Kashiwa Reysol (Japan)

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It is interesting to see a somewhat different read on the game. KR came out with some long balls in the firs several minutes with some success, but reverted to their tiki taka play. The paucity of attack and forward movement gave Fulham time to easily reset their defense. Their defense allowed KR to pass back all they wanted to, stayed very much in position, and would gradually force KR back and back (even if KR kept possession) to intermittently send a runner in out of no where to disrupt KR passing. While 4 was a big boy, he was not the defensive stopper of the game or the reason that KR did little. Credit the outside fullbacks 3 and 2 for not allowing KR to come in from the side like they wanted. The left back,3, unassuming in stature, was clearly the top defender. He was responsible for a few of the first goals, rarely gave the two runners sent at him any room, and never panicked. I agree with most of what you write, but feel that the defense was maintained by the fullbacks on the outside. And, 5, the other central defender was clearly setting everybody up in defensive position. The big kid did little for me other than look imposing and boot the ball out of bounds alot...[/quote]

+1.. pretty much my take on the game as well.

It was classic counter attacking style on the part of Fulham. They were far better at orchestrating their strategy over Kashiwa.

Fulham also currently sits atop the EPL U18 league. So, they are doing something right.