JANUARY 11 2009
- TAN THIAM PENG
Football is a game played by 22 men. Usually the numbers are split equally; today you could almost say it was 10 against 12.
One of the most improved sports this Inter-Hall season for Hall 4, the soccer team has been knocked out in the quarterfinals by the talented Hall 12.
The team deserves much credit, undone only by another golden goal, after clawing back from two goals down.
Of course, we didn’t play with only 10 men. But you could almost say that. Not once but twice in the match, Hall 4 only had 10 players on the field against the opposition. First, when we kicked off without Jayden, who arrived late, then into extra-time, when Jevon was away due to a call of nature.
In his absence the 10 men could not hold back Hall 12’s onslaught, resulting in their captain unleashing a superb left-footed strike from just outside the box.
We were not looking forward to this match. Lying in wait was a strong team who won their group, including beating Hall 6. We had also tasted defeat against them in a friendly.
Captain James tinkered with the formation for a more conservative midfield, shifting Jayden to the wing and positioning centre-back Colin as anchorman. His instructions were also simple – to attack down the left, linking up Colin, Jayden and striker Zhongliang.
But as expected, after a nervy start for the favourites, they settled into the game and dominated proceedings. Hall 4 could only play with half chances.
Before the break Hall 12 was already 2-0 up, courtesy of a header off a cross and a goal resulting from miscommunication by our goalkeeper Vinson.
On the sidelines, both benches looked like they already knew the outcome of the match. However, the Hall 4 team had other ideas.
Just before the break, a typical punt up by Hall 4 put Zhongliang through, and for the third time this season, he finished off the through ball with a left-footed strike to keep us in the game.
That gave us the morale-boost and James tried his best to keep our heads up during the short rest.
It was a difficult second-half. While Hall 12 kept their shape, we were running all over chasing the game. It was a painful sight with many of our players unable to keep up with the opponents. Our lacklustre centre midfield, especially, was being eaten up by theirs.
Hopes for the semi-final were kept alive when Weisheng delivered another trademark long free kick which sailed over everyone into goal, whilst David distracted the opposing keeper.
The referee blew for the end of normal time. Jevon left for the toilet. When he returned, the match was over. In the short period played, Hall 12 delivered the sucker punch.
Did they have 12?
By the end of the match several senior players in the Hall 4 team were furious with the referee and his handling of matters. He was strict and hard-handed, but at times was OTT. He reprimanded players who made excessive noise during the game, and reiterated to leave the calls to him. But when it mattered, he could not make the right calls.
Hall 4 had come very far. The team held much promise with good performances during pre-season. Experience against some of the best hall teams in NTU proved we were up there with them. It might have been a dream to reach the semi-finals, but we fought and lost to a strong team today. I am sure we have earned the respect of many halls this year.
Manager Chunxiang and Yiyong summed up the effort of the team the best: “This was the sport that trained the hardest, with a fair turn-up every time.”
Graduating players Colin and Weisheng believe the team is left in good hands. “With the Year 1s, we have a very good squad and frankly with the players we have we can beat any team.”
Colin asked us to look forward to next year, that we can only get better. “By coming back from goal deficits (0-1 vs Hall 3, 0-1 vs Hall 5, 0-2 vs Hall 12) it already shows we have the fighting spirit.”
Lastly, Weisheng left golden advice for us: “You need to enjoy the game more when you’re on the field, even if it’s serious, then you’ll play better.”
