Shanghai Lions FC

Saturday, October 25th 2003. Tianma soccer pitch.

Here comes the big test. Les Bleus are up against Shooters, and after their two first games, there was some apprehension before the starting whistle. But after several minutes, it was gone. The team was well positioned, and Shooters had trouble to play their football. It was mainly played in the midfield, as both teams were fighting hard to get a hold on the ball. Les Bleus didn't have much opportunity however, except from long balls up the field. Shooters did not have much more, but two were enough! First one was a classic: good cross from the left and header. The second was unlucky for Les Bleus, and came at a bad moment. Just before half-time, the ball came from a free-kick inside the box. The defense missed the clearance, and one Shooter was there to send a powerful ball through a wall of defender. Edu couldn't see it coming. 2-0, half time.

The second half started as the first. A battle in the midfield, but alway in good spirit. And slowly, it seemed that Les Bleus were getting better. Unhappily, on one quick counter-attack, Edu went up against the attacker. The ball bounced back into Shooters feet, and it was 3-0. But Les Bleus did not give up, and during the last 20 minutes played most of their time in their opponent's half. David Y. received a good ball from Santiago, and shoot from 25 meters. Nice shot, a deserved goal, 3-1. Despite more efforts, the score did not change.

Comments: Certainly our best game this season. We're only missing a little more passing skills that would create the space and opportunity for goals. The most important is that we did not take goals in the last 20 minutes as usual, but even scored one. Let's hope it will be a new start for us.