Game 36  (WHI-KTZ) 10-16-298

Game 36 - Whitlam - Eastern Zartania (Tom Koh Trophy):
 
IVEFA annouces the results of today's match between Whitlam and Eastern
Zartania in the inaugural Tom Koh Trophy tournament, played in Gough:

The Technical Information:

Final score: WHITLAM 1 - EASTERN ZARTANIA 1
Played in: Gough, Whitlam (Hawke Bitter Stadium), attendance: 106,800
Referee: Wei-Chun Benzhin (Westermarc)
Goals: Faulkner (KTZ, 25.), Walford (WHI, 62.)
Yellow cards: Staton (KTZ, 19.), McBride (KTZ, 49.), Gensmer (WHI, 55.)
Substitutions: Biafra for Rayner (WHI, 45.), Gottmik for Duvall (KTZ,
45.)

Match commentary:

Brisk game sees many errors, points divided.

A lot of anticipation accompanied this first ever clash of the two
former Terramarc regions, who had both recently put a lot of effort into
promoting soccer in their respective countries, and had prepared hard
for not only the Vexillium Cup, which is to begin soon, but also for
this pre-Cup test, the Tom Koh Trophy, which is a matter of pride.  And,
of course, these two teams have been drawn in the same Vex Cup group,
C!  So the rivalry is intense!

KTZ entered the game with their trademark offensive style, playing 5
forwards, and only 2 defenders!  At first the strategy certainly worked,
as a more conservative Whitlam was under constant pressure from the
Zartanians, who also utilized their usual rough style in an attempt to
intimidate the Dragons.  KTZ finally capitalized in the 25. minute, as
Faulkner bumped his way through two defenders, and bombed the ball
goalwards with abandon - and it actually went in!  This was a wake-up
call for the Dragons, who now suddenly became more active.  Both teams
were now playing offensive, but in their aim to launch quick attacks,
frequent mistakes and mis-passes were made by both, and although several
good chances existed, there was no more score before the break.

After halftime, both teams seemed a little more poised.  Zartania was
still playing offensively, but they had brought in an additional
defender, and seemed to be pulling back just slightly compared to the
first half.  Whitlam played a very similar style now as well.  The
roughness factor of the game was acceptable.  Referee Benzhin had a
grave word with both team captains before the match and made clear that
he would not stand for a rough and out-of-control game.  Although there
were three cards, this total was well below of what some cynics had
predicted.  The referee did a good job in keeping it fair.

The clock was ticking for Whitlam, and they were still one behind.  The
home fans launched several loud cheering and singing sessions, and it
seemed to spur the Dragons on.  in the middle of the second half, they
had the upper hand, as the Zartanian game became more disorganized.  All
the KTZ players seemed to want to go for the goal by themselves, or took
wild long shots that led nowhere.  Meanwhile, Whitlam seemed to finally
have found a recipe.  Indeed, Walford finally scored the equalizer to
the great relief of the home fans, as well as the team.  Both teams now
went back to their offensive styles, in an all-or-nothing type mode.  It
is truly surprising that there were no more goals, as both sides had
their own halfs wide open at times.  But most of the chances on both
sides were often missed, either due to offensive errors, or due to great
reflexes by the goalies, Zaytseva and Jenkins.  The score remained a
draw, 1-1, an inconclusive end to the much-anticipated match.  It can
certainly not be said with full clarity which team actually was better.
Zartania impressed with their attack prowess in the early going, which
led to the lead, Whitlam seemed to have the better presence of mind when
they really needed to focus.  Both teams were too erratic, but both are
still new squads, and with more play together, some of the
misunderstandings should be cleared up in the future.  Nevertheless,
both teams seem threatening for not only the Koh Trophy, but also the
Vex Cup!

KTZ now needs to win their home bout with Westermarc, tomorrow evening.
Whitlam will be back in action on Sunday, playing Westermarc in
Kikikira.