Total Football Bucharest

MATCH DAY 03/05/3026

TFB 2012/2013 V FC Nana Jrs

It was good to be back in action for this age group, and it has to be said, the opening 15 minutes were the best I have seen from this group of players. They played with confidence and moved the ball around brilliantly, creating good chances to score and maintaining a high line to win the ball back. On an early attack, a good dribble and shot from Rob was well saved by the opposing keeper, but Rafa was switched on and won the race to the rebound, slid in and slammed the ball home. A goal that was well deserved.

A few minutes later, an error in communication and passing at the back caused a mistake, which Nana was quick to take advantage of. All level again! After that setback, the team did well to move the ball and got plenty of shots off, testing the keeper. After some fine play by Dan, Vlad and Rafa, we were awarded a penalty. Rob took responsibility and confidently stepped up to take the spot kick. He hit the ball extremely well, but it unfortunately crashed against the upright and bounced out to safety.

As the game wore on, we struggled to challenge for the second ball, allowing Nana time to easily regain possession. Our defending became a little passive and the energy levels dropped. The physical aggression we saw at the beginning to win the ball high up the field had stopped and we were allowing them too much time on the ball. A mention for Stefan F, who found himself one-on-one with the Nana striker on numerous occasions and handled the situation superbly.

Overall, it was a good return to match action. The commitment and physicality were good, but the slip in concentration and the lack of intensity in the second half showed. There was good link-up play and the players are starting to understand the different roles. This team is on the cusp of a new level of performance. We need to continue to put the work in in training and keep developing as a team. If we can consistently reach the levels of the first 15 minutes and continue for the entire game, this team truly become a force.

Team: Alex GK, Stefan F, Eric, Ehren, Dan, Stefan M, Rafael, Robert, Vlad, Antonio, Radu, Dominic.

TFB 2017/2018 V FC Dimieni (Team 2)

Team: Diego, Iacob, Noah, Matei, Matty, Ioachim, Achim, Charlie

This was a game played in very tough conditions. A massive thank you to the parents for preparing their children and for their support whilst attending the game. Also, a big thank you for helping to try and push the water off the pitch; without this, the game would not have been possible.

First half:

The team looked strong from the start. They were moving the ball with confidence. It took both teams a little bit of time to get used to the wet playing surface due to the persistent amount of rainfall.

We created lots of chances and scored some deserved goals to go ahead. The players worked exceptionally well as a team, as is the case regularly at the moment. In the attack, everyone contributed and made the forward runs, but it was in defence that the team really stepped up. With a hugely increased work rate, everyone ran to get back and defend. It’s great to see these boys taking the next step, playing as a team and working hard as a unit.

Second half:

We had the worst side for conditions this half, but goalkeeper Diego didn’t let it phase him! He dived straight into a big puddle to make a fantastic save. Again, like the first half, the team moved the ball around the pitch really well and showed a lot of confidence to take players on and also keep their shape. We managed to score a few goals in the second half, getting a good result to boost the players after playing in difficult conditions.

Everyone was fantastic in the game. A really strong showing from all the boys. And massive respect and appreciation for the children and the parents for choosing to not only continue the game, but to produce an exceptional performance.