matchreport - 27-Mar-10 - hollandse v. nippon
Team Hollandse
Author Partick Pieket Weeserik
line up
Frois (Lim), Wentink, Busser, Bijkerk, Leichsenring (Pieket Weeserik), Holthuizen, Neuteboom (Van der Zijde), Mensen, El Hamdoui (Flierman), Saarloos, Hoyes Cock (Riehn) 
Dutch deserved a win, but got a draw instead
Although a lot of the regular Orange Lions were absent this Saturday, we were able to field a decent team for the match against the Japanese. (note the fact that lately the name "Van der Zijde" often pops up on the list of subs, or even among the starting line-up indicates that the Hollandse is facing problems with their human resources) 

Kick-off was at 5pm underneath an over-clouded sky. The pitch was still slightly wet from a tropical rainstorm earlier and there was a lot of oxygen in the air; ideal circumstances for a soccer match. Less ideal for the Dutch was the scoreline after 35 seconds of play. A lucky goal, a shot deflected off Orange defender Mark leaving Takbir without chance, put the Dutch 0-1 behind. Nonetheless the Dutch showed mental strength and were able to come back in the match. This brought us to dominate the midfield and a few good chances followed from this. Eventually it was Mounir who headed the ball in from a tight angle: 1-1. After this terrific goal, the Japanese fought their way back into the match and chances occurred at both ends of the pitch. Then, not long from half-time it was one of the Dutch midfielders (I'm sure his name doesn't hkave to be mentioned here, he will know) left his man completely free just a few yardhs outside the goal: 1-2 and a large blow for the Dutch. 

Second half saw a hard-working Dutch team struggling against the wind (which mysteriously had appeared quite suddenly during half-time), and persistent Japanese time-wasting. Though the Japanese had the slight upperhand, just a handful of times had to bring Tommy in action. Then, 10 minutes before full-time it was Martijn who saved the day for the Dutch. A long-ranged effort left the Japanese goalkeeper fishing. FT: 2-2. 

Based on the second half only, the draw was all the Dutch deserved. However, the dominance in the first half should have brought in the two extra points. Man-of-the-match goes to Winnie; after nearly having met up with Skinny Hein two weeks earlier, the yellow belt of steel ruled midfield as majestic as ever. Thanks to the Japanese for making it an interesting game, thanks to the ref for showing leadership. The next game will be in two weeks time, when we will face the ISA Lions. Just a reminder: see match rekort of 19-09-'09...  
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