Gift
Taipei-based Taiwan Division One team ESPRESSO blew their chances in an evenly-fought contest that Grilled's second eleven finished ahead.
Zhan Ju-Hau, hawked shamelessly by his agents, had an eventful outing in central defence. The midfielder helped
Hang Bao-Tam keep a clean sheet, while getting what may be his last goal for Grilled.
With Zhan at the back, the central three for Grilled consisted of Siu-Yue, who impressed as a winger in the narrow loss to Team Singapore, and Swiss duo Rottman and Paullin.
Antonio Fernández Riviera was clearly growing into the right wing as all of Swede defender Lars Rothstedt's speed was for naught against him. Without anyone keeping tab on him, Riviera was sending in a cross every other minute, and Hobson wowed with a great vertical leap over Anders Fagerby to score.
Three minutes after that the opener, ESPRESSO's midfield inspiration Hugo Göransson bamboozled Kolesov on the wing with some help from local veteran Da Ai-Choo. He was caught between firing off and passing it to his forwards, and must have regretted his indecision as
Nui Pakpao stopped him early conceding a free kick.
Lorenz Paullin, playing from deep, spotted Zhan falling back to old habits and making a dangerous long run. Luckily, the Grilled defence was not exposed as Zhan's off-balance strike wormed its way into the net.
ESPRESSO's weakest link was undoubtedly Johan Dyrmo in an unfamiliar sweeper's role, and credit was due his wingbacks for covering his back. He let
Joe Stern escape into space far too easily, and only Stern's own mistake kept him from converting his free header. ESPRESSO were lifted by the home fans towards the end of the game, and Lars Rothstedt ran the length of the pitch before shooting at Bao-Tam. Johnny Jeppsson earned a cheer in the 82nd minute when he hit a rising, curling shot on the turn, but it spun away from the inside of the post at the last moment, leaving ESPRESSO goalless.
