Opposed to the previous 2 matches the Japanese were able to overcome the Hollandse in the thirth attempt. Whereas in the previous two matches the Dutch where more dominant and dangerous in their play, it was today the Japanese who overclassed a weak and out-of-form Hollandse, with quick and skilful position play.
The preparation at Hollandse was far from optimal, starting the game with 9 players. It took a while before the starting eleven were all arrived at the Bedok pitch. After 10 mins in the game the Hollandse were complete and played decent for the next 10 mins, trying to put some pressure on the Japanese defense. However the lack of preparation at the side of the Hollandse and the disciplined preparation of the Japanese became soon very visible. The Dutch where caught by the heath and the play soon became like melted Goudse Cheese: slow and sticky. The Japanese were getting stronger and stronger with long balls to their wingers or to their skillful striker Ota. It took 30 mins when the Japanese scored their well-deserved first goal – a beautiful header after a set-piece. After the first goal the Dutch were getting poorer and even ignoring the basic agreements and tactics, leading to the Japanese scoring their second just before the break. Despite the power speech in the break, the confidence and morale of the Dutch players was not boosted for the second half. The Japanese started on the same foot as just before the break by showing neat and quick possession play with a lot of pace on the sides and one of the best quality players of the Cosmo League in the middle – Ota Daisuke. The Japanese managed to score an additional 3 goals in the second half. Some of the scored goals would definitely be in the election of goal of the year (two powerful shots in the upper corner from 30 metres and a powerful header via the crossbar).
Thanks to the Japanese for a fair play and showing some high quality football. After a good series in February and March, we thought to be on the right track. However after almost no matches in April and some injuries/absences, it seems that we lost our good form again. It is now the objective to find our good shape again and play some decent matches in the end of the - for us rather disappointing - season. After that we can at least prepare ourselves with some pride to beat our opponents at the European Championship 2012. In the meanwhile our team management is already heavily engaged in spotting new Dutch talents in Singapore to get some quality injections and broaden our squad for next season.
MoM Japanese: Ota Daisuke
MoM Hollandse: Bas van Rooij – the only man showing a fighting mentality, albeit for only the last 10 minutes of the game when he got onto the pitch.