Date:
Sat, 25 Jun 2011 
SINGAPORE, 25 June 2011: The Singapore NFA U-16 side endured a nail-biting 6-5 penalty shootout win to seal their spot in the 2011 Lion City Cup Final that will be played on Sunday, 26 June 2011, with a hard fought 6-5 win over Juventus FC U-15 at Jalan Besar Stadium.
Just before kick-off, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Dr Vivian Balakrisnan greeted players of both teams and congratulated them on being semi-finalists of the 2011 Lion City Cup.
The match got off to an exciting start with striker Hazim Hassan pouncing on a deflected shot in the penalty-box to give his team the lead just under five minutes to set the stage for what would be a thrilling encounter.
Juventus tried to get back into the game but was dealt with another setback seven minutes later. Right winger Hanafi Akbar dazzled past two defenders and played a brilliant through ball to Hazim Hassan to make it 2-0 with his second goal of the match.
The first-half ended with The NFA Singapore U-16 side looking for their third goal while Juventus simply could not find a way past the stout Singapore defence.
Going into the second half with a two-goal lead, the Cubs showed no signs of slowing down and kept going forward in search of their next goal. But they were punished by Juventus in the 58th minute when Gili Fabio scored with a well-placed shot to the bottom right corner of Fashah Rosedin’s goal. With that goal, Juventus found its feet in the game and moved on to get the crucial equalizer.
Tartagila Gianluca brought the match back on level terms in the 69th minute and made the Cubs work for their spot in the finals. The game got heated as both teams were going for the match winner. Pagaliasso Andrea of Juventus earned himself a second yellow card in the 86th minute and the referee promptly sent him for an early shower with a red card.
With the score tied at 2-2 after the final whistle, the game went into penalties. NFA Singapore won the nail-biting penalty shootout as the final scoreboard read 6-5.
NFA Singapore U-16 Coach Takuma Koga explained his decision to take Hanafi Akbar out of the game in the 56th minute in the press conference. “He was playing with one yellow card and we did not want to risk losing him for the finals, hence the decision to substitute him.”
He added that he felt his team kept the match going and that was the most important task. But he stopped short with a ‘no comment’ when asked of the penalty that was ordered to be retaken.
The Cubs’ No1, Fashah Rosedin mentioned that he was nervous during the penalty shootout and was overjoyed when they won it. He also said that is why he performed a short break dance in the penalty box after Juventus missed their last one.
NFA Singapore U-16’s goal scorer, Hazim Hassan said he made up for his missed chances in the last game and was happy that he got two goals in open play. “I am happy with my goals and we are looking forward to the Finals of this Lion City Cup.”
Juventus FC U-15’s Team Manager, Cavallari Riccardo mentioned that his team gave their all and they are indeed disappointed going out at this stage of the 2011 Lion City Cup. He added “Our players played entertaining football and that is what football is about.”
Speaking more on the penalty that was retaken by No.11, Jonathan Tan, he said:“The referee is the only one who is has the answer because he is the only one who is close enough to spot the infringement. But you have to respect his decision and that is how the football is.” He said with a broad but disappointed smile.
NFA Singapore U-16 Starting Line-up: Fashah Rosedin, Ammirul Mazlan (Iskandar Khairul Anuar 87), Brandon Koh, Hanafi Akbar (Syazwan Mohamed Zin 56), Jonathan Tan, Hazim Hassan, Illyas Lee, Bryan Neubronner, Dhukhilan(c) (Azrin Hamdan 81), Muhaimin Suhaimi, Fatemy Firdouse
Juventus U-15 Starting Line-up: Volpe Giacomo (Elezaj Entonjo 45), Crepaldi Federico, Pagliasso Andrea (Zarmanian Lorenzo 19), Guiducci Niccolo (c), Gili Fabio, Giannarelli Andrea, Varetto Nicholas, Tartaglia Gianluca, Rinaldi Federico, Degrassi Alessandro (Faverato Davide 50), Marra Andrea (Augimeri Giovanni 73)
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