Wednesday 22nd November 2024 - 15:00pm Thailand / 08:00am GMT - CHANG FA CUP
Futera United’s FA Cup hopes came to an end despite a valiant performance against high-flying Navy FC, eventually succumbing to a 2-0 defeat at the Valaya Alongkorn University Stadium.
Futera United took to the pitch for their first competitive fixture in what seemed like an eternity, their last game having been back in April. The team featured the additions of former Thai international Nui on the right wing and experienced left-back Ram, forming a strong-looking side with a mix of experience and youth. Their opponents for this second-round fixture, Navy FC, boasted a proud history and sat comfortably atop their league, seemingly scoring goals for fun. This was always going to be a stern test for Futera.
Futera started brightly from the kick-off, with Nui instrumental in releasing Pang down the right flank. However, his cross failed to find Phu in the box, and the visitors were able to clear the ball. Navy’s quality began to show as they dominated possession, continually probing Futera’s stout defence, marshalled by the outstanding Khun and ably supported by Tewit. Futera’s plan to employ a low block and allow the visitors possession in their own half was effective, leaving Navy visibly frustrated. Despite numerous corners and a series of debatable free kicks in their favour, the visitors could not breach the home team’s resolute defence.
The best chance of the first half came from a stunning counterattack by Futera. Pang played in Beem, whose mazy run down the left wing — turning the Navy right-back inside out — resulted in a low cross that was fortuitously cleared by a panicked Navy centre-back. The away team stormed back, and after the referee controversially waved play on despite a strong penalty appeal, the ball fell to a talented Navy forward who unleashed a thunderous 25-yard effort that rattled the underside of the bar.
Navy continued to enjoy possession, but Futera remained dangerous on the break. A moment of brilliance from Jew saw him nutmeg his opponent at the halfway line before playing a precise through ball to Beem, who surged into the Navy box and passed to Phu. The latter collapsed under a strong challenge, and despite the Futera faithful’s calls for a penalty, the referee waved play on. The half-time whistle blew with the teams level, following an outstanding display by Futera.
The second half began with Navy making three substitutions, including the introduction of their highly-rated Argentine striker Matias Panigazzi, as the away team sought to capitalise on their dominance. Within three minutes, sloppy play by Futera allowed Navy to break down the right flank. A low cross found Panigazzi, who produced a deft finish to put the visitors ahead. The relief among the Navy players was palpable, with the entire team rushing to celebrate with the Argentine striker.
Futera fought to recover but struggled to retain possession, repeatedly giving the ball away. Poor play from the back led to Navy’s second goal, as Film’s misplaced pass gifted the ball to Panigazzi, who finished with a fine left-footed strike that nestled in the bottom corner. To their credit, Futera continued to battle, with substitute Golf played through by a delightful ball from Jew, only for the linesman to flag for offside. As Futera pressed for a consolation goal, the referee blew the final whistle, ending the match 2-0 in Navy’s favour, who progress to the next round.
Despite the defeat, there were many positives to take from Futera’s performance. First, we must acknowledge the quality of the opposition. Navy FC are a former T1 side who are dominating their league, sitting 10 points clear and heavy favourites for promotion back to T2. Futera’s game plan worked effectively in the first half, with the back four delivering outstanding performances. While the midfield’s inability to retain possession was an issue, Jew stood out with moments of pure magic. Beem, the talented youngster, was fearless, tormenting the Navy right-back so thoroughly that he was substituted at half-time. However, the absence of a true centre-forward remains evident; although Phu worked tirelessly, he lacks the ability to hold up the ball and provide the team with respite. Coach Breeze delivered a tactical masterclass, with his implementation of the low block allowing us to launch swift counter-attacks, which worked to perfection in the first half. This approach was so effective that the opposition resorted to wholesale changes at half-time. The dedication and hard work of the entire coaching staff over the past month were clearly reflected in the team’s impressive display.
I am extremely proud of the entire team, and with the Thailand Semi-Pro League set to start soon, there is plenty to look forward to.
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