Match Report – vs Nivellois-aclot Bs vs 4ZA - 22/10

Following a frustrating 1-3 defeat at home that determined who would go top of the league,

4za was determined to regain its ethos and winning streak again. Against today’s opponent

Nivellois-aclot Bs, 4za faced a perfect opportunity to show what it is capable of.

To make sure his players would not be slacking, O’Connor’s showed a remarkable display of

one of his five A’s (Availability & Attendance), by being present despite formally suffering from

a hamstring injury. Even more remarkable, O’Connor’s dedication to 4za was highlighted by

the fact that it was his daughter’s birthday, which he did duly remember (this had previously

been problematic within 4za’s ranks). As if this wasn’t enough to motivate 4za’s players, the

game was being played under the watchful eye of former Charleroi player Brancaleone senior.

O’Connor was not the only one who showed dedication to 4za and RBBFC. The 2nds were in

dire need of some quality players, so Somers volunteered to save RBBFC’s name in ABBSA’s

second division. A pity for 4za, but no reason for excuses. For today’s match, Coach O’Connor

returned to a 4-2-3-1 formation, which looked as follows:

Pongky Lubbe Bakker

Koen Stoop | Victor van Hoorn | Matthias de Groot | Julian Pavis

Viktor Takou | François Brancaleone

Christos Papas | Sébastien Jane-Aluja | Oliver Lodge

Alexej Knott

Subs: Nikolaas Lambers, Gavin O’Connor, Marco Stillo.

In this formation, 4za set out to control the game from start to finish. But already during the

warm-up, it knew that this would be no easy task. Whereas the pitch looked reasonably fine

from afar, the rain of the days before had turned the surface of the pitch into a muddy swamp

more suited for an obstacle run than for a football match. But before yours truly could become

sentimental and long for the pitches found just north of Belgium, it was quickly pointed out

that these circumstances would affect the opponent as well.

Despite its intentions, 4za was struggling to control the game in the first half. While Nivellois

was unable to break through 4za’s defense, 4za itself was rather unlucky in its final passes,

and failed to create any good opportunities either. Both teams knew it was important to be

the first to score a goal. An unlucky turn of events put Nivellois ahead. After a free kick into

4za’s box was extended, Stoop failed to kick the ball away, instead sending it into a puddle of

water in the 5m box. An attentive Nivellois player rushed to the puddle, seeing Lubbe Bakker

reach for the ball. The Nivellois player clearly refused to believe summer was over, as he

decided to have a final dive before the harsh Belgian winter begins. It was difficult to see

whether Lubbe Bakker mostly touched the player or the ball, but the referee was convinced it

was the first. Penalty, 1-0.

This changed the layout of the game. As Nivellois could lean back and focus on clearing any

ball that entered the no-fly zone of its defense, it was now up to 4za to shows its skills. It knew

that it had to step up its game if it wanted to leave with 3 points. However, no big chances

were recorded for the remainder of the first half.

For the second half, 4za swapped to a 3-5-2 formation, which had brought success in the past.

The change into a more attacking formation seemed to pay off, as 4za attacks became more

dangerous, leading to good opportunities to score the 1-1. However, bad luck and the struggle

to be clinical in front of the goal, which has plagued 4za’s attack the past few games, were also

present today. Attempts by Takou and De Groot were miraculously saved by the Nivellois’

goalkeeper, and at other times another Nivellois body part would be in the way.

This prompted the first change of the game: Lambers, who had just recovered from an injury,

entered the pitch for Pavis. Humble as he is, Lambers had tried to keep the expectations for

his performance low before the game. Nevertheless, with an extra striker, lifted spirits, and

renewed ethos, 4za continued its siege on the opponent’s goal, with yet more missed chances

to follow. Papas claimed a penalty after one of the Nivellois’ defenders grabbed everything

but the ball to prevent Papas from going one versus one with the goalkeeper. Unfortunately

for 4za - but fortunately for football - Papas’ diving instincts were not as finely developed as

the Nivellois’ player in the first half. Papas remained on his feet, and no penalty was given.

At the same time, the goal difference was only one, and 4za had to be mindful not to give

away too much space in defence in pursuit of the equalizer. Luckily, 4za’s three-man defense

was alert, with a brilliant clearance on the goal line from Van Hoorn preventing a second

Nivellois goal.

Second change of the game: Stillo replaced Knott in 4za’s attack. Even with refreshed

forwards, 4za struggled in front of goal as time ticked on. In a final attacking push, O’Connor

came in for Papas, clearly visualizing a 90th-minute equalizer. But unfortunately, the referee

blew the final whistle soon after, leaving 4za disappointed and with a second loss in a row.

Yet again, 4za could not reward itself by scoring the opportunities it created, while failing to

keep its defence airtight, and thus is the only one to blame for this result. As the old guard of

the team rightly remarked afterwards: "you got what you deserve”. However, one must not

forget that everything is possible in ABBSA: 4za was relieved to see that many teams who

could have overtaken 4za or expand their lead in the table, dropped points against bottomof-the-league teams. This serves as a reminder that no outcome will be predetermined this

season, requiring 4za’s full focus in every match.

As Jane-Aluja was allocated the daunting task to return the muddy 4za jerseys to their rightful

virgin-white state, it is to be hoped he is just as capable with a washing machine as with a ball

(and maybe slightly more clinical). We wish him good luck.

Your reporter,

Koen Stoop