The Hindu : Sport / Football : Soccer FC in quarterfinals

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jul 20, 2007
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Soccer FC in quarterfinals

CHENNAI: D. Bharati Raja’s lob over the goalkeeper’s head midway through the first half made the difference for Soccer FC in a lacklustre Vittal Trophy football tournament match against Tiruchi DFA here on Thursday. Neither side was able to dominate; the finishing was consistently poor. This was a scrap largely confined to the midfield.

Raja’s successful chip from 30 yards in the 22nd minute inspired several other attempts on goal from a distance. Most soared over the goalposts, although a couple of times Soccer FC did put together a series of passes, only to fail further up, when it mattered.

The passing, it must be said, was mostly aimless, and the ball frequently fell in front of the feet of opposing players.

Tiruchi strove manfully, but was unable to seize the advantage despite D. Rajan’s expulsion from the field for two fouls committed in quick succession. The 10-man Soccer FC defended with ease and even made several sorties into the opposition’s half, only to be let down repeatedly by the lack of co-ordination between the midfielders and the forwards.

Tiruchi’s Raffick in turn was expelled for a vicious swipe taken in the 89th minute.

Soccer FC will take on Indian Bank in the quarterfinals.

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