Written by: Phua Zong Yao
Edited by: Cheng Kai Wen
Photos by: Eusoff Works
It is finally here, this is one of the matchups we have all been waiting for. First, it was United vs City. Then, Barcelona vs Real Madrid. Now, it is Eusoff vs Temasek in the 1st IHG Semi Final.
From the get-go, the intensity was very high and it was no surprise to many, given the rich historic rivalry between the two neighboring sport halls.
As the game commenced, the game remained evenly matched for the majority of the first half as both EH and TH took turns to win over the ball and take shots at the goals. EH was able to win most of the aerial duels and had a few close chances that were set up by some accurate long passes down the middle and the wing. After a rather quiet first half, the ball falls to Keefe, who storms down the right wing after breaking free from his marker. He brings the ball to the goal line and sends in a pass towards the center of the penalty box. Nauman gets a touch, but it gets parried by the TH keeper. Fortunately for EH, Robbo is there to receive the rebound, and he slots it into the back of the net. It is now 1-0 to EH.
Robbo with a good touch on the ball.
Score: 1-0 EH
Following the 1st goal, TH kicked off with renewed intensity as they managed to get several good attempts at our goal. They managed to get a swerving cross into the box, but Ethan was able to get his body on the ball to clear away the danger. Afterwards, on a breakaway run by a TH forward, a miscommunication between the EH backline allows him to get a chip shot off, but it is too strong, and it lands over the crossbar, though it missed by only inches. Not long after that, TH won a free kick on the edge of the box. The subsequent shot was exquisite, and it forced out an even better save from our keeper, Yi Hong, who was able to keep the score at 1-0.
Great wall of China by the boys!
After that flurry of TH attacks, it was now EH’s turn to go on the offensive. Nauman makes a good run and manages to win a free kick for EH on the edge of the box. Ethan takes the free kick and sends a cross towards the far post. The ball is bounced around by several players in the box, and it eventually makes its way to our captain, Suffyan. He makes no mistake converting the opportunity and it is now officially 2-0 to EH. Right after that, the halftime whistle is blown as the boys end the 1st half on a high note.
Score: 2-0 EH at half time
The 2nd half commences and the intensity of the game goes up a notch, with both teams playing much more physically as they continue to push for a spot in the IHG finals. Robbo, Brennan, Keefe, Suffyan and co, all take hard hits from the TH players but remain unfazed as they remain strong on the pitch. Not only that, but the continuous drizzle also made the game much harder for both sides as the pitch got increasingly wetter. After a relatively quiet start to the 2nd half, with both teams exchanging possession, it falls to TH. They manage to get the ball into the box off a corner kick, and with the help of some lucky bounces, the ball finds its way to the back of the net, and the score is now 2-1 to EH. For the remainder of the 2nd half, EH played more tactically as they sought to use the match time to their advantage. And in short, it worked. TH was unable to string a strong attack together. That said, in the dying moments, TH had another very good chance that saw the ball travel across the face of the goal, and land behind the goal line. With that, EH managed to hang on and seal the game with a 2-1 victory as the final whistle was blown.
Group hug with immense celebrations!
Final Score: 2-1 to EH
THE BOYS ARE NOW BOUND FOR THE IHG FINALS. Come and support eh_eunited them as they fight it out for the title of IHG 22/23! The final will be on 5 Feb, Sunday, 3pm at Field 1.
Comments