While watching Singapore U-16 played this evening, one part of my soul travelled back 17 years where the 1995 class of Indra Shadan, Ahmad Latiff and Yazid Yasin took on some of the bigger youth teams at the old single-tier Jalan Besar Stadium.
17 years on, I witnessed the next generation, Singapore U-16, taking on FC Porto U-15 at the new multiple-tiers Jalan Besar Stadium! What was displayed this evening was fast transition play from defensive to offensive, fast and quick passing game and loads of determination! The 1995 class played exactly the same attractive futbol which drew all the crowd to pack the old Jalan Besar Stadium!
The young cubs played to their strength by releasing the balls to the wingers to signal the attack. Not only the offensive players are attacking-oriented, both full-backs were equally launching ammunitions down the flanks too. Although the young cubs missed a couple of great chances, credit must not be taken away from FC Porto. The Portuguese team played one of the most beautiful futbols in this competition where they jingled around with neat, short and quick passes. Watching the Portuguese’s European, with a little mixture of South American style, was delightful.
Final result was 0-0 with both sides failing to convert their chances. However, Singapore U-16 advanced to the semi-final with 4 points after a win against Ajax Amsterdam U-15 2days ago. FC Porto secured their very first point of the competition this evening.
The earlier game between Manchester City U-15 and Vasco da Gama U-15, the English outmuscled the small Brazilians with a score of 2-0. Be it tactic or technique, Manchester City’s players displayed maturity way above their age and the Brazilians were struggling to play their usual game. Especially with Manchester City’s solid back four, they certainly look like the hot favorite to win this competition after their convincing display this late afternoon.
Comes Thursday, FC Porto U-15 will take on Ajax Amsterdam U-15 while Manchester City take on Singapore U-15. Still remember I wrote about the 1995 class of Indra Shadan, Ahmad Latiff and Yazid Yasin earlier? For those who are not as old as I am, for your info, that 1995 Singapore U-16 team, won the Lion City Cup that year…
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