Lautoka deserved BOG on numbers

Opinions / Analysis

THERE was no team better than Lautoka who beat Nadi 2-0 on Sunday to win the Battle of the Giants title.

Lautoka had completely dominated the game with its style and guile.

Alas the 65-minute penalty goal, and the 56-minute penalty claim by Nadi, there’s every argument on the match officials' judgement call, otherwise the final numbers shouldn’t surprise the outcome of the game.

Brisk, including the technical ability, ability to play as a team, and it’s positive mentality to focus on the game that made Nadi look pretty ordinary.

Nadi’s stay home approach, with only Ali Naseri as the target man made it a fight to beat Lautoka’s last line of defence, strong and coordinated.

Lautoka by numbers

In the 90-minutes game Lautoka had owned Nadi on 650 completed passes, to Nadi’s 460.

Lautoka connected a team high 8 string of passes and racked up 22 close range shots.

The team’s shared the same number of corner-kicks, 6 a piece.

Nadi by numbers

Nadi’s defensive style didn’t allow them to hold much possession, midfielder William Valentine was the player at the end of the 5 string of passes, with 9 close range shots.

Far more touches

With 200 more connecting touches as possession, it could be said that Lautoka’s final score isn’t flattering.

Joela Nadi standout

Nadi’s Joela Biuvanua was the busier of the two goalkeepers between the sticks.

He had pocketed national team striker Sairusi Nalaubu and Saula Waqa.

Biuvanua was a work of art, agile throughout the game and pulling off a number of near goal saves.

Lautoka, better of the two teams

For Lautoka it’s not just the win, it's the manner in which they won it against Nadi.

The team was superior physically, tactically and in terms of the talent of the players, who dominated and controlled the game and had it not been for Joela Biuvanua they would have won by more with the chances they had.

Nadi focus, get in the game

For Nadi is a young team, they need to remain focused, moving forward they need to make a game and not sit back.

Football is all about the game, Lautoka was and they deserve the championship on the numbers they garnered.