Totaalvoetbal fell to a home defeat at the hands of Santos FC who kept up their title hopes.
The game started in fast fashion as Horacio Metelo hit a free-kick over the wall but, unfortunately for him, straight into the arms of Alvar Rodenas.
Santos’ need for the victory was greater than that of the home side’s going into the game and they quickly put the hosts under pressure. A lob header by Adriano Ribeiro saw Robert Keizer athletically punch the ball away while a minute later Torbjorn Alshammar found the ‘keeper too good also.
The rest of the half was beset by injury problems as both sides suffered misfortune. Fredrick Winnerljung limped off for the visitors before Rob Keizer’s season was ended prematurely. The injury-jinx was complete when Alexis Barrere succumbed to a thigh strain as the half had a disjointed end.
The second-half saw Santos pick up a couple of early bookings as they looked under pressure in their quest to win three points. Shivan Preetnav then went close with a header as the nerves intensified.
A free-kick from Alshammar never really threatened before Preetnav caused more problems for the visiting defence. Beating the defence he hit a precise shot past Rodenas only for it to brush the post and go safe.
The key moment of the game then arrived. A fine cross from Helmer Hedberg deceived the home defence to allow Richardo Ferrari to move in and plant his header past Leemans and into the goal.
Despite a late Metelo free-kick, Totaal couldn’t respond and the three points went the way of the visitors.
Meeblind wasn’t unduly concerned at the final whistle as he took the blame for defeat:
“Sean has out-thought me tactically and, therefore, fully deserves the victory today. They have had an outstanding season to recover from their start. It’s a credit to them.”
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