Pundits praise Fandi for giving JDT a hard time
KUALA LUMPUR: As Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) edged Sri Pahang 2-1 in yesterday's Malaysia Cup final, how was the quality of play?
For many football followers, the Southern Tigers were far from their best at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
JDT struggled to impose their vaunted dominance, especially in a tense first half where the game plan of Pahang coach Fandi Ahmad was working pretty well.
Former international Hasnizam Uzir was among those unimpressed with the champions, noting that JDT looked a shadow of their former selves.
"JDT were below par, they didn't play their normal game and struggled in midfield. Natxo Insa didn't function well alongside Afiq Fazail and Juan Muniz. There was no creativity, and they couldn't penetrate Sri Pahang's disciplined defence," said Hasnizam.
Pahang executed a defensive "half-block", sitting deep with five defenders and four midfielders, effectively stifling JDT's attacking play.
"When Insa didn't function, it's hard for JDT to move the ball forward. They tried to use the width with their wingers, but it didn't work," added Hasnizam
JDT's style, usually built on swift rotations and intensity, lacked spark under Hector Bidoglio, which prompted Hasnizam to make a comparison with their former coach, Esteban Solari.
"This isn't like Tano's (Solari). Bidoglio seems to control more from the dressing room, but in modern football, that's not enough. The team played slowly, while Fandi's tactics worked.
There was no rushing and just waiting to strike from defence," said Hasnizam.
Sri Pahang's plan nearly succeeded, and they scored through T. Saravanan in the 14th minute off a well-executed counter attack.
The Elephants, even after losing Sergio Aguero to a red card in the 35th minute, held firm with discipline and belief. But a penalty by Bergson Da Silva (54th minute) and a goal from Aris Aiman Hanapi (74th) ensured that the Malaysia Cup stays in JDT's trophy room.
Former international Azlan Johar also applauded Fandi for his strategy in pushing JDT all the way.
"Fandi's team gave JDT a good run. On paper, JDT should have won easily, but Pahang made them work for it. It was a good final, and I congratulate them," said Azlan.
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