Its World Cup time and after a month of non-competitive soccer, GAL kickoff this match with a win in mind as they have nothing else to lose, fielding an attacking 3-2-3-2 for the first time. Much changes have been made to the usual starting lineup, as both Jeremys start the game after a long time out.
The opening few minutes see stray passes from both sides as both teams look to stamp their authority on the pitch. FGA first goal came just 10 minutes into the game, as JT goalkick was straight to FGA striker, who dutifully pounced on the gift to thunder in the opener. GALS, now clearly woken up, start to get back into the game after this soft goal. Quick feet and triangle passing earn GAL quite abit of freekicks but was disappointingly not well taken. The only threat that FGA could offer after the early goal is often delivered to their left sided pacy player to give Dom and Jem something to think about. Fortunately it was a threat that bear no fruit. Otherwise, most of the lofted balls towards GAL half was easily dealt with by Jem and Marcus, as GAL enjoyed much possession and camp the remaining first half in FGA zone, earning freekicks after freekicks.
Halftime soon came with FGA up 1-0.
GAL made changes at the break, with Joel replacing JT in the post and Lincoln came in for Jingzhong as he felt a strain on his thigh. Tactically, the shape is reverted back to a 4-2-3-1, with Ming Kiat coming in at LB and Dom out at RB. 2nd half begin just as where GAL left off. FGA resorted to sending in many long balls down their left, challenging Dom and Jem but to little result. FGA manage to earn a rare freekick in GAL half, that resulted in their 2nd goal. Joel was off his line and misjudged the flight of the dipping ball which the whole defence line could only look on as the ball land in the net.
Play started to get more aggressive after that as both side gets more physical. Deep in 2nd half, Marcus pulled a muscle and Nigel came in for him, playing at RB as Dom pushed in to CB. Clearly still unaware of the pace of FGA left striker, a through ball towards him was easily retrieved and Nigel was easily outpaced and charged through towards goal. Dom recovered to put pressure and made a good block but was unfortunate as the striker still managed to scramble the ball past Joel for his 2nd goal of the game. Jem then reminded Nigel again that the pacy left striker of FGA will get at him again and again he did. Fortunately this time Jem dealt with it comfortably. More freekicks for GAL late in the 2nd half but was again poorly executed. Towards the end of the game Dom was yellow carded on a mistime tackle on the pacy FGA leftsided striker, earning GAL the 5th yellow card of the season (1 league point deducted).
Rusydi tries to break down the FGA defence
Kee Min finds himself outnumbered in midfield
Marcus does what he can to bring the ball upfield
Dominic holds off the FGA forwardFinal Score: GAL 0 FGA 3
Starting 11:
GK: Jeremy Tan
CB: Dom, Jem Sin, Marcus
CM: Kee Min, Damien Chua
LM: Jingzhong, AM: Roy, RM: Rusydi
ST: Yi Jun, Andrew
Subs:
GK: Joel for Jeremy Tan (HT)
Def: Ming Kiat for Damien Chua (HT), Nigel for Marcus (70 min)
Mid: Damien Chee for Andrew (HT), Lincoln for Jingzhong (HT)
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