TeamCuzz Carries on Winning Form

McPherson Sec, Circuit Rd - TeamCuzz continued their winning start to the 2009 campaign with a convincing 5-2 victory over team MaiZai (if Im not wrong). More than just another victory, it reflected TeamCuzz's superiority in the clash-of-the-families (as team MaiZai also comprised of relatives).

The look-good-from-far-but-damn-bumpy pitch & clear, blue sky at McPherson Secondary.

Have you heard of Hakan Sukur's 11-second goal against South Korea in the 2002 World Cup 3rd/4th match? Or perhaps the 8-move checkmate routine in the game of chess? Well, TeamCuzz's first goal beat them both, hands-down. Kickoff was followed by a pass to Shahrudin, who made a dash forward before releasing Shukur who in turn wriggled his way through and found Faisal, who easily beat the opponent fullback in pace and strength before scoring off the woodwork. That was 4 moves to the goal in 10.283 seconds. Yup, that fast. In fact, it was so fast the referee hadn't even managed to get the whistle off his mouth since he blew for kickoff.

With confidence running high, TeamCuzz controlled the game. MaiZai only managed to get as far as midfield before possession was robbed from them. Thus, the highly experienced centre back pairing of Khairi and Sarif was not tested, and starting fullbacks Fazlon and Saifudin were free to roam forward. Opportunities after opportunities were created, yet squandered. It must be mentioned though that TeamCuzz was in the mood for beautiful football. Apart from making use of their ever-so-reliable short-pass game to good effect, the match showed the strenghts of wingers Faisal and Shikin in creating options down the wings, and the understanding between strikers Shukur and Riduan with the central midfielders.

Left to Right: Our most commited player getting ready for action; our captain swings in from a corner kick; our in-form winger taking a break after bagging a brace.

Their perserverance and dominance paid off soon after. Riduan laid off the ball to Shahrudin who shrugged off a couple of challenges and providied a cross for Faisal to head home his second of the game. It was the winger's 4th goal in 2 matches, an impressive record considering the barren spell he had in the past. Is there anyway to stop him? Opponents, go figure.

Chances continued to be created. Guilty parties included Imran and his Zola-like flick from a corner, Shahrudin's one-on-one chance, and Shukur's shot from outside the area. The referee also had a part to play, calling for offside occassionally when it was obviously not.

As the game wore on, MaiZai managed to get into the game. After TeamCuzz's offside trap failed, a cross was well-controlled by the opposing striker who narrowly converted the chance. TeamCuzz then had their custodian to thank for keeping the lead coming to half-time, when he saved at point-blank a diving header from the right.

Changes were made during the break to accomodate all players. Oh, did I mention there was 17 TeamCuzz players + 4 TeamCuzz youths + 1 TeamCuzz Cameraman?

Contemplating the changes at half-time. Our attacking centre-back Khairil, hitting the post. He went on to provide an assist for Shukur. Cute, little Luk, all exhausted after witnessing the beautiful soccer TeamCuzz showcased. More like it bored him since he only woke up the next day.

Determined not to lose the lead from the 1st half, TeamCuzz when out with an attacking mentality. They picked up where they left off, creating chances down the wing which the opponents found hard to cope. In one of those attacks, good work by Syafiq down the right led to him passing to Khairil who with his usual purposeful run, got him behind the defenders. Before they could clear it, Amirul stepped in to shoot. His blocked shot ended up at the feet of Naufal who saw a gap and gleefully passed the ball into the back of the net.

Naufal's second then followed. A half-chance was well-taken with an acrobatic scissors kick. It could have been surprising for the oppoenets, but to us at TeamCuzz, we're well aware of the Silat-like acrobatics of the striker.

Another failed offised trap, then gave MaiZai their second of the game; a marvellously-taken lob.
However, stiker Shukur put the game beyond reasonable doubt after being put through by Khairil. The former took his time to place it into the far corner, apparently resembling RVP.

Good work lads! Good team spirit, good sport, good gameplay, good result. ESPZEN, here we come...

TeamCuzz (V MaiZai on 17 Jan): Aril, Saifudin, Fazlon, Sarif, Khairi, Imran, Shahrudin, Shikin, Faisal, Shukur, Riduan, Syafiq, Naufal, Amirul, Hisyam, Arul, Khairil

We call ourselves TeamCuzz.