~Where Emotions Are Expressed...~

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

We had two friendly matches between last week and last Monday. The first against Singapore Fusion School. A school which prioritize in teaching the students playing good football. We played three halves of 30 minutes each. I did not start the game. It was expected, as i missed two weeks of training.

I missed training as my uncle passed away... I went for training the day after he moved on and was buried, to take my mind away from his death... But i ended up breaking down during training... Fortunately for me, my coach was very supportive and he talked me into taking it slow and easy... Well, i took it slow and easy by missing two whole weeks of training. Then went for one session of training before going for the match against Singapore Fusion School. At the start of the game, the way they played possession made me think that they were very good. They played smooth flowing football and created chance after chance. They nearly scored a few times, but thanks to some determined tackles and our terrific keeper, they did not convert any chances. We barely had any opportunity to score during the first half. But our performance during the second half was much better.

I was told to warm-up near the end of the first half, and was brought in at the start of the second half for the right-back position, in place for the current right-back, Khairul. It had been quite some time since i played soccer, so i was eager to see what i can do.

I got into action a few minutes after the restart. I received the ball at the opponents half, and their winger immediately tried to close me down. I did what i never did before... I dribbled past him, and pulled in their left-back so i can create room for our winger, Ryson, to run before giving Ryson the ball. Ryson then had acres of space to cross the ball into the opponents penalty box.

It was the first time i tried to dribble past an opponent. I used a simple but effective technique that most players usually use to get past an opponent. I was commented positively for it by teammates and coaches as i created our first chance of the game. Half-way through second half, our left-back, Masri, was kneed at the calf by our opponent and had to be substituted out. I was then shifted to left-back and Khairul was brought in as right-back.

I was worried at first as my knee injury had caused kicking with my left leg to be inconsistent as the pain is intense. But when i did use it, i endured the pain and kept a straight face. I managed to give a good through-ball despite the pain though. I received the ball from our dynamic midfielder, Dilip, looked up, saw our left midfielder, Jeremy, running, then lofted a left-legged through-ball over their right-back who was marking Jeremy. He was clear on goal with the ball... but then the referee waved offside. All the hard work and endurance of the pain for nothing... We went on to come back from our dismal first half performance to win the match 6-0 after the three halves.

The next match last Monday was against recent Victoria graduates. They were faster than us, but that does not mean they are better in terms of overall play. We played two halves of 40 minutes. I did not start in this game too. We conceded early in the second half, a howler of a goal. We were in possession of the ball, when our key striker, Wan, who was on the bench, decided to run across the field to the other side. While he was half-way through, our midfielder lost the ball then their defender sent a high through-ball over our defense line and their striker latched on to it. Their striker was offside, but the referee saw Wan running across the field and thought he was playing, therefore, ruling their striker onside. They scored another goal few minutes

I was brought in late in the first half due to an injury to Khairul. I went on in for him, in the right-back role. The game was challenging, but great experience for us, pushing us to improve so we have what it takes to win in the Nationals. I received a yellow near the end of the first half. The opponents left winger received the ball from their keeper and started to counter-attack. I ran up to him and gave him a two-footed slide, missing the ball completely and catching him legs slightly instead. The referee gave me a straight yellow card. My first yellow card in all my life. But i did not feel anything, but watched my tackling more instead to avoid a second consecutive yellow card...

I could say that i have improved since the start of the year. I can keep myself more composed in matches and not afraid to ask for the ball. My heading has slightly improved too... I'm more confident then ever to be part of most, if not every, minute of our upcoming Nationals games. I really hoped to score a goal during open-play soon...

signing off...
Izz...
(listening to: Check Yes Juliet by We The Kings)

Izz left at 1:43 AM

You're Once My Light...
Once Shining Bright...