Victorious!

Match Report (excerpt from The SgSoccer News)
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After much hype surrounding the Semi-Finals Match between long-time achievers CombineITE and National University of Singapore (NUS), NUS came back from the dead, from being 1-0 down, to defy the odds to book a ticket to the SR Nathan Finals match to be held in late March.

CombineITE started the match in their usual swashbuckling fashion, pouring men forward into attack whenever they can, but the defenders of NUS stood high and tall, repelling everything that was thrown at them. Most eye-catching of them all has to be Rafi "Makelele", who kept the rising star of Singapore football quiet and subdued for the whole match. Or rather, for as long as he was on the pitch, as the coach of CombineITE finally realised that, although "Makelele" hasn't featured in any game in the season b4 today and after being interviewed admits to "have never played in the position b4", he is indeed one of the best defensive midfielder plying his trade in the beautiful game.

By the time half-time came, the 2sides were locked in a stalemate with NUS registering 0 shots on goal but yet dealt with the attacking threat of CombineITE comtfortably, apart from a shot by striker Nizam that trickled along the goal line and off to safety after NUS's miraclely-cured goalkeeper Harpreet the "Shaky Knee" palmed a shot away and unfortunately into his path. However, disaster strucked less than 5mins into the 2nd half as CombineITE captialised on some uncharacteristic mis-communication in the backline by curling a shot into the left bottom corner of the gk's goal.

However, aided with the never-say-die attitude and fighting spirit of the NUS players, NUS clawed their way slowly back into the game, with Fabiano Tan wowing the supporters and the WAGs in the stands with some neat footwork, turning and squeezing through even with 2 defenders paying him close attention in the middle of the park.

However, it was the player Real Madrid has been targeting this whole season who made a difference when he came on as a sub. Cheng-Cheng-Cheng-Cheng-Cheng took on 9 players on the left flank, cut into the box and shot past the goalkeeper, hit the post and the ball deflected off the 10th player into the empty net. After looking at this display, Real Madrid have now officially come in with a bid for the flamboyant striker, as NUS manager Sean Tan confirms just hours ago. "NUS has received a fax from president-less Real Madrid regarding the availability of striker Fu Chengwei in a bid of nothing less than what has been offered to Kaka by Manchester City. We are assesing the situation but would like to keep him at least till the summer as not only is he a tremendous player, he has also learnt how to celebrate goals properly instead of swearing at fellow team-mates."

With the tie locked at 1-1, the teams played out to a rough and scrappy extra-time. CombineITE, having been frustrated by NUS galient efforts, were starting to panic and resorted to rough tactics to intimidate their so-called "lesser" opponents. The one who suffered the most has to be Mark "Ah Beng" Koh, who with his striking streaks-of-blond hairdo and brand new flashy boots, attracted most of the fouls and verbal abuse, especially from the captain of CombineITE.

An exciting penalty shootout ensued, which saw NUS's "Shaky Knee" saved a kick, while the other 4kickers of NUS putting the balls in with relative ease and confidence. With the last round of the 5kicks to be taken, the score stood at 4-3 to NUS. Up step Sudhi, "I-finally-wore-my-scoring-boots", who blasted NUS into the finals of the SR Nathan Cup for the very first time in history, along with euphoria and cheers that can be heard ringing throughout the night. The come back was completed and CombineITE finally paid the penalty.

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Ok guys, im kinda loss for words here. I think we were brilliant out there? no.. i think we were showed great spirit? hmm.. nope.. i think what we did out there was beyond words. We showed great discipline and resilience in the first half, we showed great character in the 2nd to pull a goal back (which is never easy against a team with so much quality) and we showed we had calmness and coolness from the way we put those penalties away. It is a time to celebrate! For its the first time NUS ever made it to the finals, and for that matter, the first time a uni has ever made it. So, give yourself a pat on the back for this is everyone's efforts.. this, could only be achieved with the great teamwork shown so far in the season. On a personal note, i want to thank everyone for the victory because now, i won't have to miss any more classes next week. =p

No doubt, we are all happy (definitely an understatement) and such, but let's be proud in defeat and humble in victory and keep out feet firmly on the ground. In anycase, we have not won anything yet. Remember, no one ever rems who is 2nd. Anyway, next training would definitely be after the hols, so get some good rest.. those who have injury, pls ice! its ok to indulge in some treats..but drink lots of water (from uncle sam). Wishing everyone a happy CNY! hope everyone gets loads of hong bao~ =p Celebrate!