The venue holds TeamCuzz's worst record, having played 3 and winning none. TeamCuzz was also playing without their influential Captain for the first time this season, who is out for sometime with a swollen knee. With odds stacked against them, TeamCuzz knew they had to be at their best to overcome Pirates, who had been in fine form since suffering a humbling defeat by TeamCuzz earlier on in the season.
With a defensive formation to counter Pirates' aerial attacks, TeamCuzz managed to adapt to the tempo of the game seamlessly. The simple instructions to be compact when defending and running-riot in attack was followed without question and it paid dividends in TeamCuzz's first attack of the game. Following a freekick, Faisal released Hyder with the defetest of touches which the latter duelly converted for his 2nd of the season. It was a nice return since TeamCuzz was at the end of a similar scenario at the Jurong Stadium a week back.
The lead did not change the tempo of the game as TeamCuzz continued to frustrate their more vocal opponents. Even the introduction of Pirate's top-scorer/skipper/Bill Goldberg lookalike could not alter the scoreline.
It was TeamCuzz's change that actually brought the difference. After a hardworking afternoon by the forwards, TeamCuzz's caretaker manager brought in the pacey Hafizzudin for Faisal. He reverted to his usual "run-to-through-balls" type of play as TeamCuzz looked to capitalize on Pirate's flailing stamina and speed. After a series of chances, TeamCuzz widened the deficit. Courtesy of Amin's determined closing down on the right flank, the midfielder laid the ball in the path of Hafizzudin. The burly striker took a touch to bring the ball over the defender's leg before slotting home at the near post. It was a perfect timing to score as the referee blew for the break seconds later.
Although pretty comfortable with the 2 goal margin, TeamCuzz need no reminders of what could happen if they slacked in the 2nd half. Fresh legs were brougt in to further frustrate the opponents, and it certainly did. Although TeamCuzz did not manage to increase their margin, their defence also never looked shaky. This was despite conceeding a goal late on. They held their nerve to bring home the precious and much-deserved 3 points.
Pirates might be left to ponder the reason for TeamCuzz to quickly regain their from after a disheartening defeat last week. Was it the formation inspired by the caretaker manager? Or the changed strip? Or ice-cubeless bird's-nest-infested-with-ants drink? Or jinxed venue? Or support from loyal fan(s) and teammates? Or simply TeamCuzz's class? Hmmmmmmm.....
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