Barry writes Sagan Tosu 0-1 Shimizu S-Pulse
---------------------------------^----------- Bare 70
Best Amenity Stadium, Tosu
Att 6707
GK Hayashi (90+2)
DF Yoshida
DF Hiraoka
DF Jong-a-Pin
DF Lee Ki-Je
MF Muramatsu
MF Sugiyama
MF Lee Min-Soo
FW Bare (45+2)
FW Takagi
FW Kawai
Subs Used
Ishige on for Lee Min-Soo (83)
Hiroi on for Takagi (93)
Report
In torrential rain and wind we claimed our first three points of the season against the recently free-scoring Sagan Tosu. Tosu, who had scored 8 in their last two games, were consistently frustrated as a rejuvenated S-Pulse defence, which welcomed back Lee Ki-Je and Hiraoka, held firm for a first clean sheet of the year.
It was our first win, and Tosu's first loss. After our shocking March, we desperately needed a solid defensive display. Today we got it, in no small part to Lee's return which gave us our first full strength back four of the year. We benefited hugely from his presence keeping Tosu under control. Jong-a-Pin, desperately out of sorts of late, looked more like himself, no doubt helped by his regular defence around him.
Bare began his season tally with a well taken goal on the edge of the area. With two defenders on him and his back to the keeper, it was only a half chance really. But he took it brilliantly to swivel and belt it along the wet surface, under the keeper. Not long after Takagi could have doubled our lead, connecting with Bare's cross, but a reaction save saw to that.
Three points rewards our travelling fans and gives us a very welcome boost ahead of next week's derby with Jubilo. Speaking of which, Maeda finally opened his account this evening with a goal against Urawa. This means his so-called death goal, or the Maeda curse is layed upon the Red Diamonds. Will they get relegated? Will they bollocks, but they will finish mid table if tonight's performance was anything to go by. Well anyway, we can go into the derby not worrying about daft curses and what not.
Roll on next week! A win could send Iwata to the bottom of the table! Before I sign off, if you haven't yet, check out this article I wrote on the history of some of Japan's derby days. You can find it here at Ghotbi's personal website.
Videos
Short highlights below, with longer highlights at this link.
A lot of fouls during this game, it was pretty rough. The goal was neat, pure forward move from Bare ! Takagi missed the 2-0, it would have calmed me but instead I was stressed as hell until the end of the game.
ReplyDeleteLet's hope this away win really starts the season for good !
Couldn't believe Takagi didn't put that away. Nine out of ten times he would have, but damn that keeper getting his hand up!
ReplyDeleteYeah, this game will be massive for confidence, especially ahead of next week's game with you know who...
I think Takagi really misses Omae, he had so much confidence with him last year, now it's like he tries to find himself game after game.
ReplyDeleteNow let's see if Urawa can keep you know who at the bottom of the table.
Bon appétit, by the way !