Soccer Coach
Well-Known Member
Game (Synergy FC-La Libertad Vs Van City Kotoko)
This was an interesting game that ended with deserved victory for the Ghanaian team with three nice finishes.
First game of the season for both of these new teams. The first few minutes were marked by chaotic play as players were trying to settle and try to get into the game. Many in our team were playing together for the first time and were trying to get used to each other. Thus, it was not surprising that the first goal came before the 5th minute. The winger beats with speed the side back, and the center back arrives late. Minimal contact after the winger has lost control of the ball, but the referee sees it differently and awards a penalty. The penalty is nicely converted by the striker. It seems that the game will go their way, but once everything is settled down, the game becomes relatively even. Kotoko is able to keep possession on their half. They move the ball nicely among the back four and the holding midfielders, but they have difficult progressing into the midfield and attacking third with passing. Thus, they have to use long balls or dribbling by some of their very skilled players. Our midfielders have no problems in getting the ball and quite a few counterattacks are staged. In one of them our winger makes a nice cross to the back post, and unfortunately the forward heads the ball barely touching the crossbar. A goal seemed eminent from similar chances, but an unfortunate event allows them to double the lead. The full back is ready to clear an easy bounce, but he misses the kick and the ball goes directly to the forward. A one on one situation with the goalie, which the forwards does not forgive.
The second half saw quite a bit of reorganization on the team. Fresh young legs came into the pitch, and did unexpectedly well. Kotoko's players were tired, and many shots on goal were possible as they were not pressing. Their keeper saved them all well. One minute before the end of the game our players are still pressing up, and a breakaway unsued. A foul at the top of the box followed by a magisterial free kick to the top corner seals their win.
Kotoko was a nice team to play. Some of them apparently played semi-pro or pro in their earlier years. Good quality of play from their part.
Next round is versus the Colombians.
This was an interesting game that ended with deserved victory for the Ghanaian team with three nice finishes.
First game of the season for both of these new teams. The first few minutes were marked by chaotic play as players were trying to settle and try to get into the game. Many in our team were playing together for the first time and were trying to get used to each other. Thus, it was not surprising that the first goal came before the 5th minute. The winger beats with speed the side back, and the center back arrives late. Minimal contact after the winger has lost control of the ball, but the referee sees it differently and awards a penalty. The penalty is nicely converted by the striker. It seems that the game will go their way, but once everything is settled down, the game becomes relatively even. Kotoko is able to keep possession on their half. They move the ball nicely among the back four and the holding midfielders, but they have difficult progressing into the midfield and attacking third with passing. Thus, they have to use long balls or dribbling by some of their very skilled players. Our midfielders have no problems in getting the ball and quite a few counterattacks are staged. In one of them our winger makes a nice cross to the back post, and unfortunately the forward heads the ball barely touching the crossbar. A goal seemed eminent from similar chances, but an unfortunate event allows them to double the lead. The full back is ready to clear an easy bounce, but he misses the kick and the ball goes directly to the forward. A one on one situation with the goalie, which the forwards does not forgive.
The second half saw quite a bit of reorganization on the team. Fresh young legs came into the pitch, and did unexpectedly well. Kotoko's players were tired, and many shots on goal were possible as they were not pressing. Their keeper saved them all well. One minute before the end of the game our players are still pressing up, and a breakaway unsued. A foul at the top of the box followed by a magisterial free kick to the top corner seals their win.
Kotoko was a nice team to play. Some of them apparently played semi-pro or pro in their earlier years. Good quality of play from their part.
Next round is versus the Colombians.