Grilled 2 - 1 Crypto
A scorching day at
The Cooking Pot, where 87058 spectators were in place for today's match.
Paul Soppo was the appointed referee with assistance provided by
Dietger 'die Kurve' Gauß and
健人 (Kento) 工藤 (Kudo). The intense heat made it hard for players relying on strength or speed to shine. On the other hand, it provided perfect conditions for the more technical players. The following players had been chosen by Grilled:
Salmiņš -
Carapaica,
Jeftić -
Kamel,
Xin Lee,
Xin Seng,
Chuan Yong,
Dong Chu -
Ze Han,
Mudaliar,
Egan.
Crypto's starters:
Caymaris -
Ramos,
van Elven,
Whitehead,
Göttler -
Smalley-Mace,
高崎 (Takasaki),
Bikri,
Pânzari,
Troch -
Bastien.
Grilled Birds entered the field in a 2-5-3 formation. The visitors, Crypto Moon, chose to start the game with a 4-5-1 lineup. Grilled clearly preferred using their divine (+6) (26) ability to attack in the middle. It was obvious that Crypto were using their formidable (9) pressing skill as their primary tactic. Grilled had a good opportunity to take the lead as
Vikram Mudaliar came up the left side, but he struck the ball weakly and it went straight into the arms of
Ismaèl Caymaris.
Heng Dong Chu made one of his many fine passes from the wing into the middle 3 minutes into the match.
Moey Xin Seng bravely attempted to execute a diving header and the ball was met firmly with his forehead for Grilled. 1 - 0. The home side failed to add to their score as
Mateja Jeftić shot a penalty wide after 4 minutes. The pressing tactics used by Crypto were successful as the ball remained close to the half way line at all times. Grilled's
Teo Chuan Yong had an excellent opportunity after 18 minutes, shooting after receiving a pass from the right hand side, but he missed the goal by miles! With 19 minutes played,
建 (Ken) 高崎 (Takasaki) came in from the right and could have evened the score, but the defenders successfully repelled the attack by Crypto.
Chan Ze Han could have increased the lead after 33 minutes, but his shot hit the post after a nice combination in the middle of the park. Crypto's counterattacks were lethal to the opposing defence, allowing
Ralph van Elven to score easily from the right flank for 1 - 1. The referee showed Crypto's
Joël Bastien the yellow card after a particularly nasty challenge. 1 - 1 was the score after the first half. Possession in this half belonged to Grilled, who controlled the ball 66 percent of the time.
Crypto's ability to press all over the field frequently paid dividends. Crypto's talent at pressing frustrated the spectators as the game became a dire midfield struggle. As the 80 minute mark approached, the Grilled coach decided it was time for a substitution.
Mateja Jeftić reluctantly made way for
Gilbert Webb on the pitch. As
Mateja Jeftić exited the field,
Gilbert Webb volunteered to be the new set pieces taker. 80 minutes into the game, Grilled wanted to bring some new energy to their game.
Teo Chuan Yong gave
Bilal Mohammad Harun a quick hug as he left the field. Grilled's
Heng Dong Chu had a good first touch on the flank, but was crowded and, after a change of plan, sent the ball to
Bernie Egan who somehow managed to curl the ball wide. At this time in the match, Crypto were using their skill at pressing to successfully stifle the game. After some beautiful movement down the left wing,
Chan Ze Han scored for Grilled putting them ahead 2 - 1, after 84 minutes.
Bernie Egan had a fantastic opportunity to put Grilled up another goal 85 minutes into the match after a pass through the middle set him free, but he fired just over the crossbar. After 89 minutes, the Grilled coach wanted to see a new face on the pitch, waving
Salah Kamel off the field.
吴 (Wu) 敬龙 (Jinglong) took his place. The referee announced 1 minute of stoppage time, giving fans a slim hope that their team could get one more attack in before this was all over. The match ends 2 - 1. Possession in the forty-five minutes was dominated by Grilled, with 66 percent of the ball.
Grilled's top performer was clearly
Chan Ze Han.
Gilbert Webb turned in a dismal performance, however. The most dominating Crypto player was without a doubt
Joël Bastien.
Salvador Ramos on the other hand, had a terrible day.