O'Malley's Oranje

O'MALLEY'S ORANJE 3 vs SHANGHAI UNITED 2 (Sat Nov 26th 2005) On a gloriously sunny morning, perfectly made for football there was an evident feeling of confidence and expectancy amongst the Dutch camp heading into a game against the league's bottom placed team. Severeal changes of personnel by manager Tom "The Tinkerman" Bus saw Bart reverting back to his customary defensive role along side Ben in the sweeper position with Big Jeroen moving to the striker role; Irish midfeild dynamo Dave was welcomed back and newcomer Rio settled for a place on the bench. The game started quite brightly with the ball mainly being retained by the Dutch before a period of scrappy play by both teams ensued with several niggly fouls meaning the referees whistle was being heard constantly. Soon the Dutch settled into their rhythm and started to test the United defence with Marijn causing all manner of problems down the left, sending several telling balls into the box that were, unfortunately, not taken advantage of. However, it was United who took the lead as their winger with scary pace breezed through the Oranje midfield, outpaced the defence and slotted home beyong the advancing Max. Trailing 0-1, the shockwaves were clearly seen to reverberate throughout the squad and it was clear that the game would not be easy and the commitment levels had to be raised significantly. Thankfully that was exactly the reaction that was witnessed as the Dutch slowly grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and began to exert several passages of dominance; what was encouraging was the ball was never aimlessly hoisted forward from Max, instead the defence were always on hand to receive the ball in an attempt the build the play from the back and with Dave, Lodewijk and Jeroen all demaning the ball to feet, several passages of fine play were created. One such attacking move saw a corner awarded on the right; Lodewijk's curling centre evaded everyone and fell to Ben on the edge of the box who connected with a fine half volleyed shot that the United kepper did well to parry. Chasing down the loose ball on the left, Jeroen slipped it back to the supporting Ben who executed a deft, left footed chip from out on the touch line which sailed over the keepers head and into the back of the net - well, if the truth be known, maybe it was an attempted cross that evaded the keepers grasp but, as a wiser man than myself once said, they all count........ 1-1 and back in business the Dutch continued to exert pressure on a static United defence until the referees whistle signified half time and a chance to re-group. The second half started as the first ended with the Dutch having the better of the possession and creating the more effective football. Marijn continued to trouble down the flank and Tom Bus added willing running to compliment Jeroens movement. Dave took a hold of the midfield, seeming to cover every blade of grass and Bart cancelled out any real threat from the pacy united winger with a solid and forceful showing. Several opportunites were created but the ball would just not go in with the United keeper pulling off numerous fine saves, notably a fierce near post header by Jeroen after some excellent wing play by Humphrey. Following a crude challenge on debutant Rio on the left wing, the resulting free kick was superbly curled in by Tom, to be met powerfully by Marijn's head, the ball taking a deflection before ending in the back of the net. 2-1 and a deserved reward for some dominant periods of Dutch play. The game then slipped into a phase of continuous fouling by both teams with Marijn getting booked for an over-enthusiastaic lunge and Beer and Bart commiting what can only be described as X-rated challenges that rightfully saw them both booked. United came back somewhat and had it not been for woeful finishing on two occasions when clean through, could have regained the lead. Shortly afterwards, a dubious free kick was awarded and the subsequent effort was sent over the wall and into the net from about 20 yards - a very disapointing goal to concede. Time was running out and the Dutch knew something special was needed; they continued to play fine football throughout and after some good work by Beer the ball found its way to Kevin who sent an exquisite pass through to Jeroen; outpacing the exhausted United defence, he expertly and coolly finished beyond the advancing keeper, ensuring that all three points were Oranje bound with a thoroughly deserved goal and that ultimately the better team on the day won. Individual Player Ratings: Max - 7 - No chance with the 1st goal, should have done better with the 2nd; his distribution and communication were excellent throughout. Beer - 7 - Cool under pressure, used ball well when going forward and cancelled out the threat of the big striker well - all from a man who was supposedly feeling the effects of flu!!?? Bart - 7 - Very composed display, looking much more comfortable in his customary defensive role, he shackled the nippy winger well and always moved forward when the chance arose. Ben – 7.5 - Did he mean the goal or not - only he will ever truly know ????!!!!!!!! Some said it was a cross… but I say it was a goal, such as Van Bastens goal in the 88 EC final Dave - 8 - Excellent performance and a welcome return to the team - bags of energy and enthusiasm, shielded defence well and always used the ball effectively. Lodewijk - 7 - Quiet display for his standards, he still used the ball well and was full of running. Humphrey - 6 - Committed performance, used the ball well going forward before tiring and being replaced. Marijn - 8 - Caused all sorts of problems down the left with his trickery and fine use of the ball. Got stuck in and managed to wind the opposition up in his customary manner . Booked. Janus - 6 - Lots of effort but a little subdued, his touch was not always up to his usual standards. Maybe needs a little more sleep on the night before???!!! Jeroen - 8.5 - Excellent display up front; smart running and physical presence troubled the ageing United defence, always demanding and showing to receive the ball, he deserved his goal which was expertly taken . **STAR MAN** Kevin - 7 - Some telling moments and intelligent use of the ball - through ball for goal was vision personified. SUBS: Jorden - 7 - Very assured display in defence, kept the opposition quiet and used the ball well when moving forward. Kiet - 6 - A little quiet but made some telling passes out on the flank. Rio - 6 - Showed plenty of promise and always showing to receive the ball - maybe needs a few games to get back to match sharpness?? Tom Bus - 7 - Effective performance, delivered some testing balls into the box including the fine delivery for the second goal - not so sure about the shot on goal direct from the kick off though!!!???