Result: 7-4
Goals: Saeed (Marquee Saudi Arabian import) '05, '29
Tim Gilbert "the cannon" (Australian import) '17, '128
Abbas (Chad import) ' 37
Rand (on loan from US Marine base, Phillipines) '67
Hills (mastermind of alleged Hefeiexpat.com cyberattacks against google.cn ) '106
Ground: CIE
Report:
A fantasic result played in front of a record crowd of 37 spectators who would have left the ground feeling that they had more than gotten their money's worth, as Athletico Hefei marched to victory in extra time. In controversial circumstances, extra time was called, suspicously, without scores even being level after 90 minutes, leaving a sour taste in the mouth of the CIE captain, who watched as his young team capitulated in the dying stages and were overrun by a much older, fatter and cramping Athletico side. An official inquiry has been launched to determine why indeed the referee failed to blow for full time, despite assuring Atheletico that there were only 5 minutes of injury time left in the 90th minute, but proceeded to prolong the game by another 45. Whether or not charges will be laid against the referee are uncertain, but what is certain is that Athletico now lead the head-to-head count 8 - 6, and future matches are likely to involve a neutral referee.
The match also saw 6'10 Rand strutting his stuff for the first time, and truth be told, it is not so uncommon for Americans to talk-the-talk more than Rand did in the build-up to the match, but for an American to completely outplay expectations and cement his place in the starting XI is unheard of. The little Hefeinese were completely bewildered with how to match up on Rand, hoping to tap the ball and run past him, but each time was thwarted by a size 49 American Football boot, crunching them as they fell past. Rand even lended a hand up front with a sublime tap in, after a great team build-up in the mid second half.
Man of the match will again have to fall to Athletico's Marquee, Saeed, a revelation since signing on a free transfer after his contract expired in Saudi Arabia Premier League in March 2009. His presence was continually causing problems for the CIE defense, and they struggled throughout the match in getting the ball out of defense despite Athletico just playing a lone man up front. Saeed scored two excellent goals and turned provider in the 17th minute when he latched on to a ball which CIE had failed to properly clear, beat his defender and set Tim up with the simplest of finishes, which only just slipped in the front post. Saeed's work ethic was phenomenal, and in particular is brilliant run from halfway while dragging along a poor defender who had latched onto his shirt to a vain attempt to bring him down. The end result was a tap in for Barry, who blazed away over the bar.
Tim "the Cannon" Gilbert also had a good return with 2 goals, the last of which blasted a hole in the net, or at least would have, if there had in fact been a net at all. This goal ended all hopes of an extension to extra time in the 128th minute, as CIE and the referee realised that the result was only going to get worse.
Abbas, despite only scoring the one goal this game (compared to his 4 the previous match) played a crucial midfield role, meaning that for once we had enough team balance to see the match out without any formation collapses as our stars tire towards the end of matches. His passing, along with Saeed, Barry and Hills in the midfield meant that CIE were always on the backfoot, and unable to really pressue us for long periods, as has happened previously.
Hills chipped in with a trademark individual effort, dribbling through and around 6 players, just when the team needed it. A quieter game for the injured Hills, but he focused his attention on supplying Saeed with numerous passes and maintaining possession in the middle.
Barry, while having a shocking day in front of goal, again proved a thorn in the CIE defense by continually linking up the midfield and forward line with unselfish runs and passing for all 128 minutes. We just need to give Barry a bit of shooting practice before his girlfriend comes to watch!
Finally, the icing on the cake would have to be the rock solid German-led defense, which repelled attack after attack, and were able to efficiently return the ball to our enterprising midfield. Alan had an excellent game, barely making a mistake all match and making numerous intercepts and tackles. Markus, again, continues to shine as an attacking centre-back, by making unexpected runs and destabilising the opponents defense as we go forward.
All in all, it has to be noted that the team we put out there on Sunday was better balanced than our previous sides, with enough strong players willing to play down back, allowing our skillfil attacking players the space, service and opportunity to put the goals in the back of the net.
Can I have everyone to reply to my report so that I can put you all on the mailing list for future games? My email is
[email protected] By Tim Gilbert
Author
Topic: Match Report - Anhui International Economy College vs Athletico Hefei (Read 4075 times)