Saturday, April 26, 2008
Yesterday was the Nike Cup Finals between my school, Victoria School, and powerhouse Sports School. The score after the final whistle, 1-0, against us. Though we lost, we can say that we were a match to Sports School. We conceded the goal early in the 1st-half... from a corner. Both our last man and stopper went to head the ball, but both missed. The Sports School attacking-midfielder managed to get a touch on the ball. The ball headed between me and our keeper. I pulled back my leg to kick the ball away, but at the same time our keeper prepared to dive for the ball. Both of us hesitated when we saw the other getting ready to clear the ball, allowing the ball to get pass us and into the net. I felt at fault for i could have prevented the goal but didn't.
Though we conceded an early goal, it did not dampen our spirits, for our ever loyal supporters cheered their hearts out, spurring us on. We attacked and defended as a team. We went close a few times but was not able to hit the net. After the half-time whistle went, we gathered around for the coach briefing. I was surprised that i played well, for usually i was too nervous to play well. I was even more surprised when i did not feel any nervousness while playing the game. for i was usually nervous when i play any game, and even more nervous when playing a final. But i did not feel a hint of nervousness when i played. I was even a little disappointed. Not only because of the goal, but because their left-midfielder, Fareez, who was an ex-Victorian, whom i was looking forward to face, did not start the game. I only slide-tackled once during the 1st-half, but i slid three more times during the 2nd-half.
The 2nd-half started with us Victorians feeling pumped out by the constant cheering of our loyal fans and the positive feedback from our coach. We attacked, and managed to get a few chances that could have resulted in a goal or two, but Lady Luck just did not shine on us. Five minutes after the start of the 2nd-half, the person i was looking forward to face came on as a substitute. I was determined to give him a piece of my mind. He soon received the ball from their midfielder. He turned with the ball, only to see me closing him down. He tried to push the ball past me and sprint pass me. When he pushed the ball, i saw a chance to slide him. It was the kind chance that i usually would not take, for there was a high chance that i would not get the ball, i slid in anyway.
As expected, i missed the ball completely, but i managed to get his leg. He fell due to my slide. I awaited for the whistle to stop play because of the foul i commited, but surprisingly, the whistle did not go. There was a whistle signaling our throw-in instead, as the ball rolled out after i slid Fareez. Fareez got up angrily and looked at me, i ignored him and took the throw-in. Many of our supporters, my team-mates and our C'Div coach, Mr Leo Hock Leng complimented me for my slide against Fareez. After the game, I heard that Mr Leo said that he did not mind if we lost 10-0 as long as Fareez does not score. Later on in the game, i slid him two more times, but he was shifted to the center-midfield.
After the game, some team-mates of mine said that their coach changed his position for he was afraid i would injure Fareez. Haha! What a joke. A year ago, when I first joined soccer, and when Fareez joined Victoria, i would try to avoid playing against him for i knew he was too good for me. But when i faced him yesterday, I knew that i was a match for him. I was proud of my achievement of being able to improve myself to match Fareez. He managed to get a good shot on goal though, which was Brilliantly parried away on to the crossbar by our fantastic keeper, Danial Adam Lightfoot. We had played a very good game, and our coach was proud of us, but Lady Luck was simply not with us. We were so close...
I SHOOK hands with Lions Players Khairul Amri and Baihakki Khaizan when we went out to receive our runners-up medals during half-time of the Gombak United vs SAFFC S.League game. I was amazed by their presence. They really stood out from the rest.
Now is the time to concentrate on examinations, and after the holidays, concentrate on our Nationals. I'd would not be online for the whole of this week until exams ends.
Till then, good luck for all your respective exams and may we all pass with flying colours.
Izz...
listening to: Just The Girl - The Click Five
nil sine labore... nothing without labour...
Thanks to all the blogs i referred to (countless) for html code help :) (esp. cyn' and sixseven)
Adobe Photoshop Elements for supernatural abilities
