Shenhua throw away three points in first CSL match
The least said about this match the better. To give readers a true fan perspective, I’m going to cut and paste the real-time SMS updates I sent during the game itself to a follower of this blog, who couldn’t make it to the stadium and had requested score updates:
19:53: 1-0 already. Feng Renliang totally took it from his own half, amazing run, laid it on for Salmeron to finish.
20:28: 1-1. Absolute cock up between Shenhua’s two foreign defenders let the Qingdao guy through.
21:00: 2-1, Riascos. Missed the goal, outside finishing off a beer. (note, was wrongly informed, scorer was in fact Salmeron).
21:12: 2-2. Conceeded from corner. Opposite end of pitch, not sure what happened.
21:14: 3-2…..That man Riascos again! Goals just flying in right now.
21:34: Injury time. Shenhua keeper pulled off a great point blank save just several moments ago to keep us ahead.
21:38: Sssssssshhhhhhhhiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitttttt.
21:40: (Final score) 3-3. Qingdao had 5 shots on goal all game max.
22:13: (Aftermatch discussion) Not sure what to say about that match at all. Strange game even by shenhua standards. definately unlucky, but should have had it in the bag by half time. bummer.
After 2 years of fence-sitting, of trying to continue supporting my old teams faraway, I walked into the restaurant room, sat down with the Blue Devils honchos and paid up for 2 season tickets in the supporters section, row 15. I know all about the dodgy league and the paid off teams and refs but I need my terrace fix, so I’m in. I’ll be bringing a parade of foreign newbies to our seats through the season but I’ll be committed to the end. Look forward to meeting you in person and any other foreign devils in Blue.
Good luck for the new season. Hope it improves for Shenhua.
Baseball happens to be a game of cumulative tension but football, basketball and hockey are played with hand grenades and machine guns.