Zagreb NK Cruises Past FC Amsterdam, Stays Undefeated
Written by: Adrian Wojranowski
Amsterdam are not in the winning favour as they have only scored 6 against Zagreb who's on a hot run with 5 Wins and 17 Goals in 7 week.
Zagreb used their signature 3-2-2-3 not worrying too much about whatever is Amsterdam's counter plan for them and just do what they usually do. With Scooter McGavin and Shuugar Plum sits as their wide midfielder and infamous Jethro as the 9 of this formation. The huge numbers of men they throw in the final third is signalling that they're trying to swamp the opposition back right from the start.
While on the other hand, the dutch underdog are looking firm defensively as they lined up a solid 5-3-2 formation and a very deep backline which emphasizes more on a counter attacking play styles. Edward Boama will play a crucial role to connect the deep backline While Bronte Sakarias and Rose Piper would have a really hard match due to Zagreb's overloaded midfield.
The dutchmen 5 defensive plan proved to be unmatched against the almighty Zagreb as the host keeps getting some good chances in between the inexperienced defenders. The trisula of Jethro, Neagu, and Kamel always find a way to create good chances inside the box but can't convert anything until referee blows for the half-time whistle.
The ever experimental coach Jmart made a unique decision during half-time as he played an assymetrical 5-3-2 with Sakarias playing as the sole wide forward while Dmytros were tasked as the 10 playmaker to link up the midfield and the forwards.
This change proves to be super effective that it makes a really awkward shape in Zagreb's defense. Dmytros exploits the confused Zagreb as his dummy run in the box were translated into a goal making Amsterdam leads the match with a 1-0 score in the 54th minute.
A quickfire one hit wonder chance happens right after the kick-off as the host Zagreb equalized the score with a easy finish by Marcus Neagu. The man of the moment was Henry Kamel with his run toward the sideline that allows him to link up with Alexei Alpha to create the good chance.
Failed attack from the dutchmen in the 81st minute were the start of Amsterdam humbling moment as the overlapping midfielder Leo Sanic sucessfully blast the ball in after a good one-two pass with Henry Kamel to gain the lead late in the game.
The exciting match ended with a 2-1 win for Zagreb. While the Amsterdam leads the possession with their very close support range, Zagreb skillful players were just too much for them making 3x Amsterdam's scoring attempts. Marcus Neagu won the Man of the Match for his equalizer.
