MD 18: FC AMSTERDAM 0-0 AD LISBOA

A derby day to forget

By: Ray Porter

De Kolonisten-Klassieker was supposed to be an entertaining fixture in which both teams gave everything for a win, as Amsterdam was searching for their first victory over fierce rivals Lisboa since the foundation of FSL. However, with both teams focusing on their defence, the game was as boring as it gets. While Amsterdam lined up in their currently favoured 343 formation, with two defensive midfielders providing ample cover for the defensive line, Lisboa used a 4321 formation, trying to overload the centre of the pitch.

Both teams chose surprising approaches: Lisboa focused on crosses against a tall and physical defensive line, featuring the excellent Boama and Maurer who cleared every cross that wasn't claimed by Vert, while Amsterdam resorted to long balls to the less-than-ideal-sized Blatand. Still, the Tulips would earn the first good chance as they combined down the left-hand side where Dmytro Jr. was found by Martinez, the Ukrainian would send Blatand into the box. The young striker's attempt was subsequentially blocked for a corner. Lisboa would have one shot in the first half, as Yilmaz' shot from range would go wide. These two shots were the only highlights in a terrible first half.

Despite Amsterdam opening up a bit by changing to a 433 formation and increasing the tempo of their attacks, the second half would not see significant change. The best chance of the game would come in the 56th minute, Santos would dribble on the right flank, before passing it to Dmytro Jr. The young midfielder then plays it to Blatand in the box, who turns and shoots. The ball went straight for the bottom right corner but was stopped by the hands of Bango-Bongo.

With Lisboa looking as dull as ever under Matthew Lennon's captaincy, the game ended 0-0, as both teams failed to deliver enough for a victory.