SINGAPORE (6 July 2015) – The New Paper League Cup 2015 group stages have concluded, with Balestier Khalsa, Albirex Niigata (S), Hougang United and Geylang International making it into the semi-finals.
Geylang will face Albirex while Balestier take on Hougang in the last four as they all fight for glory.
Held over two weeks, the group stages provided lots of entertainment with shock results and a team making history.
Before the knockout round begins, SLeague.com recaps the group stages with four big talking points of the tournament so far!
1. Holders crashed out unexpectedly
Who would have thought? When DPMM were drawn into the four-team Group A alongside Geylang International, Hougang United and Singapore Recreation Club, consensus was that the Bruneian side would have no issues advancing into the semi-finals.
But as it turns out, the current holders of the trophy suffered an early exit in the mid-season tournament following two defeats in three matches.
A shock 1-0 defeat to Hougang in their first game prompted coach Steve Kean to dub the performance as ‘rusty’, before they recovered to hand a 5-0 defeat to SRC.
However, in the final group match of Geylang International, they fell to a 4-2 defeat despite clawing their way back from two goals down initially. The players all cut a frustrated figure, in particular Paulo Sergio, who looked as though he was the only player trying to get the win they needed to qualify.
While DPMM still have the S.League and Singapore Cup to aim for, Kean will need to right the ship before the league resumes.
2. History earned as SRC prove a point
SRC’s coach T. Ramoo said before the League Cup started that they were not here just to make up the numbers, and so it proved in the match against Hougang United.
On the last day of the group stages, the Cheetahs were slated to advance from the group with ease, but it appeared as if the National Football League Division One side did not receive the script.
Written off by the masses following their heavy defeats to Geylang and DPMM, a goal from Matthew Hemmingway midway in the second half had SRC on course for a shock win. But it was not to be, as Hougang eventually got the equaliser and the point they were desperate for in the last minute of action, despite the heroics of goalkeeper Zainol Gulam.
Still, the draw has proven that NFL clubs do have the capability to compete in the League Cup on their day.
3. Balestier Khalsa continue to live up to giants-killer tag
When Balestier Khalsa were placed alongside Warriors FC and Tampines Rovers into Group B, people immediately dubbed it as the group of death.
Coach Marko Kraljevic remained quietly confident of his team’s chances, and so it proved as the Tigers finished atop of the group. They dispatched the Warriors easily in the first game, winning 4-0, before drawing 2-2 against Tampines where they had to come from behind twice, showing their fighting spirit – a signature of Kraljevic’s teams.
The Tigers have already won a Singapore Cup under the Croatian last year. Adding the League Cup, which Balestier won in 2013 under Darren Stewart, will mean Kraljevic will become Balestier’s most decorated coach.
Kraljevic will be aiming for that honour, but first, they have to get past Hougang in the semi-finals on Monday before thinking about the trophy, of course.
4. Japanese duo the front runners for MVP award.
Should Geylang International go on and win the League Cup, it will be a pair of Japanese that coach Jorg Steinebrunner will have to thank.
In three group stage matches, Tatsuro Inui has accumulated five assists, while Bruno Castanheira has scored five goals. It was the duo who combined and helped Geylang to defeat DPMM in that vital final group stage match which helped them clinch a spot in the semis.
Inui set up the first two goals, the first of which was for Castanheira, while bossing the midfield. On the other hand, Castanheira’s hat-trick helped his side to emerge victorious.
The striker also currently lead the top scorers’ chart of the competition. The duo, who are no doubt the front runners for the MVP award which comes with a $1000 cash prize, will now face former club Albirex Niigata (S) in the semi-finals on Sunday.
