Voices From The Ground: Home United vs Albirex Niigata (S) - Nozawa Bails Out Fatigued White Swans.

Albirex Niigata (S)'s Shuto Inaba (centre) and Yosuke Nozawa (right) prepare to defend a Home United corner.
Photo: Christina Seah Rodrigues

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Chris Peng
Writer
The Unofficial S.League Podcast
sleaguepodcast@gmail.com

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Voices From The Ground: This encounter was described as a do or die clash for Home United. Before the match, the much-vaunted Protectors were languishing in third place, an astronomical 16 points behind the League leaders, Albirex Niigata (S). Home United did have 4 games in hand due to their AFC Cup involvement but they really needed to snag a result, not only to close the gap but also to deal the White Swans a psychological blow for not only the League title but also for the upcoming Singapore Cup semi-finals.

Things are rarely straightforward, Albirex had to travel to Brunei to play DPMM just 3 days ago and obviously, fatigue would be an issue. They also had to play without their hotshot, Tsubasa Sano, who is serving out his suspension. As a result, the match became a game of cat-and-mouse, with the Protectors playing the role of predators as they tried to swallow the White Swans whole.

Despite going behind to a cross-cum-shot struck by Naofumi Tanaka as early as the third minute, the rest of the first half was scruffy as neither side really took a stranglehold, Whatever Home United Head Coach Aidil Sharin said during halftime, it worked a treat as Home United largely dominated the rest of the proceedings after the restart, Albirex did have their fair share of chances via some lightning quick counter-attacking but they had to thank J-League veteran Yosuke Nozawa for saving them from a certain defeat. Adam Swandi prevented the Protectors from losing their unbeaten League streak against Albirex but that was all they could do against an on-form Nozawa.

To put things in perspective, Home United enjoyed 65% of possession and a humongous 23 shots on target. The Japanese side only had the ball one-third of the time and mustered only 7 shots on target, which is little wonder why Albirex came out happier of the two sides as they still have a 16 point lead against the Protectors.

Home United's games in hand include clashes with Geylang United, Hougang United, Balestier Khalsa, and Tampines Rovers. Other than the match against the Tigers, I feel that none of the other teams will prove hospitable. It will be a long drive home for Home United Head Coach Aidil.

Albirex’s coach Kazuaki Yoshinaga was upbeat with the result but expressed a slight frustration and felt sorry towards the paying fans as his team only had 2 real days of rest after returning from Brunei, citing fatigue as an element that affected their performance. He expressed satisfaction with his team’s defensive performance and hoped that the other teams can emulate it when they play against Home United. (Writer’s note, it will be handy for his team if Home United drop more points.) He was also honest when he admitted that Tanaka’s shot came as a surprise to him as well, as it was not something he does in training.

Understandably, Home United’s Coach Aidil was less than delighted with the result. He felt that his team was sloppy in the first half but did well in the second. He didn’t feel that Albirex was at a disadvantage due to a lack of rest as he felt that they were a young and fit side and generally had plenty of rest before this stretch. He chose to give credit to his team’s hard work but unlike Tampines Rovers, he refused to throw in the towel just yet.

As usual, I made my way into the stands to hear what the fans had to say about the game.

Pre-match interview with Home United Supporters Club President Eddy Hirono

Chris (C): Since our last chat when we witnessed the Protectors edge out the Tigers, plenty has happened. Clearly, Coach Aidil had an eye on the AFC ASEAN finals or he’s an advocate of brooding the young. He gave younger players a chance and perhaps the League Cup departure wasn’t an accident. Subsequently, your club got defeated over two legs against Ceres Negros F.C. Was this a case of a double whammy or did you think that something good did come out of it?

Eddy (E): I think the two incidents (crashing out of the League Cup and losing over two legs to Ceres) are not linked. It might have been good to progress in the League Cup, and perhaps the momentum might have brought us across the line against Ceres. That being said, we did win the first leg 2-1, and it might well have been 3-1 if not for a late save from the Ceres keeper, so perhaps the momentum didn’t matter much.

What I do think was important was that the League Cup allowed some of the youth players to stake their claim for a first-team chance. I must highlight Iqram Rifqi as being one who has stepped up and shown he has a role to play. On a more sombre note, if the S.League is going to reduce funding for clubs, then perhaps blooding the youth players this season will pay dividends in the long run (if clubs cannot hold on to their best and hence higher-paid players). So that’s certainly a positive – giving young players a chance to shine.

C: We spoke about a three horse race, little has changed. Barring a highly unlikely set of results, the top 3 is set. Already an improvement over the 4th position last year. Of course, folks can point to the strength in depth you guys possess. Thoughts?

E: I think with the strength of some of the players we have this season, and the depth as well beyond the first 11, anything outside the top 3 would have been a disaster for Home. I’d also like to say that it is very admirable that we have continued to play passing football. Different coach, but still right mentality in trying to keep the ball on the ground, and play passing football. I think with a little luck, we might even sneak the title this season. I still believe.

C: You clearly rate striker and now a transformed right winger, Khairul Nizam, very highly. Were you surprised that he wasn’t involved against Hong Kong and Turkmenistan?

E: I would not say that I was surprised he was not involved – having watched the national team for a while now, he just doesn’t seem to get much of a look in. This is sad because I am a big believer in Khairul Nizam’s qualities, and I think he has a lot to offer the national team. I think we might see a lot more of him in and around the national squad in the years to come! He’s just such an asset – I see him as someone who can either play up top or wide forward coming in from the right. I hope the national selectors give him a few chances to show what he can do.

C: With a full squad, your club prevailed with two 3-1 victories against DPMM. As a result, the Protectors will square off thrice against the Swans this month, pivotal games which will decide how good the season has been. Does this fill you with trepidation or excitement? Recent League games include a draw against the Warriors and a win against who else, your favourite opponents DPMM. While it may not be spoken in the same breath as the upcoming tri-header against the Swans, it does provide a foreign matchup. Do you think that the 3 wins against them bode well for the upcoming Japanese test?

E: Excitement, for sure. While Albirex are a very good team, we have shown that we can match them (beating them once and holding them to a draw in a game we should have won). I believe the players will similarly be excited about the challenge – they know that to obtain silverware this season, they have to win these matches. I think the wins against DPMM will give the squad a boost in terms of morale, but I’m not sure how much it will tell us about how we will fare against Albirex, who are far superior in terms of quality. A look at the league table will tell you that! DPMM also play a very different style, where they look to capitalise on the aerial prowess of Rafael Ramazotti, while Albirex rely on their pressing and pass-and-move tactics. These are very different tests – but exciting games ahead for all!

C: Stipe Plazibat has another 4 goals from the previous 9 matches with 2 of them coming from the penalty spot. Now that his arch-nemesis for the top scorer award, Tsubasa Sano, is banned for 3 matches, do you think that he can use this drive for the individual award to steer you guys to the two attainable trophies?

E: I hope so! Besides goals, Stipe is also a team player, as shown by the number of his assists this season. If Stipe’s goals gets us to the promised land of silverware, then all the better!

C: Faris Ramli has been the chief executioner of DPMM for the last three matches, netting 5 times. How important is his partnership with Stipe with regards to unlocking the stubborn Albirex defense?

E: It has been vital. The two of them seem to have a telepathic understanding at times, and they are without a doubt our most effective attacking weapons. If we’re going to put goals past the Albirex defence (including Nozawa), they’re gonna have to be on top form.

C: The likes of Juma'at Jantan has found a second wind, scoring twice in three matches. That being said, a wingback is a demanding position and the likes of Sufianto Salleh and Shamil Sharif have been enjoying plenty of game time. Iqram Rifqi has also been blooded into the team. Does this bode well for the long-term prospect of your team? Clearly, Coach (Philippe) Aw isn’t the only local coach believing in the younger players.

E: It’s a throwback, isn’t it, when Juma’at used to be the “crazy horse” who sprinted up and down the wing. Now he’s a lot more of a steadying influence at the back, but when he scored against DPMM, I was like, wow, he’s still got it! And yes, as mentioned above, blooding the youth is vital, even more so considering the financial future of the league.

C: Song Ui-Young returned for the games against DPMM. Is he virtually a new signing?

E: Yes, he’s just such a dynamic presence in midfield, initiating attacks, closing down opponents, taking them on, drawing fouls. He is really the heartbeat of the team and we’ve missed him. Ceres are lucky they didn’t need to face him!

C: Are you looking forward to new signing M, Anumanthan making his debut for the club?

E: Certainly. I must say I have not watched that much of him outside the national team set-up, so I’m excited to see what he can bring to the team.

C: Last but not least, heart versus mind. Could you guess the score against the Swans today?

E: Sano’s missing – that’s good news for us. He has been almost as lethal as Stipe, and he is often the guy who pops up at the end of a flowing move for Albirex. I think without him, with Song back in full flow, we’ve got a good chance to keep things interesting. I’m going for a 2-1 win for Home United at Bishan Stadium. COME ON YOU BOYS IN RED.

Post-match interview with Eddy Hirono

Chris (C): Thoughts on the game?

Eddy (E): I felt that Home United did really well today, dominating possession against their ballplayers while respecting their threat on the counter.

C: So what went awry?

E: Their great and experienced keeper Nozawa made a big difference. A lot of our misses were not misses, but his saves.

C: So was it one point gained or two lost?

E: Certainly the latter and the players know it but credit to their performance. That being said, today’s situation occurred as chances weren't put away.

C: For a match of this magnitude, wasn't the atmosphere disappointing?

E: Part of it is down to me as I am a representative of the Home United fan club. We did try our best and so did Albirex. Honestly, it's more of a league-wide problem. It's the same in most grounds other than the ones involving Hougang United and Geylang International. It could have been better but the League certainly has seen much worse days.

C: Looking ahead, your team features many promising young players such as Iqram, Sufianto, and Shamil, if the League suffers from a cut in funding next season, will these promising young players soften the blow?

E: Certainly, the reality is that for experienced players such as Irfan Fandi, they will get better offers elsewhere, we will then need to rely on these younger players. Iqram’s turn at the halfway line dumbfounded everyone and players like him bode well for the future.

C: Let's come back to the nearer future, how do you see Home United moving ahead with regards to the game against Geylang International?

E: Let's be honest, the game against Geylang is now a must win to retain any chance of winning the title. Albirex has a few games left and perhaps the likes of Warriors or Hougang can beat them but it will take a monumental collapse on their part. And obviously, we need to win all our games. it will be very hard but we can take strength in the fact that we dominated the game against them. Irfan and Juma'at also played well. The boys have nothing to fear with regards to the next few games.

C: If you were to step into coach Aidil's shoes, what would you do?

E: I respect him a lot but perhaps a few players would be rested against Geylang international. The boys ran their socks off today and they have a midweek game next week, the League is going to be really tough now and perhaps the coach will want the boys to be all fired up and fit against Albirex at the Jurong East Stadium next Wednesday, it might be a risk worth taking.

C: That may jeopardize the chase for the second spot, wouldn't it?

E: Frankly I am one of those folks who only care about winning (the league). Coming in second or third doesn't make a difference, I will much rather see us winning the Singapore Cup. That being said, we need to strike a balance, we need to put out a competitive side, not get hammered and keep our morale up. We will then do well across the two legs in the Singapore Cup and have a great chance of making the finals. I am excited.

Pre-match interview with Albirex Niigata Fan Satria

Chris (C): Since our last chat during the first leg of the Singapore Cup Quarter-Finals, your team went on to beat Tampines another two more times. The Young Lions were also sent home pointless. How do you feel about your team’s current form?

Satria (S): Definitely I'm feeling extremely happy. Not only about the winning but I think most importantly, they have regained their momentum and are playing well as a team.

C: 3 comprehensive victories against Tampines Rovers, the runner-up from last season. Do you think that this proves anything?

S: Well, this is a very tricky question actually. To be frank, Tampines Rovers are no pushovers. They have the quality and three-quarters of their players are from our national team (past and present) but perhaps Albirex are much more disciplined on the field and showed great character when facing tough opponents.

C: It was a very narrow victory against the winless Young Lions. Was it due to Sano’s sending off?

S: Definitely not. Albirex is never a 1 man team. In my own opinion, Albirex were just unlucky not to have scored more goals. And it's also due to the fact that coach Kazu fielded in a few 2nd string players for that match.

C: The Japanese are known to be disciplined, are you concerned with what Sano did?

S: Again, definitely not. What has happened was indeed accidental and he was very unlucky to be sent off. From the day I started supporting Albirex, I have never known of any of their players had been found guilty of indiscipline or rough play.

C: Your team will be playing against DPMM on the 16th and playing a six-pointer against Home United just 3 days later, is fatigue a concern?

S: It might be. But I believe that the boys have prepared themselves well for the matches against both DPMM and Home United.

C: I called it a six-pointer, do you agree?

S: Kind of agree. Well, 3 points (vs DPMM) are already in the bag.

C: How much will Sano be missed?

S: Like I have said earlier, Albirex is never a 1 man team. I am very sure that coach Kazu had already made plans for a player to deputise for Sano during his suspension.

C: Do you think that the likes of Ryota Nakai, a scorer of 9 goals so far, can help to fill the void?

S: That's for sure.

C: Your team is inching towards another quadruple. What are your thoughts on this?

S: Judging from their current form and result, I think it's not impossible. But let's just take things 1 game at a time. In football, anything can happen, right until the final day of the season.

C: Heart versus mind, would you like ti guess the score against the Protectors today?

S: I would go for a 3-1 victory to Albirex

Post-Match interview with Albirex Niigata Fan Satria

Chris (C): So was it 1 point gained or 2 points lost?

Satria (S): Well its never easy to play Home U at their home ground. Home U is also one of the title contenders for this season. So, I would certainly go for a 1 point gain.

C: Were you disappointed with your team’s performance?

S: Not really. I think that we played well despite the fatigue of playing 2 games in a short span of time. In fact, it was Albirex who drew first blood in the 3rd min.

C: Do you think the performance was due to fatigue, Sano’s absence or both?

S: Fatigue yes, I do agree. But I don't think the absence of Sano affects the team so much.

C: How did you find your team’s defensive performance?

S: I think they had been playing really well and were very disciplined. We were very unlucky for that deflection that led to Adam Swandi's goal.

C: Your coach felt that the tight schedule meant that your team wasn’t able to be at their best, and this was unfair to paying fans. You did get to witness a side which you rarely get to see, defensive solidarity. So do you think that it is indeed unfair?

S: Well personally, I think that it’s a fair result. Even though we were tired, I think that we had done well to ramp up our fitness and stamina to come away from this game with 1 point.

C: How important is today’s result when it comes to securing the title?

S: I feel that every single game is important.

C: Who was your man of the match and why?

S: Naofumi Tanaka, for sure! He scored an important goal and he was indeed outstanding in defence.

C: I'd like to have some last thoughts from you. Going ahead, your team has 8 days before meeting the Protectors again for the Singapore Cup semi-finals. That’s plenty of rest. Can we expect a better performance?

S: Definitely! I believe that they will now prepare to train even harder, look sharper and defend bravely for the upcoming showdown.