The Match: Perspective from a manager

For the first half of the match, my strategy was to play at a high tempo to pressure the opponents and hopefully they will make mistake which we can manipulate. We started really well and at times we were keeping the opponents at their own half. Few substitution were made towards the end of first half so that I can rest several key players for the second. It was quite a balanced game with both teams created several chances. However, we managed to keep most of the possession. The first half ended with rather a satisfying feeling as I knew we played well controlling and keeping possession of the game.

To start the second half, I was thinking of taking some risks by continue to rest all the key players and allow other players to go for a run on the game. At this point of time, my strategy was to use strong players and keep the opponents at bay. I used a different sets of attackers just to maybe sneak in a goal if there's any opportunities. Another thing that was on my mind is to tired out the opponents by allowing them to do most of the running and to have a run on our strong players.

In the first 10-15 minutes of the second half, we were being pushed back by the opponent and we were defending deep in our own half. Our attackers tried to sneak in once in awhile to establish some attacking moves which were being foiled by the opponents. I tried another strategy which is to bring in wingers which might give us some options on the left and right instead of going directly in the center. About 20minutes into the second half, I eventually decided to field in all the key players and go for a more attacking strategy against a rather 'tired' opponents. At this stage, we were in control for most of the time with several missed chances. We keep on pushing forward hoping to get a goal and it was really close at some point which could have killed the game off. However, it ended up as a draw.

We maintained the team for the extra time as I believed we are able to break the deadlock at some point if we keep on pushing forward. In extra time, once again we were keeping possession and our midfields were winning all the high ball. Our defence was also superb to fend off any attacking threats from the opponent. I believed at this point of time, we were going for a win. However, the opponents were able to hang on as extra time came to an end.

Then, it was the penalties that won us the game. The opponents missed several shots and our team's penalty takers were in top form hitting the back of the net except for one shot which hit the left post (leaving the keeper watching in relief as he was not anywhere near for a save).

The final result: 3-1 (on penalties) for our team.