Sanfrecce Hiroshima 1-1 S-PULSE

GOALS
Novakovic 52

CAUTIONS
Yoshida 82

ATTENDANCE
12960

GK Kushibiki
DF Jakovic, Hiraoka, Jong-a-Pin, Yoshida
MF Sugiyama, Musaka, Takeuchi
FW Kawai, Omae, Novakovic

Takagi T on for Kawai (HT)
Ishige on for Takeuchi (88)
Murata on for Omae (90+3)

REPORT

S-Pulse brought to an end their run of defeats with a well earned draw away at defending champions Sanfrecce Hiroshima. It proved the proverbial game of two halves, with the first largely belonging to the hosts, the second to the visitors. While Shimizu will be happy to have recovered having gone behind, their fans could be forgiven for feeling disappointment at not having left the Edion Stadium with all three points.

The game began with play mainly concentrated in the centre of the field. For the first quarter few chances were seen at either end. One exception was the opening goal from Hiroshima’s Shiotani. Lurking at the far post, the defender collected a long corner and swept the ball past Kushibki to give Sanfrecce the lead.

Reaching half time at 0-1, Ghotbi withdrew Kawai for Toshiyuki Takagi. The second half showed a distinct shift in the balance of power, with aggressive and purposeful passing between the likes of Takeuchi, Takagi and Omae causing the previously unbreachable Hiroshima defense all kinds of problems. It was during a period of pressure that Takeuchi’s penetrating pass released Novakovic. The Slovenian advanced before calmly striking past Hayashi in the Sanfrecce goal, leveling the score and giving the forward his 6^th of the season.

The wind firmly in Shimizu’s sails, it took the crossbar on one occasion, and goal line stops on two more, to deny a second goal. On another day Omae’s header would have squeezed past the defender who scrambled to get in the way, but that wasn’t to be today. The remainder of the 2^nd half in the main belonged to Shimizu, but after four minutes additional time the game came to a close at 1-1.

Given the recent run of defeats, to recover away at Hiroshima, and very nearly snatch victory, was a fine achievement. Confidence can be taken from the periods of dominance shown in the second half, and a similar display against high flying Kobe next week has every chance of delivering an orange win. It will be the final league game before the World Cup break, so join us at the IAI Stadium Nihondaira, and cheer your team on to victory!

Forza S-Pulse!

NEXT GAME

S-PULSE vs Vissel Kobe

Saturday May 17th, 2:00pm

IAI Stadium Nihondaira