Totemo Torpedo
This was a particularly enjoyable victory for
Chan Ze Han, who became captain after
Ha Qicai's withdrawal in the second half. "It felt better than if we had won 4-0, frankly." he said. "There's nothing quite like snatching a win from the jaws of... uh, a draw."
Alas, it was not sufficient for the Singapore II.2 against the Nicaraguan II.4, as the spoils were shared. newbies are newbies battled to a standstill against former Copa Rubí Xolotlán winners AJY CF, as late attempts from Tan Chu Chao and Li Choon An were prevented by former São Tomé national custodian Martim Rebocho. Joker 9 were for their part dismissed 1-4 by Nicaragua Soccers, whose French Number Ten Mamadou Tenden started and ended the scoring.
Farmer Bunnies would fall 0-4 in their own World Battle test, but there was perhaps little shame in losing to current J.League leaders Totemo Baka II. Three-time J.League champions and four-time Emperor's Cup holders, Totemo were simply two levels above a one-dimensional Buns setup, and they were fortunate to escape with just two yellow cards - for
Lau Keng Kwang and
Koushan Khatibi.
Lau for one could not begrudge Totemo their win. "They were just that good, there's not much more to say."
This leaves the Buns still winless in their current tourney season, as the J.League picked up the win against II.4. frunzelite did the league proud by holding reigning Emperor's Cup owners Shiawase wa kumo no ue ni to a one-all draw as Amábel Valerio struck first, while Featureship FC lost 0-2 to Sweet Hurricane, hobbled by Miltinho Couto Mello's 34th minute red card for an egregious tackle.
