Total Football Bucharest

MATCH DAY ⚽️

2012/13 Vs FC NANA Jrs

A new narrow formation today for the team, with a few new tactical concepts to understand and implement in a competitive game. The energy, intensity and mentality from every player were spot on, and we didn’t allow Nana any time to move the ball around the field. We quickly started to control possession, and our build-up play was excellent throughout the opening period. With the new shape, we needed the full-backs to provide extra width, and Eric made some strong overlapping runs into space while offering some great crossing opportunities. Rafa was industrious as ever, and Rob had a few half chances, but we were just lacking that finishing quality in the final third.

The midfield trio of Dan, Stefan and Radu provided a solid foundation for the team. They worked brilliantly to close down space, break up the opposition’s play and launch our counter-attacks. Defensively, the team was outstanding, with Stefan’s excellent communication helping Eric and Ehren throughout the game. As a unit, they performed superbly and limited the opposition’s opportunities. Dom didn’t have much to do today, but he anticipated danger well when called upon and used his excellent kicking ability to clear his lines effectively. Antonio and Dani were waiting for their chance off the bench and they both contributed to an excellent performance.

With our controlled and disciplined play, we finally broke the deadlock through a fantastic strike from Rob. After the goal, the team maintained the intensity, stayed organised and held their positions brilliantly to secure a well-deserved victory. A fantastic team performance from start to finish, with every player contributing to a solid, disciplined and consistent display.

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.