Frontliners 300 vs Firebrands
Date: 7th March 2009 (Saturday)
Face-off Time: 11.00am
Venue: Dalat International School
The big, fat '0' in Firebrands' point column is in fact, very misleading.
Pushovers?
No way, man.
Around this time last year, Frontliners Trojans (rebranded 300 this year) were winless and had a minus 42 goal difference. Compared to this year... 12 goals are nothing-lah.
But however much the goal difference, how the fortunes have reversed. Frontliners 300 have gladly placed their whipping boys tag onto Firebrands' shoulders, and even now, are quietly contending for, can-you-believe-it, a medal position. And yet it all hinges on how they perform against the league's bottom-propping team.
Win, and confidence shoots sky-high for their final game against Phoenix; a do-or-die game. Draw, and most of their hopes for a medal position go up in flames. Lose, and resign any thought of medals, not forgetting the embarassment.
But as for Firebrands, for what has been the case throughout the league: they have nothing to lose. And so far, this mental state has pushed them to fight all the way and defy the odds. To a certain extent.
In terms of gameplay, the similarities trump the dissimilarities. Both teams rely on individuals to see them through. Goalscorers? Matchwinners? For both, take your pick of Michael from 300 or Daniel from Firebrands. Both teams are comprised of three or more tiny players who wear the jersey but don't play. Both teams lack experience and depth.
However, Firebrands back three (James included) are tall, hulking, and strong if compared to 300's three forwards, Julian, Tristan, and skinny Megan. 300 might have the edge in technique and skills, but this physical advantage about cancels it out.
The main worry for Firebrands is probably the center court. In the last few games, James was more of a third defender rather than a center. Their three-man wall certainly proved nearly impenetrable from long-ranged shots-- one of Michael's specialties. However, the center was left worryingly open for their opponents to exploit, forcing Daniel Tan to be a makeshift center, left forward and right forward all rolled into one.
For 300, as said above, their main concern would be their forwards, and whether they will be outmuscled by Firebrands' defence. No doubt about it, Megan will be a happy man tomorrow, running and exploiting Firebrand's lack of width, but up against the robust Andrew, can he stand his ground? If Michael is cancelled out, like most of the time against Ztec Griffins, will the forwards step up and carry his burden, or will they go missing and leave an empty void up in front?
It will be a very interesting matchup tomorrow, and you can be sure that Phoenix, Falcons and Bullets will be looking on eagerly too.
Key players:
Frontliners 300:
Michael Cheah.
Well, I mean, duh.
He can change the whole complexion of the game with just one shot. His tireless running, endless determination and burning passion to win has so far brought forth dividend. And, believe me, he will be determined to wrest back that top spot in the points chart as soon as he can.
Long shots might not be so effective against a resolute Firebrands defence, so he can either choose to go ahead like a battering ram and bruise the defenders with his shots and hope that he gets lucky, or change his approach to the game and go for something different instead.
This game, and his team, need him to play smart tomorrow.
Firebrands:
Daniel Tan. Also a tireless runner; also possesses endless determination and burning passion to win. Who will trump who in the battle of the Saints?
Scoring mostly poacher's goals, he will find joy tomorrow, running at 300's not-so-athletic defenders and hoping they make mistakes. But with hardly any support, he will need to think fast and see how far he can test Soon Khai's reflexes.
Firebrands need him if they are to cause an upset tomorrow.
Predictions:
Jose:
Both teams need maximum points out of this match. 2 points for 300 will allow them to challenge Ztec Phoenix for the Division 2 title, while 2 points for Firebrands will ensure that they would not finish the league without any points.
In my opinion, this is the 'last chance' for Firebrands to get their must needed win, because they have faster and more aggressive players on court. And I seriously doubt they will be able to get a win in the last game of the season playing against the mighty Dalat Falcons. Will they take their chance? We shall find out tomorrow.
This game will be tight and I see Frontliners scrapping through by a goal or 2. And with Firebrands scoring 3 goals in their last outing against Ztec Phoenix, their confidence should be sky high coming into this match. I disagree with Carrard on the scoreline, no chance for 300 to keep a clean sheet in this game. (I sincerely hope Soon Khai will be able to prove me wrong.)
Carrard:
It will be tight; it will be ugly, it will be scrappy. But the center is the key-- and 300 have the perfect man for it in Michael. There is only so long that Firebrands can hold out while massing their defence, 20 minutes per half can seem a very long time, in some cases. Still going coach-less by the sidelines as Jason will be coaching 300, my instinct is for Frontliners to survive a few scares but still keep that clean sheet and win by a few goals.
To be precise, 2-0 to 300.
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