Daddy’s
Arion team faced off with an old nemesis Police 2 days ago in the 3rd/4th
placing game in the Challenge Cup. These teams already met during the group
stages and we drew each other out in a surprisingly entertaining 0-0 score
line. Despite that goal-less draw, Daddy was very happy because Arion had a
chance to top the group and avoid the winners of the other group. In the end,
the plan was a success but we stumbled during the semi-finals against H2O.
So it was
back to facing Police yet again as they too, fell to Young Women. The last time
out, we drew each other but this time, there was no more hiding. Victory either
belongs to them or us. Despite the game being just a ¾ placing, Daddy was very
certain our opponents would want it just as bad as us.
Unfortunately,
Arion fell behind due to a poorly cleared corner kick. Set piece defending
seems to be one of our most glaring weaknesses, something to be addressed in
time to come. We were struggling to keep ourselves afloat, let alone getting
into gear with our passing. It was so bad Daddy had to throw in Shiya for
Cassie, even though it was her final game. It’s amazing how we even managed to
equalize much to the crowd’s delight via Chris’ thumping angular shot. We
probably didn’t deserve to go into halftime 1-1 but I guess I won’t complain.
Daddy gave a
fiery team talk in a bid to wake up the ideas of the girls. They weren’t doing
that badly but certainly not good enough. If we had stayed the same going into
the second half, defeat is for certain. I knew they were likely to come out
firing in barrels but never would I have planned how the second half panned
out.
We fell
behind yet again via an uncharacteristic mistake from Lijing. From then on, to
be honest, Daddy thought the game was over. Arion had never recovered from
being a goal down and won at all, let alone twice. Daddy asked Angie to go one
side and gave her a firm piece of my mind before kicking her into the action.
Much to
everyone’s delight, all of Daddy’s substitutions worked. Shiya sent in a cross
to Angie who pulled the trigger to equalize for us. There was pandemonium in
the stands. We were back in the game and against our team’s nature, we actually
found a way back from behind twice. To be honest, we were riding on our luck as
Police kept coming but we barely managed to repel them sometimes. There were times whereby Daddy just couldn’t
believe the team’s luck. One by one, our players got injured. The stretchers
went in twice, and could even be thrice, had Qiuyi remained on the ground. Az
had to be carried out due to severe cramps and Chris received a blow to her
ankle. It was a big dilemma for Daddy whether to sub Chris out, as by doing so,
I will effectively end the hopes of us winning it. It was perhaps a tad too
pessimistic on my thinking because for that moment, I lost faith in the rest of
the players to win it. I didn’t want to risk Chris’ health as well for the sake
of victory. It just wasn’t worth it.
It took
Daddy awhile to decide but fortunately, Chris did me a favor. She was ok and
didn’t want to give up so she saved me a big decision and trudged back gingerly
onto the field.
And then it
happened. It had to happen! Despite all our difficulties during the game, we
were always still in it even though we were constantly on the slight backfoot.
Xiaoxian was brought down by the opposing defender and a penalty was given.
90+2 minutes. When Xiaoxian fell, I thought she blew the chance. The challenge
didn’t look too malicious from my angle but you know what, WE.DIDN’T.CARE.
Up stepped
Chris, and as usual planted a cool and collected shot with the keeper stranded.
Everyone
went wild. Daddy couldn’t believe that it was happening but there was still 2
more minutes to go and survive.
It was unbelievable
how aggressive Police attacks were right from the kick off. In that 2 minutes,
they’ve had an open shot that went just 2 inches wide, an unnecessary corner
conceded by us, and within seconds after the corner, a direct freekick right
outside the box directly through the centre. Fortunately we survived. As Mira
caught the ball sweetly from the direct freekick, the whistle blew. We had made
it to shore. Those 2 minutes felt like 2 minutes under water.
There was
euphoria within the Arion camp. Both team A and B celebrated the victory as if
we’ve won the championship. Daddy went around giving away hugs and
acknowledging the contributions of all the players. These moments of sweet
victory belongs to the entire Arion team and us alone. I was very touched by
the team’s grit. They never gave up, and with the uncompromising reluctance to
accept defeat, we snatched a win right at the death. Daddy was extremely proud
of the girls. Such experience can never be bought with any amount of money in
this world.
Daddy ended
up with a medal, a new coach shirt as well as a very drenched shirt.
So after
this long commentary of the game, what has Daddy learned?
- What hasn’t happened before
doesn’t mean it won’t happen in the future, or at all. The team has never,
NEVER recovered from a goal down to win a game but on that day, they
recovered TWICE. To top it up, the team won.
- While we were clearly not at
our very best, the undying fighting spirit provided enough, or even extra
energy in the tank. That difference probably played a major role in
securing a big result. So never say die or stop trying when you know you
are still in for a shot at success
- Recovering from set backs is
nice but don’t do it too often. Luck will run out at some point in time.
Fighting spirit is a major contributor but never a stand-alone decider
when it comes to challenges. It is always better to be in control from the
word “Go” than to play catch-up.
- At the end of it all, Daddy
received a new coach shirt specially done for me. It was the best form of
recognition the team could give me. This shirt was priceless. It was for
me and me alone. That kind of appreciation cannot be bought with money.
Although it is not always the case, people may remember and show gratitude
to us when we give them our time, love and effort. We do it not because we
yearn for such appreciation but we do it because we love what we are doing
and the people involved in it.
- Despite ending in third, it was
a major victory for everyone. Beating an old nemesis is an achievement but
exceeding one’s expectations within meant a lot more. It is more difficult
to challenge and end up beating yourself. But when you do, the results can
be amazingly beautiful.
In time to come, Daddy would like you to meet these gritty ladies who possessed the indomitable spirit. Perhaps they will revisit with you this fateful day in which Arion celebrated their very first major achievement with Daddy.
Love Daddy
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