Shanghai Lions FC

No need to mention that for that game the most motivated guy was the coach! He still felt guilty about the first lost game of the season. Les Bleus were using their beautiful white jerseys (thank you Jerome!), and conditions were much better than the previous game. The game started clearly with an advantage for Les Bleus. They were pressing hard on the Japanese and got control of the ball. Opportunities however were not that clear. One good far shot from Oumarou, but also an incursion from Damien into the Japanese area (oh yes, we're gonna miss those) who seemed to have been tripped by the defender. It was not clear and the referee did not whistle. On the other side, Japan played on the speed of their forward. On one of those quick counter attacks, they got a corner. The ball was floating in the defense, and nobody seemed to be able to kick it away. It finally ended in front of the box, and a Japan midfield sent a strong shoot. Edu was masked by the defense... first goal of the game. Les Bleus were one down at half time, but it was not really deserved.

Les Bleus started the second half with as much spirit as the first one. They were first on the ball and had possession, but it seemed that something was always missing in the last touch. They did not give up however and got their reward: combination on the right side between Damien and Christophe. Christophe quickly gave the ball to Olivier who was five meters away from the box, and shooted instantly. The ball floated, and with a nice curve ended right in the left upper goal corner... splendid! Les Bleus were then even more motivated and pushed. But the Japanese were still dangerous in counter attacks due to the speed of the attackers, and Edu had to be attentive and go out of his box several times. But a good combination between Oumarou, David and Damien allowed the latter to shoot a well placed ball. The japanese keeper pushed the ball back, but David had followed and scored, 2-1 Les Bleus. (He was so happy he vomited on the pitch!). Les Bleus still had opportunities, and the ball was now going from one side to the other. Unfortunately, in the last minute, a through ball lobed the defense and Edu was a little shorter than the other times... Japan's forward pushed the ball slowly in. Despite a last attempt in the box for Olivier and Oumarou, the score did not change: 2-2

Comments: well, we're a little disappointed. The good part was that we never gave up, and came back in the lead in the second half. We could have scored more, but a small mstake at the end cost us the victory.