Report MSL 2013: Selangor FA vs Negeri Sembilan FA

Selangor made a good start to their MSL 2013 campaign when they beat Negeri Sembilan 1-0 at home yesterday. The one and only goal was scored by the ex-Negeri Sembilan player, S. Kunanlan in the 66th minutes.

I predict a draw between these two sides since this is the first match but end up as a lost to Negeri Sembilan.  In the first half, it was Negeri Sembilan who attacks the most and have few chances to score. The inability of the only Striker in 4-3-2-1 formation, Emanuel De Porras to score from the few chances that we got made the result looked bad for Negeri Sembilan. If he scored, especially the tap-in after a cross by Eddy Helmi, then the score could have been 3-0 or 3-1 to Negeri Sembilan.

Nazrin Nawi, Shahurain and Eddy Helmi were doing some good runs in the forward role but sometimes they left De Porras all alone at the front line. With him alone by himself after receiving the ball, all De Porras can do was trying from the long distance. I respected his ability to try as one of it was just inches away from the goal's bar. His ability to make the forward play from the header was far more convincing than previous Striker, Effa Owona. If he got a partner up there, Negeri Sembilan could have a goal or two from the play by De Porras. Probably, we need to give him more time.

Rashid Mahmud in the Central Midfielder role was also ineffective. It seems to me that his role is more to Defensive Midfielder instead of Central Midfielder and Negeri Sembilan was using 4-1-1-3-1 formation. Meanwhile, his partner, S. Sivanesan was doing better but not that great. Rajagobal should take note about this boy anyway. He has the ability to control the midfield and make the pass to create chances. Paul Modibo, the other import player in the squad is the Man of The Match for me. He always there when Selangor attacks. His defensive headers were the key for Negeri Sembilan defence. The other defenders were doing what they were told to, nothing much to be told about.

In summary, I made this graphic to show how the Negeri Sembilan's players fair in the game based on my own opinion and observations during the game.

Man of The Match: Paul Modibo.
Need to Buck-up: Rashid Mahmud and De Porras.
Overall: Good game by Negeri Sembilan. Much more better than last year. Possession football is always better than 'pump all long balls to striker then hoping for something' football.