Study of contrasts: Hector Bidoglio watching from the sidelines during the match against Shandong. Right: Natxo Insa making a pass. — JDT FC
PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim coach Hector Bidoglio was cool but veteran midfielder Natxo Insa was fuming mad after losing in the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE).
Despite freezing conditions, the Southern Tigers put on an impressive performance but lost 0-1 to Shandong Taishan in their group match at the Jinan Olympic Stadium on Tuesday.
JDT dominated the game as they recorded 67% possession, 17 shots (eight on target), and an astounding 467 accurate passes compared to Shandong’s 191.
However, Brazilian playmaker Zeca Joaquim emerged as the hero for the Chinese club, scoring the decisive goal in the 68th minute.
Shandong goalkeeper Wang Dalei proved to be a formidable force, making eight crucial saves to deny the Southern Tigers.
Bidoglio expressed pride in his team’s performance despite the unfavourable result.
“We created a lot of chances and dominated the match with our passing and movement. Our wing plays were good, but this is football. Our rivals had one good counter-attack and scored,” he said.
“What I am most proud about is that we stayed true to our style. We dominated the game even on away ground. I am not happy with the result, but every single player deserves a pat on the back for their performance.”
Spaniard Insa, however, was less composed in his post-match interview, voicing his frustration with the officiating.
“The result is nice for whom? For the fans? For the referee? For us? For whom?” he fumed.
“We were given a few yellow cards in the first 30 minutes, which is not normal. We played against 13 to 14 players – that is the difference.”
Spanish midfielders Iker Undabarrena and Juan Muniz were booked in the 22nd and 24th minutes, while Insa himself received a yellow card just before half-time.
The Iranian referee, Alireza Faghani, came under heavy scrutiny from JDT players.
JDT are currently fifth in the standings with seven points from five games, edging Shandong (seventh) on goal difference.
The Southern Tigers will return to action on Dec 3, facing Thai club Buriram United at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri.
