NGURAH 0 - 2 Ninomiya (365141702)

The crowd of 40350 turning up at TRIBUTE TO VANRIAN today were greeted with some nasty showers of rain. René Neu-Wulmstorf was the appointed referee with assistance provided by Arian Connor Prausner and José Luis Ancres. A 2-5-3 alignment was the formation of choice for NGURAH. The following players took the field: Ngo - Lafleur, Freghetti - Wilhelm, Akgöz, Fig, Rogalewski, Cannelli - Diniz, Bucić, Kjær.

Ninomiya started off with a 4-4-2 lineup. Lineup: Leone - Lită, Molina, Nolla, Vida - Asri, Butet, Vera, Regine - Miranda, Erica.

Underestimation of the opposition made NGURAH players perform way below their normal capacity. The wings were the focus of most of NGURAH's attacks today. Ninomiya immediately set off using their skill at pressing their opponents. O. Freghetti slipped and slithered in the wet grass. His usual rapid runs were nowhere to be seen today. 21 minutes in, NGURAH appeared unsure on how to play and their organisation was only weak. The game was characterised by rough play and many physical challenges on the wet field, but A. Regine showed great heart and had a good game. After 31 minutes, Ninomiya put themselves up 0 - 1, as S. Butet finished off a strike from the left with a real cannonball of a shot. At this time in the match, Ninomiya were using their skill at pressing to successfully stifle the game. P. Nolla of Ninomiya took advantage of a mistake on the home side's right after 40 minutes which increased the away team's lead to 0 - 2. R. Molina of Ninomiya was booked for kicking the ball away after the whistle. 0 - 2 was the halftime score. Possession in the forty-five minutes was dominated by NGURAH, with 55 percent of the ball.

After the half time break, NGURAH returned to the pitch without the complacent attitude they demonstrated during first half. The coach gave his players an extra tactical briefing during the break, and after that NGURAH had solid organisation. A misunderstanding between the visitors' keeper G. Leone and his left defence could have resulted in a goal for NGURAH, but T. Fig's finish was way too lame. After 78 minutes Ninomiya's P. Miranda contracted a slight foot injury, but didn't want to leave the game. NGURAH were determined to attack on the wing and their central attempts were constantly abandoned in favour of the wings. NGURAH had a brilliant opportunity to reply as N. Bucić received a high ball from the right, striking the ball in the air. Only G. Leone's reflexes saved him. Ninomiya's ability to press all over the field frequently paid dividends. Possession in this half belonged to NGURAH, who controlled the ball 66 percent of the time.

NGURAH's best player was J. Diniz. N. Bucić on the other hand, had a terrible day. Ninomiya's top performer was clearly N. Vida. A. Asri turned in a dismal performance, however. The match ends 0 - 2.