Match Preview: David versus Goliath

Firebrands vs Ztec Phoenix

Date: 21Feb (Saturday)
Face-off time: 11.00am
Venue: Dalat International School

Phoenix are top in the league with points tied with 300, who scrap through with a 2-1 win against their juniors but edge over with superior goal difference. Their opponent, the total opposite, are sitting right at the bottom, winless with a solitary goal. No matter how you look at it, all odds are against Firebrands. This is a David versus Goliath.

The league leaders are keen to register another win to increase their lead and they are most definitely on course to achieve it. Phoenix boast a well balance team. An experience and confident goalie providing rear guard; and a pool of outfield players with decent Floorball basics, the only thing stopping them hitting top gear is incisive team play.

The game against Falcons has shown that they are capable of handling the big guys, there are no complains over their fitness, the only concern is the consistency in crafting penetrative game play and of course, finish it.

Firebrands, new to the game, and it is no surprise they are at the bottom of the league. But mind you, they never did go down without a fight! Especially with a spirited Spartan as their coach. And like every team, they too have a few individuals that may make an impact in the game. Bryan who has been solid in goal, Daniel and Andrew has impressed both up front and down in defence.

With Asia Pacific Floorball Championships(APAC) around the corner, all national players are away for centralised training, which means both teams with be without their bosses.
No Jason Chan to roar the Firebrands, can their keep their sprits high? Can they hang on?
No Ter Min to guide the Phoenix, will they be mentally "kuat"? Can they push on?

On paper, without their coaches, Phoenix is by far the better team. Firebrands? Damage control. But , then, games are not won on paper, aren't they? And David did won.

Key players:
Firebrands:
Bryan has been Firebrands' most consistent preformers throughout the league, and the boy has been ever present in goal. 10 goals might have been conceded, for a total rookie team, consider it an reasonable achievement.

It will definitely be an uphill task to keep out the goals against Phoenix team, but what more can you ask for from a player when he has gave his best. Keep doing what you are doing.

Ztec Phoenix:
Like Bryan, Adrian has been his team's most consistent. The Captain although not shining, has been quietly leading the team his up the ladder. He has been decent in the centre, scoring goals in process.

Now, he has a stern test ahead, to lead his team in the absence of the coaches.
Will his leadership and quality enough to see Phoenix through the match?
Can he control his hot-headed teammates?
Or will they struggle?
We shall see.

Predictions:
Jose:
I will go for Ztec Phoenix (which in my opinion would be crown Division 2 champions this season) to win it by 3-0 or more. Phoenix has speedy defenders that should neutralize any form of attack coming for Firebrands. And on the other end of the court, they should be able to constantly put Firebrands under alot of pressure.

Other than that, the players from Ztec Phoenix has been playing for a much longer time compared to their opponents, which also means technically speaking they should have better floorball skills and sense compared to Firebrands.

Nevertheless with this prediction, I still hope Firebrands will go all the way in this league with a "never say die" attitude, which I have seen from them since day one of the league.

Firebrands, I applaude your team's courage. Keep up this good spirit and soon your team will get better and better.

Bendy:
Throughout the league, we have seen the coaches dominating the match with their high pitch/ thunder loud roaring on their players. This is the first time, we'll be seeing the bench without the teams leader figure. Finally, for once, the person with the armband is to step up and put his "Captain" title into good use.

It would an interesting game to see the Captains filling in for the coaches, and how they lead their team, which I think will have a huge effect on their mental strength.

Leadership aside, Firebrands vs Phoenix, I'll have to go for the league leaders, I don't see the slipping of in this game. Credit to Firebrands for their never-say-die attitude, but I believe Phoenix's experience will be able to see them through. An easy win for Phoenix, probably goals abundance.