Match Report + misc matters

[A] Match Report

Many of the NUS community were concerned that the “TeamNUS Most Sexy-ness Man Alive Award” between Nigel and Hatt-bama occurring just a week shy of the historical finals would be detrimental to the team’s preparation. But such worries were uncalled for, as NUS swept past reigning champions NYP to claim the much coveted S R Nathan Challenge Trophy.

image courtesy of Augustine Cheong

If one paid enough attention, there were actually tell-tale signs as to where the trophy will be heading to, come the end of the final whistle. NYP turned out in blues, without the services of key players Anantha Rajan and Zulfadli Zainal Abidin to aid their bid for their 3rd consecutive title. Even their star stiker, Farhan Faruk, arrived at the Stade de la République de Poly only when the teams’ warm up were ending. On the other hand, NUS, who were clad in their traditional bright orange attire, were at full strength and thoroughly focused on the game.

If NYP thought NUS will play the same way they did in the 2-0 group game defeat, they were terribly mistaken. Master tactician M S Arasu had other ideas up his sleeves, ordering his charges not to sit back, but instead to attack from the very first whistle. NYP were taken by surprise by the manner in which NUS came smashing out of the blocks as they started the game in similarly bright fashion (as their attire), pinning NYP back in their own half.

In particular, the midfield “Bermuda-Triangle” of Andy-Fabian-Vincent was distinctly effective, causing opponents to lose their way and possession of the ball whenever they entered their territory. Even when their opponents stubbornly refuse to let go, they will relentlessly chase them down and harass the ball off them, starting wave after wave of attack for their team. As a result, NUS piled on the pressure, with much debated Wong Lee Hom-lookalike-winger Fong peppering NYP’s goals with shots that troubled the goalkeeper.

These attacks resulted in countless corners and freekicks in dangerous positions, which NUS failed to take advantage until the 30th minute. From a corner on the left, Fong passed the ball to Tom Vincent Cruise at the edge of the penalty box, who eluded everyone’s eyes with his ninja-like movement. First taking control of the ball with a deft touch, he then went on to curl the ball spectacularly past the goalkeeper, just inside the right-post, causing the supporters in the stands to erupt in chaos.

image courtesy of Augustine Cheong

NYP refuses to take this lying down and responds almost immediately with a Raymond Kwa cracker from outside the box. However, Lady Luck was shining on NUS as his power shot cannons off Harpreet’s right hand post. Subsequently, a mazy run by NYP’s right winger opened up space for himself for a shot that looked destined for the back of the net. Only a last ditch tackle by Chris “Lescott” Kang, aptly nicknamed so for his striking resemblance to Everton’s and England’s superb defender, ensured that NUS went into half-time safe with the 1-0 lead.

NYP started the second half the same way they ended the first, putting much pressure on the NUS defence, seeking the ever elusive goal. Indeed, NUS suffered several scares, especially when NYP striker rounded Harpreet for a shot at goal, only to see “Lescott” thwarting their plans yet again. As if things couldn’t have gotten more tense, KR star defender Mark, who also has a monopoly over the sale of skins in NUS, suffered a recurring knee injury and had to be stretchered off. He was replaced by sex-crazy Lin Daowei in a shuffle of defence, which saw “Lescott” switching to right-back with the ever-versatile and highly rated year1 defender Anandconda filling out the entire left wing (if u know what I mean).

Now, NUS barely foraged forward, but when they did, they looked threatening. Midway through the second half, Sudhershen Becklonso Hariram sent Real target “Step-over” King, Fu Chengwei, through on goal with a brilliantly weighted ball, only for the latter to lift it over the keeper and the bar as well.

image courtesy of Augustine Cheong

At this moment, time was running out for the reigning champions and NUS attempted to waste even more time with a flurry of substitutions which saw the almighty Weiquan replacing Brother Fong “Lee Hom”, flo-jo of bangbus2005 replacing Fu, flashy boots yasin taking over the right wing from “Becklonso” and Rafi Makelele shoring up the midfield with match-winner Vincent making way to a standing ovation. In between these substitutions, the NYP players were visibly frustrated as one player after another was booked for rough challenges on the NUS players. This proved to be costly, as NYP was reduced to 10 men late on in the match when Michael Goh received a second yellow card for leaving souvenir stud marks on Fabian, dashing hopes of staging any comeback. NUS eventually saw out the remaining minutes to emerge victorious.

image courtesy of Augustine Cheong

The team of 2008/2009 will always be remembered for making a mark in history by being the first university to win the S R Nathan Challenge Trophy.

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After the match conference
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Reporters: It was an amazing victory that your side produced today. How did you do it?
Coach: With the long break between the semis and the final, we had a good period of preparation and worked positively towards the big game.

R: Do you think NUS deserved this victory?
C: NUS rose to the occasion tonight and played really well to win the cup. They were the best in terms of tactical discipline and desire. They stayed focused throughout the campaign and they wanted what they really wanted badly.

R: Was the match as what you have expected?
C: Yes, we know what a quality side NYP is. Even without their two key players, they posed many problems and were not easy to deal with.

R: Why then did you leave Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year 2007, Kaka, on the bench?
C: He was suffering from fatigue and jetlag as he rushed over from Milan immediately after the 2-0 win over Lecce on Sunday. We didn’t want to risk him.

R: How about Hatt-bama and Nigel? They were seen and overheard arguing over the course of the match about who should have won the ‘TeamNUS Most Sexy-ness Man Alive Award’.
C: No comments.

R: What do you think of next year’s chances of retaining the Cup?
C: I have absolute confidence in next year’s team. Daowei performed admirably today and there’s the talented and much underrated Russell who will make sure its not a formality that Daowei gets to partner “Lescott” in the center of defence. I have two promising goalkeepers, Mayank-who-likes-to-go-to-geylang and ****-says-im-handsome-Aziz, who will fight for Harpreet’s position when he retires. New blood will come in in the new intake as well. Im sure they are up for the challenge.

R: Thank you.

In a separate interview with NUS’s physio, affectionately known as Uncle Sam by the players, he has these words of compliment and praise for the newly crowned champions.

“Congratulations to all of you. It was a WELL DESERVED win. All your hard work (all the trainings) and also good team bonding and the strong fighting spirit and the WANTING TO WIN ATTITUDE played a role in your win. Take care and cherish this wonderful moment.”


Also, in an email sent in by the President of NUS, Professor Tan Chorh Chuan, he commended the team for their valiant efforts and hardwork.

“The team were outstanding and I was proud of their total commitment. This is a great achievement - congrats and many thanks."
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[B] AUG Certs
All the AUG certs are with me. Please collect them from me when you are free.

[C] Celebrations
As requested, SRC are in the midst of organizing the open-top bus celebrations, but nothing is confirmed yet. If there is, it will be early next week (Mon, Tues, or Wed). Is everyone in on it? Else organize liao then many people say cant make it. Say “aye” in favour.

[D] Gathering
Im planning a bbQ gathering at my place after the exams. Probably 23rd may. Let me know if u prefer another date or if u die die wanna have it at a chalet.