Dream Training : The Champions

After a long time, Southampton fans again felt how short of breath when they saw their favorite team being suppressed by Liverpool. They watched the game with trepidation. Every time Liverpool's players ran towards the ball, there was a fear that Southampton's players would make a mistake that could score Liverpool's second goal.

The mental quality of the players was very important when they were kept under pressure like this. Among the Southampton players who appeared in this match, there were indeed two players who were very lacking in this aspect. First, there was Wright-Phillips, and the second was Ben Carter. Both players were on the left side so Liverpool continue to press the left side of Southampton.

In the 12th minute, this was proven by the carelessness of Wright-Phillips. Rudolf who was controlling the ball provided pass to Wright-Phillips. Coutinho immediately attacked Wright-Phillips who was about to receive the ball. Henderson and Glen Johnson supported Coutinho's action by blocking access to Wright-Phillips' passes. Under those circumstances, Wright-Phillips should had chosen to kick the ball off the pitch if he couldn't get past Coutinho.

Too bad Wright-Phillips instead chose to provide long pass to Ryan. Henderson immediately grabbed the ball before the ball reached Ryan's feet. He then gave a pass to the left. Tony Cross stepped forward and received the ball, Simone pressed Cross but the German moved the ball from his right foot to his left quickly and he pushed the ball forward. Maddison received the ball, before Freddy came to him he immediately returned the ball to Tony Cross who passed Simone.

Tony Cross crossed the ball into the middle of penalty box for Sisinho. Hilton stepped forward, guarding Sisinho tightly. Sisinho received the ball then pulled it back. He then turned around. Hilton moved quickly he followed Sisinho's direction and was about to tackle him. However, Sisinho tricked Hilton with a back-pass.

Tony Cross received a cross from Sisinho and moved into the penalty box through the gap left by Hilton. After that he immediately kicked the ball into the right corner of the goalpost. However, Okhalo came and headed the ball. Okhalo's header deflected the ball so Tony Cross failed to score.

Ahmed, who was ready to receive the ball, immediately raised his hand and posed as if to ask what Cross was doing. Ragnick also seemed to turn around and cursed. Liverpool failed to take advantage of the opportunity to expand their advantage.

After the failure Southampton now got the ball. They tried to build another attack. Liverpool's pressure was still as dangerous as ever. But this time Southampton managed to push the ball forward. Simone who received a pass from Okhalo was dropped by Tony Cross. This made the referee give Southampton a free kick from the middle of the field.

Okhalo then kicked the ball far forward. Simone clashed physically with Cross as they prepared to welcome the ball from Okhalo. The two players were jumping together and head the ball. Henderson prepared to receive the ball, but Rudolf made a body charge until Henderson was pushed. He then took the ball and kicked it firmly into the penalty box.

The situation was still in a state of chaos so Kazuki easily broke free and arrived at the most ideal position. He then met Rudolf's cross with a first-time volley. The ball glided like a straight line towards the net. Luckily, Jim Becker was in the right position he could parry the ball with his fists.

"Ow! A terrible threat came so suddenly. Gomez should have watched Kazuki better. Fortunately Jim Becker's performance was quite good. Southampton almost equalized the score, " Jim Kaglin looked surprised by the sudden opportunity.

On the pitch Southampton coach George Eastgate waved his hand in frustration. Whereas if Southampton could score goals, then the psychology of the Southampton players will be better, so that Southampton's mistakes will be reduced.

After the opportunity failed, Liverpool regained control of the ball. They put pressure on Southampton who had just come out of the cage to come back to defend. With quality midfielders, Liverpool could transform into a club that emphasizes possession in an instant. But Liverpool is Liverpool. They don't have long to hold the ball. When the opportunity arose, they immediately attacked.

In the 24th minute, Coutinho moved to the center with the ball. Then, he gave a long pass to the left side. Maddison received the ball. Freddy went up trying to snatch the ball from Maddison. At that point Luis Enrique was back on the pitch but this time it was Rustan who followed him down the Southampton defense. Maddison passed the ball to Tony Cross.

Tony Cross dribbled the ball backwards. Simone followed closely so that Cross immediately gave a pass to the right. Coutinho received the ball with his chest. At the same time Liverpool right-back, Glen Johnson ran past Ben Carter. Coutinho provided a through ball to Carter.

Carter tried to make a tackle. His body slid across the grass. However, Glen Johnson stopped the ball and pulled it back when Carter made a tackle. Glen then turned and pushed the ball into the penalty box. Then he chased after him. When Rudolf came down to help Southampton defend. Glen provided a pass to Sisinho. The Brazilian player welcomed the bait with a first time kick. But the ball hit the Southampton player's body and bounced off the field.

In the 31st minute, Liverpool got a free kick. Ben Carter dropped Coutinho on the left side of the Southampton defense. The person who executed the free kick this time was Steven Roger. As soon as the referee blew the whistle, Roger confidently kicked the ball.

The ball then floated into the penalty box. Players from both teams huddled together and physically competed for the best position. Then, Henderson who was about to head the ball was suddenly held back by Hilton so he failed to head the ball.

The ball finally went out of the field, no player headed it so the referee only gave Southampton a goal kick. Until the 30th minute the score was still 1-0 Liverpool winning through Ahmed's quick goal. Although Southampton was under pressure but at least they were only one goal behind Liverpool.

In the 37th minute, Okhalo managed to snatch the ball from Sisinho. Southampton launched a counterattack. Okhalo gives the ball to Simone. Tony Cross tried to distract Simone but the captain easily freed himself from Cross's guard and then he passed the ball to Ryan.

Ryan Jr. received the ball. Steven Roger stepped forward to take the ball from Ryan's feet. The young Southampton player dribbled the ball to the side and then provided a through ball to the right. Maddison chased after Rustan who was running fast. He then cut off the direction and blocked Rustan's path. The Southampton right winger provided a cut pass into the penalty box. Freddy had entered the penalty box, he then gave Ryan a pass. Ryan channeled Freddy's pass at Kazuki.

Kazuki unleashed a speculative kick but unfortunately Gomez blocked it easily.