Last Saturday, the 12th of March, PMC took part in the Fandi Ahmad Academy (FAA) Religious Harmony Cup, finishing third in the group and narrowly missing out on progression to the quarter finals by a single point. Appreciation has to be shown those who came down but didn't get to play for long due to the lack of game time. Players like Samuel, David, John, Wei En and Nigel ought to be commended for their excellent attitude, making the effort to travel all the way down there and supporting the team.
The players gathering bright and early on a Saturday morning
It was a brilliant day for football but then again, which day isn't? Soccer is one of the few things in life worth waking up for and the hundreds of people who turned up punctually for the tournament at 8am paid testament to that belief. There was a festive atmosphere marking the return of Singapore's favourite footballing son, Fandi Ahmad, with party music played and laughter shared throughout the well organized tournament.
Players warming up on the artificial turf
What a beautiful day it was for football
Marcus keeping his eye on the ball
The games were played on 2 halves of the absolutely brilliant Tampines Safra artificial turf. The quality of football was very impressive as well, with a few teams putting up exemplary shows, passing and moving ala Barcelona style. Although it was a potentially divisive and hostile competition but the referees, impressively enough, were authoritative enough to prevent any fights from happening. The games were played in a strict but fair spirit. As a result, the players and audience enjoyed the proceedings.
A total of 11 players represented PMC, with Daniel managing the team as he failed to register for the tournament beforehand. PMC lost the first game 1-0 to a very technically sound team. However, PMC should have nicked a point from the game, conceding a goal that came from a hopeful throw-in into the box. Perhaps, on hindsight, fielding a 2-3-1 formation was a bit too adventurous for a 7 a side, 15 minute game. Teams tend to go all out due to the short duration of game time and the high chance that the 1 goal will decide the outcome.
Team photo with our 1st opponents
The gift exchange
After a 3 hour interval, PMC played the second game and lost by the same scoreline as the first game. This game was a kick in the teeth, given that PMC were denied a clear penalty at the end and the fortuitous nature of the goal. The right winger scuffed his cross and it landed nicely in the path of a surprised forward, who managed to poke the ball past an on rushing Kelvin.
With nothing but pride left to play for, PMC played the third game with a carefree attitude and it seemed to bring the best out of the players. Everyone focused on the game and not the result. Dominic scored from the kick off, rifling a free kick into the top corner from 30 meters out, stunning the opponents and the crowd. It was an effort that will be hard for him to replicate and a moment that he will treasure. However, what was more impressive was the fantastic performance PMC put up for the rest of the game. The other team still had a chance of qualification and they duly pressed forward. PMC soaked up the pressure fantastically and counter attacked with devastating pace. Wei Jie brought the ball out of defence confidently and was almost rewarded with a header striking the post. The final whistle was blown and PMC deservedly won the game 1-0.
We left with our heads held high, giving a good account of ourselves. It put us in good stead for this sunday's crunch match against newcomers, PPMC, who have already chalked up a 2-0 victory against COA. Come on!
The FAA PMC Team
Report by: Dominic Neo
Photos by: Samuel Eyo
No comments:
Post a Comment