Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Persija v PSM 2-0
In a thrilling end to the first half Persija scored one and came close on two occassions. First Bambang was pulled from behind and netted the resulting penalty with all the confidence of a striker with 13 goals this season.
Seconds later he set up his strike parther Aliyudin who failed to connect with a header. Then one final effort saw Bambang foiled by the PSM keeper rushing off his line to dive at his feet.
A full stadium were still celebrating when the ref blew for half time and Persija headed for the break a goal up and looking rampant.
Second half saw more of the same with Atep prominent down the right flank.
A probing run by Argentinian import Robertinho clattered to the ground. Eventually Bambang put the free kick on the crossbar.
PSM went straight the other end and a nice chip into the box was headed just wide when perhaps it was easier to work the keeper.
Great game, great atmosphere!
On the hour mark Robertinho, having an excellent game, released Bambang but the Indonesian striker, one on one, tried to chip the keeper who stood tall and didn't commit. Bambang chipped lamely into his midriff!
A miunte later Aliyudin was released down the right flank and Bambang, sliding in at the back stick, hit the upright. It doesn't half make a change when you have two teams concentrating on playing football and attacking non stop. None of the cynical play acting and petulance that mars some games here.
Persija need another goal to have some kind of cushion. They don't travel well and PSM don't score many so a 2 or 3-0 lead will be an enormous boost going into the second leg.
The Jak laid siege on the PSM goal but the same old failings, lack of killer touch, let them down at the crucial moments. Bambang, Ismed and Aliyudin were all guilty of missed chances in quick succession.
One positive has been the performance of Robertinho. He has been unafraid to mix it, fairly, and does not seek to influence the officials by rolling around like a turtle on its shell every time he is touched.
As PSM pressed for an equaliser they left their flanks unguarded and on 83 Ismed Sofyan broke. He cross wasn't dealt with and it was Robertinho who picked his spot from 18 yards. He fully deserved it.
By the end it was difficult to believe this was the first time Persija have kicked the ball in anger since September!
Seconds later he set up his strike parther Aliyudin who failed to connect with a header. Then one final effort saw Bambang foiled by the PSM keeper rushing off his line to dive at his feet.
A full stadium were still celebrating when the ref blew for half time and Persija headed for the break a goal up and looking rampant.
Second half saw more of the same with Atep prominent down the right flank.
A probing run by Argentinian import Robertinho clattered to the ground. Eventually Bambang put the free kick on the crossbar.
PSM went straight the other end and a nice chip into the box was headed just wide when perhaps it was easier to work the keeper.
Great game, great atmosphere!
On the hour mark Robertinho, having an excellent game, released Bambang but the Indonesian striker, one on one, tried to chip the keeper who stood tall and didn't commit. Bambang chipped lamely into his midriff!
A miunte later Aliyudin was released down the right flank and Bambang, sliding in at the back stick, hit the upright. It doesn't half make a change when you have two teams concentrating on playing football and attacking non stop. None of the cynical play acting and petulance that mars some games here.
Persija need another goal to have some kind of cushion. They don't travel well and PSM don't score many so a 2 or 3-0 lead will be an enormous boost going into the second leg.
The Jak laid siege on the PSM goal but the same old failings, lack of killer touch, let them down at the crucial moments. Bambang, Ismed and Aliyudin were all guilty of missed chances in quick succession.
One positive has been the performance of Robertinho. He has been unafraid to mix it, fairly, and does not seek to influence the officials by rolling around like a turtle on its shell every time he is touched.
As PSM pressed for an equaliser they left their flanks unguarded and on 83 Ismed Sofyan broke. He cross wasn't dealt with and it was Robertinho who picked his spot from 18 yards. He fully deserved it.
By the end it was difficult to believe this was the first time Persija have kicked the ball in anger since September!
# posted by Me @ 4:20 PM 
