Lion City Cup football: Singapore U16 hold Flamengo U15 to 1-1 draw

By Amir Yusof/Red Sports. Photos by Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports and Adrian Tan/Red Sports

Jalan Besar Stadium, Monday, June 20, 2011 — The Singapore Under-16s earned a well-deserved point after a 1-1 draw against Brazilian samba giants CRN Flamengo U15. The Cubs are now in a strong position to qualify for the semi-finals of the 23rd Lion City Cup.

After last year’s bronze-winning Youth Olympic Games campaign, the Cubs have attracted national interest and they enhanced their reputation after a superb display against technically superior opponents.

Despite boasting three Brazil U-15 national players — skipper Lincoln Fernando (#3), forward Arlindo Neto (#9) and substitute Caio Rangel (#10) — Flamengo coach Celso Martins still had words of praise for our boys.

“Singapore has quite a number of talents. They must be cautious with this lot and allow them to develop well,” said Celso Martins after the closely fought encounter.

The game shaped to be a tough contest from the start. Although Flamengo had slightly more of the ball, the Cubs appeared more dangerous in their rare ventures forward. In the seventh minute, Cubs midfielder Fatemy Firdouse (#19) forced the Flamengo goalkeeper into a brilliant save at full stretch as his shot almost dipped into the top corner.

As the game wore on however, Flamengo’s samba boys slowly warmed to the task, showing little glimpses of their trademark fluidity when going forward. Target man Arlindo was dangerous in particular, using his sheer physical strength and razzle dazzle to cause all kinds of problems for Singapore’s defence.

However, when left in a couple of one-on-one situations, the Brazilian U-15 national failed to beat Cubs goalkeeper Fashah Rosedin (#1). Credit had to be given to the valiant number one as he stood strong despite the imposing 1.84m frame of Arlindo.

7 minutes to half-time, Leonardo Poubel (#7) threaded a magnificent through ball for Arlindo to latch on to but Fashah was again first to the ball. However, Arlindo’s momentum propelled him forward, causing a nasty collision with Fashah. The huge Brazilian came off worse in the challenge and was left clutching his left hamstring. Arlindo would no longer pose the same high level of threat after this incident.

When the Brazilian forward did find himself in a similar goal scoring opportunity minutes later, he was thwarted this time by Cubs skipper Dhukhilan with a wonderful last-ditch tackle.

As a result of courageous defending by Dhulkhilan and Fashah in particular, the game remained goalless at half-time. Despite that, the opening half proved that the Cubs were, man for man, found wanting against faster, stronger and technically more gifted opponents. If they were to gain anything from this game, Singapore had to give an even more valiant and determined display in the second half.

And that they did.

The Cubs had an added zest in their offensive play in the second period and it paid dividends in the 54th minute. A quick counter attack left Cubs forward Muhaimin Suhaimi (#17) clear through on goal. Flamengo defender Caio Thimoteo (#5) was hence left chasing Muhaimin’s shadow. In a moment of panic, he clipped Hazim’s leg just outside the box with the striker bearing down on goal with only the keeper to beat. As such, Caio was deservedly sent off for a professional foul, leaving the Brazilians to now struggle with a numerical disadvantage in addition to the warm and humid weather.

Although star playmaker Hanafi Akhbar (#10) failed to capitalise on the resulting free-kick by hitting the ball straight into the wall, the Cubs could now smell blood. Wave after wave of Singapore attack rattled the Brazilian’s confidence and this psychological edge was evident in the opening goal of the game.

20 minutes from the end, excellent play by Cubs winger Jonathan Tan (#11) down the left flank led to a teasing cross into the penalty box. The seemingly harmless cross was poorly dealt with by Flamengo defenders and the ball fell to the feet of forward Muhaimin Suhaimi (#17) who drilled a superb shot into the near post to the delight of the home crowd. Muhaimin, who was the team’s top scorer in last year’s YOG campaign, was simply ecstatic after his goal. After the game, Muhaimin gave credit to his team and insisted that the team is always larger than any individual.

Flamengo then pushed forward in search for an equaliser. Flamengo substitute and yet another Brazil U-15 national, Caio Rangel (#10), proved to be a refreshing addition to his team’s offensive display. Caio’s outstanding footwork was evident as he orchestrated chance after chance to pull his team back into the game. However, newly appointed Cubs skipper Dhulkilan was equal to Caio’s skill and trickery. The Man-of-the-Match appeared composed and decisive as he repelled everything Flamengo threw at the Singapore goal.

Despite the Cubs valiant effort all round, a loss in concentration by the defence allowed full back Jorge Margo to chip the ball into the top left hand corner of the goal eight minutes from time. It was a result of direct play and Flamengo were delighted to be back in the game.

Dhulkilan explained at the post-match conference that the he and his fellow defenders was anticipating Jorge to spray the ball to the flanks, just as what they have been doing all game.

“The Flamengo player was alert to the space left open and he struck the ball well, catching our goalkeeper off guard,” said Dhukilan.

At the final whistle, the Flamengo players and staff celebrated their qualification from Group B after this 1-1 draw against the Singapore U16. Flamengo had earlier beaten the Everton U15s 1-0.

Despite the impressive technical ability of the samba boys, the Singapore U16s showed they were no pushovers. They now need a draw against the Merseysiders to propel themselves into the semi-finals, a target set by their coach Takuma Toga.

“We are not happy because with ten minutes to go, we were ahead and so close to victory. However, I am still quite satisfied with our boys display. Flamengo are a strong team in this competition,” said coach Toga, who added that he was quietly confident that the U16s would do Singapore proud against Everton.

Singapore U16 Starting Line Up
Fashah Rosedin (#1), Dhulkhilan (#16), Azrin Hamdan (#20), Ilyas Lee (#14), Ammirul Mazlan (#6), Bryan Neubronner (#15), Fatemy Firdouse (#19), Hanafi Akhbar (#10), Hazim Hassan (#13), Jonathan Tan (#11), Muhaimin Suhaimi (#17)

CRN Flamengo Starting Line Up
Thiago Rodrigues (#1), Ian Evans (#2), Lincoln Fernandes (#3), Mathues Cavalho (#4), Jorge Marco (#6), Caio Thimoteo (#5), Herson Pinheiro (#8), Arlindo Neto (#9), Leondro Cavalho (#11), Andrey Lemos (#15), Leonardo Poubel (#7)

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