SINGAPORE PREMIER LEAGUE
Hougang United v Geylang
Jalan Besar Stadium, 5.30pm
He had planned to play it cool after scoring for the first time in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) last weekend, but the teenager inside striker Vasileios Zikos Chua could not contain himself.
He wheeled away from goal at full speed, arms outstretched, and screamed at the top of his lungs, in an expression of joy not dissimilar to the Italian Marco Tardelli's iconic 1982 World Cup celebration.
Vasileios, who turned 17 the day after scoring in Geylang International's 1-0 win over Young Lions, became the third-youngest scorer in Singapore's 24-year-old professional football league, and its youngest match-winner.
Hariss Harun, at 16 years and 174 days, tops the list with his 2007 strike for the Young Lions against Singapore Armed Forces FC, followed by Fareez Farhan, who scored in 2011 also for the Young Lions against Warriors FC when he was 16 years and 331 days.
"I had a few things in mind (for the celebration), and I'll usually just jump and pump my fist in the air. But, after I scored, I just lost control of the situation," Vasileios sheepishly told The Straits Times ahead of today's Hougang United game.
Born to a Singaporean father and a Greek mother, he grew up in Kastoria in northern Greece and moved to Singapore when he was 10.
His given name means king in Greek but is a mouthful for Singaporean tongues, so his teammates and coaches call him Bill, a shorter, direct translation.
The first-year Nanyang Junior College student admits he is still learning to juggle his professional football ambitions with his studies but adds that milestones, like his maiden strike, give him the motivation to keep going in both.
"It was an extremely special moment, and it meant a lot to me," he said. "Growing up and wanting to be a professional, it's a huge landmark to get your first goal.
"It was a dream come true.
"All I want to do now is give 100 per cent and make sure I'm not content with what I have now; I have to keep improving and working hard."
Geylang handler Noor Ali, who coached him at Tanjong Katong Secondary School for four years, said: "Bill is a smart boy. As a coach, I'm proud to see a young player who can balance his studies and football, because I think that comes only with the right attitude. But he has just turned 17 and, football-wise, he still has a long way to go."
He is hoping his team can continue their good form with a third win on the trot but noted that Hougang, who are third in the table and one spot above Geylang on goal difference, are no pushovers.
It is still early days, but both teams have come a long way from being cellar dwellers last year, and a win would propel either side into second spot for at least 24 hours.
Said Noor Ali: "We'll go out and play our normal game, but we also know Hougang have good quality and depth in their squad, and we have to keep an eye on two or three players."
Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has completed his move to Monaco. Fabregas will move to Monaco without a fee for now, as Chelsea will be paid via bonuses depending on the Fabregas's
Chelsea make Cesc Fabregas wait to complete Monaco move as
Pablo Fornals' Late Show Stuns Frustrated Champions Fornals goal as Villarreal earned a smash-and-grab 1-0 win at the Santiago Bernabeu. by a poor one-on-one miss by Ronaldo and some good
Toni Kroos Winner Rescues Real Madrid, Atletico Lose More
"This is the job that I always dreamt of doing and I'm beyond excited to have the chance to lead the club long-term and, hopefully, deliver the continued success that our amazing fans deserve," said Solskjaer in a club statement. "From the first day I arrived, I felt at home at this special club.
adjectives - "continuing success" VS "continued success
Alexandre Lacazette scored twice as Arsenal came from behind to beat Valencia 3-1 on Thursday. The Gunners take the advantage in their Europa League semi-final as the French striker cancelled out
Learn Spanish with Fluencia, the easiest way to learn Spanish from the creators of SpanishDict Explore SpanishDict We've combined the most accurate English to Spanish translations, dictionary, verb conjugations, and Spanish to English translators into one very powerful search box.
[Spanish] [Non-VoiceOver] Equestria Girls Rainbow Rocks
Guardiola praised his side's battling qualities after the game, but also admitted that the absence of VAR cameras was a factor in Man City's goals. As quoted by The Sun, the City boss said: "If it was not a penalty and if our third goal was offside, then I am sorry. "But you have to ask the authorities why VAR is not here today.
sport news 'I am so sorry': Pep Guardiola apologises to
Football; Formula 1; Rice scores first Hammers goal to defeat Arsenal. whose ball came to Rice via a neat lay-off from Nasri and Rice's first-time shot gave Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno
Rice scores first Hammers goal to defeat Arsenal - ewn.co.za
Reds back in the big league, says Klopp. Poetry in motion as Sadio Mane evades Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer's challenge before netting the opening goal. The Senegalese is now Liverpool's highest
Liverpool star says Klopp wants him, as he knocks back exit talk
FIFA moved a step closer on Friday to expanding the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to 48 teams and hopes to confirm the plans in June if a suitable co-host can be found. An internal feasibility study
FIFA backs 48-team World Cup in 2022 | Daily Mail Online
Ayoze Perez heads Newcastle closer to safety in EPL Newcastle United took a huge step towards securing their Premier League survival as Ayoze Perez sealed a 1-0 win against Leicester City on
Perez heads Newcastle closer to Premier League safety | AFP.com
Tottenham have announced plans to travel to Singapore and Shanghai as part of their preseason tour in July ahead of the 2019-20 season. Further details regarding opposition and venues have yet to
Tottenham Hotspur to visit Singapore and Shanghai for pre
Warnock on 'most difficult week of career' after Sala disappearance. Cardiff boss Neil Warnock says the disappearance of Emiliano Sala has led to his worst week in football.
Soccer-Warnock says Sala tragedy is most difficult week of
0 comments:
Post a Comment