Legends slipped up vs. Nail FC
For our 1st game of 2023, the playing conditions were not easy with temperature close to zero and a slippery field from the rain of the days before. We did manage to do a warming up at 08:40 and started the game in a 4-4-2 formation vs. Nail FC. We did have to improvise our defense as a couple of key defenders were not available and we were glad that Marcel helped out to replace our missing goalkeeper Clement.
We started well trying to use our wings with Hira-san and Mamdouh while Nail opted to sit back and defend first. It resulted in a couple of great scoring opportunities for Fred and Pierre but somehow they couldn’t find the net or the ball was saved by the keeper. In the very last minute of the first 20 minutes Nails super fast player out ran three of our players and laid off an easy tip in for their striker.
In the 2nd 20mn, we didn’t panic and tried to continue our play. We thought we equalized when Fred had to make a tip in for us this time but somehow the ball went wide. It stayed 1-0 at half time.
In the third quarter, we lost David our midfield engine with an injury and gave away a free kick at the edge of the box. Our 5 men wall was not enough and the well placed ball went into our left corner. With 2-0 down, we started to lose our confidence a bit as we knew that we have had plenty of opportunities to score but didn’t take them.
We had only 20 minutes left to turn the game around! After a strong team talk, the Legends went back on the field to give all what was left in the tank. We played much faster and had several shots on target but the Nail goalie stood in the way. However, a super fast counter attack caught Nail by surprise and this time Pierre had no problem to score from close range. We were back in the game and three minutes later after a scrimmage in the Nail’s box the ball landed in front of the upcoming Sylvain who scored with a low but powerful strike.
At 2-2, the game became suddenly very exciting as both teams were going for the win in the last few minutes left. The Legends thought they won it when Pierre was nicely lined up to shoot but unfortunately the ball went wide.
[ SPL V ] Shanghai Lions FC 2-2 Nail FC
In the end, we had to settle for a draw… Not the result we wanted but a good lesson for us as it showed that we need to work on our fitness and finishing.
After the game we took some time to say goodbye to Mike who has been a part of our family for the last 5 years. We wish him all the best with his next chapter of life in Germany.
We wish all of you a Happy Chinese New Year!
Cheers
Freek
