J1 League

Game 8

Shimizu S-Pulse 1-2 Urawa Reds

Date: Wednesday April 2nd, 7:30 pm

Saitama Stadium 2002 (Saitama)

S-PULSE GOALS Takagi (79)

YELLOW CARDS Ahmedov (42)

RED CARDS

PENALTY KICK

ATTENDANCE 25326

LINE UP

GK Oki

DF Sumiyoshi, Takahashi, Takagi

MF Yoshida Nishihara, Bueno, Uno, Nakahara, Kitazume

FW Ahmedov

SUBSTITUTIONS

Inui on for Nishihara (46)

Kitagawa on for Ahmedoz (46)

Matsuzaki on for Nakahara (46)

Capixaba on for Yoshida (60)

Yajima on for Uno (72)

REPORT

How did we mange to lose hat game?

We dominated in all data: Shot attempts, 13 to 7, corner kicks, a massive 14 to 1, free kicks, 14 to 8.

How much domination do you need to win?

One of those thrown away games, and this at a time when the team had found some new vigor.

Is it because we have become too predictable at that level, or is it because we are using the wrong strategies, or it because we just have not the ability to conclude? Time to rethink, otherwise it will be up and downs every game or worse. We have enough talent at this level to do well enough!

It all started with a sucker punch in the 4th minute when a poor pass between the defense and a midfielder was too juicy to be missed by the opposition who had all the time and space to score although that with a fine mid-range curving shot that gave no chance to Oki.

In the 15th minute we lost our first chance when Ahmedoz had the chance to shoot at goal but a defender somehow blocked with his feet diving the wrong way.

In the 18th minute we were not sharp enough to ta take advantage of a clumsy clearing by the opposite keeper and had instead to scramble back in total disorganization and were only saved by the last shot whizzing just above the bar.

In the 43rd minute we lived dangerously again and escaped through hurried defense and some good luck inside our box.

In the 51st minute tried his luck with a long-range shot but the opposite managed to parry away with a reflex save.

In the 53rd minute we did well to wrestle the ball in midfield but Uno’s last mid-range shot rolled directly to the opposite goalkeeper.

And in the 59th minute we conceded another sucker punch in spite of good enough defense only to see an Urawa forward somehow squeeze the ball between an unbelieving Oki and his right post.

S-Pulse went courageously on the attack nonetheless showing some grit.

In the 79th minute they managed a dangerous intrusion inside the box only to see a last defender clearing oof the line past a beaten keeper and the ensuing shot barely deviated away. In the following corner kick Defender Takagi jumped over every one for a fine headed goal, demonstrating once again our defenders were more efficient.

In the very last minute of added time a fine long cross reached the same Takagi running inside the box but the angle was too acute for him to conclude.

The opposition did not bother to hide their joy at escaping away for a much needed goal at home…

Well, our next game is against struggling Yokohama FC in Yokohama and we will need more decision and a big help from our fans!

NEXT GAME

J1 League

Game 8

Shimizu S-Pulse vs Yokohama FC

Date: Sunday April 6th, 2:00 pm

NHK Spring Mitsuzawa Football Stadium (Yokohama)