Shanghai Lions FC

Starting the game, the tactic for Les Bleus was to play grouped in our half side so that we don't run everywhere in vain. Actually, we don't successfully do it. We were not positioned or organized well, and also the Japanese by their moving style created many spaces between our lines. They were always in possession of the ball, so we run and run after it ... They logically scored : one goal following an individual rush from a japanese and a favourable reflecting ball . Despite a good head from Olivier and a shot from Max, les Bleus have been well dominated.
On second half-time, les Bleus showed another visage. They had more possession of the ball and played higher. The game was more balanced and every side had his chances to score. There was a fantastic shot from Greg which hit the transversal post, and another shot from Jerome not far also to score. The Japs were still very dangerous but Edu helped by his defense, made many brilliant saves. Then in the last minutes of the game, when everybody was so tired, the Japs scored their second goal.
Looks like Edu saved a ball on one position leaving the cage empty, the ball got high high and there was a duel between Seb and a japanese who hit the ball first. No regrets on the second goal, because the time was over and it would have changed nothing..

With the damn scorching heat, everybody admitted that we were too short physically. Especially when we play youngster Japs who move well and make the ball run well. This first game starts by a defeat but we can see that in the bus and at the pub, it didn't diminish our good team spirit.
We keep great hope for the next coming games ! (Orange, Korean, Voodoo) Other results : Big Bamboo Voodo 0 - Rubin Shanghai United: 0 Korean Red Devils: 8 - Longbar ANZACs: 2 Malones Shanghai Shooters FC: 9 - Azzurri FC: 0 O'Malley's Oranje: 0 - Shanghai Krauts FC: 3

Final Score : Les Bleus 0 - Japanese 2