photo from Roy Sim (Red Card), 24th Canon Lion City Cup facebook
Just when Man City thought that they could muscle through the Dutch’s famous Total Futbol, former Netherlands’ Int’l, Michel Kreek, had another idea. Current tournament hot-shot, Ajax Amsterdam’s Ezra Walian, was introduced into the game in the second half and that move proved to be the start of the excitement, and also the start of Man City’s downfall.
Man City started the game strongly and leaded 2-0 when referee blew the whistle for half time. However, right after Ajax’s tactical change was made when they brought on Ezra Walian, Man City’s defence was tore apart almost instantly! Ajax’s number-9 (Ezra) scored twice in the first 10mins of the second half and gradually his team mates added on another two to make the final score 4-2 in an unbelievable come from behind victory!
And when asked who Michel Kreek wanted Ajax to meet in the final during the post-match conference, he said, “We want to meet Singapore for the revenge (after losing to Singapore in the opening match), and I believe the fans will be happy to see Singapore U-16, the host country and Ajax in the final”.
Second semi-final match, Singapore U-16 played their usual high tempo game under the cheering from the home crowd fans, defeated Brazil’s Vasco da Gama 4-0 to set up a final against Ajax Amsterdam!
Singapore U-16’s number-10, Adam Swandi, was definitely the most talked about player of the game with 1 goal and 2 assists to his name this evening. Futbol is never an one-man effort. The entire Singapore team played according to plan where they drew the Brazilians out, brought the balls to the byline and cut in for a finishing touch. Vasco’s playing space was cut off by our local boys and probably that’s one of the reasons why the Brazilians were unable to dance their way through out defence. And I have to say, these strategies worked extremely well this evening and positive result shown.
Singapore U-15 will take on FC Porto in the 5th/6th placing game, Man City takes on Vasco da Gama for 3rd/4th placing and in final, Singapore U-16 battles out with Ajax Amsterdam! Stay tune for more info!
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