photo from Canon Lion City Cup Facebook
Three things, firstly, stop Ajax’s number-8, Vince Dekker, from whipping in the crosses. Secondly, cut off all the spaces which Ajax’s number-10, Abdelhak Nouri, could have. Lastly, stop all supplies to Ajax’s number-9, Ezra Walian.
Singapore U-16 had done almost all that, but a couple of concentration lapses costed them the winner medal. Final score at Jalan Besar Stadium, Ajax Amsterdam 4 Singapore U-16 1.
Despite Singapore started the game strongly, Ajax slowly took over the control of the game with their typical Ajax Academy style of futbol – swift, quick passing in penetration. Singapore young cubs did try to make use of their pace to outrun Ajax’s defence, but it’s obvious that Ajax’s head coach, Michel Kreek’s team on the bench realized the problem and was quick to make tactical adjustment.
“We knew everything about Ajax’s style but unfortunately we did not manage to stop their play. They had some of the best coaches around, every (tactical) changes they made affected the game. The boys tried their best but conceded easy goals. It was a hard lesson for the boys to learn from,” said Singapore U-16 head coach, Dejan Gluscevic.
On the other hand, Ajax’s Michel Kreek, sang praises for Singapore U-16’s effort. He commented, “Singapore studied Ajax very well but tonight our team played better”.
Congratulation to Ajax Amsterdam for taking home most of the awards. Ajax’s number-10, Abdelhak Nouri, bagged the Most Valuable Player Award and Ajax’s number-9, Ezra Walian, took home the Top Scorer Award.
In the earlier matches, Man City beat Vasco da Gama 3-1 in the 3rd/4th Placing match while Porto gunned down Singapore U-15 6-0 in the 5th/6th Placing match. For more info, please log on to www.lioncitycup.com
33 thoughts on “Ajax Crowned Champion”