NAKA's 'DREAMALIRIUM' | The Post Mortem

Honiara, Solomon Islands;  It was a fitting finale to a classic show by Kossa FC's James Naka as he scored Kossa's third and final goal of the afternoon.  Kossa FC now heads to New Zealand on a 2 goal cushion needing only a draw to complete its dream run to the FIFA World Club Championship in 2008.  90 minutes away and with one hand firmly on the championship, one man may hold the key to Kossa's dream; James Naka.

By this morning, Naka was still the talk of the town and everyone who could get their hands on the dailies were poring over the pictures and stories, reliving those moments.  To a certain degree, Naka's brilliance on that day overshadowed Benjamin Totori's momumental move to the US League.  Joe Luwi may have been credited with the two initial goals but Naka had a hand in both goals before sending the crowd delirious with his own personal goal of the game.

While Waitakere's frontline sputtered and misfired, Kossa FC's dynamic triplets; Reginald Davani, James Naka and Joe Luwi were in scintillating form as they dominated midfield possession and utilized every chance that came their way.

Waitakere's departing star, Benjamin Totori did show some class of individual brilliance but admittedly, it was James Naka's moment as he put on a show football fans in Honiara will remember for a long time.  OFC Media commentators have already predicted a bright future for this young man, expressing hope that the Beach Soccer World Cup in Marsaille, France may just be Naka's route to individual stardom.

Earlier in the day, Naka's thunderous left shot ricocheted off the crossbar and as a stunned Richard Gillespie watched helplessly , Joe Luwi was quickest to react to score Kossa's first goal.  Joe Luwi's predatory instincts were again on display when Gillespie spilled a Davani shot to put Kossa FC 2 goals ahead.

Returning from the break, Kossa FC conceded an early corner and as it had done all evening, Kossa's defense left Aefi isolated and Jonathan Perry climbed highest to nod home a vital away goal.  A goal down and with the heat taking its toll, the game tapered off into a grinding halt.  As time drew to an end it would seem like Waitakere were resigned to heading home to finish the job.  However, a clearance by Aefi was collected by Naka and in one moment of brilliance he threaded his ways past 2 defenders and laid off a pass to Reginald Davani.  Davani's through pass was timed to perfection as Naka burst past another 3 defenders to coolly collect the return and put the ball past Gillespie.

LOOKING AHEAD FOR THE RETURN LEG
Waitakere United FC impressed in how it was able to maintain its form in 90 minutes of football.  Their passes were crisp and they controlled the game well but lacked finishing.  One of those brilliant chances was initiated by Totori as he left Seni Ngava in his wake but his cross beat everyone including the incoming Commins Menapi and Allan Pearce.  A notable omission was the absence of a holding midfielder forcing Menapi and Totori to play deeper than they normally would.  It was also apparant that it is difficult to play Totori and Menapi in the same game as both as adept to being central strikers.  To compensate Coach Milicich opted to give Totori free-reign and handing Menapi the central holding strikers position. But with Kossa's swarming defense, chances were few and far between.  With captain Danny Hay returning from injury, Waitakere will bolster its defense and most probably focus on shutting Naka, Luwi and Davani down.   Kossa should be prepared to face an entirely different Waitakere at home in a harsh cold evening in Auckland.  Coach Milicich declaring "we will win 2-0" and with a million dollar payday beckoning, you would think that Waitakere will come armed to the teeth to defend its place as Oceania's best club.

There is enough talent with a deep substitute bench to keep momentum and win games.  However, Kossa must improve defending against set pieces.  Too many times Menapi, Sykes, Emblen and Perry were left unmarked with almost all set pieces resulting in an attempt at goal.  The weather will also play a pivotal role in the game.  It will be cold and lining up against a wounded opponent on its home turf is going to be very difficult.  Defense now becomes priority so Gideon and Takayama must impose leadership and communication to direct the team.  Luwi must impose himself in the game because if Waitakere will continue to exploit the flanks to attack, Luwi's role and vision from the center of the park will be vital on the counter.  Davani must avoid going at it alone; instead he should be first reciever and then feeding of breakdowns by Luwi and Naka.  Committing himself into the fray will only clog the lane and frustrate Naka.  Tome Faisi and Seni Ngava have done well in defense and negating any threat from Totori and Pearce at the very first instance should be priority.

NOTABLE PLAYERS
Allan Pierce stood out as Waitakere's best performer of the day.  Whilst Jason Haynes brought some spark into the game, it was Pearce who was consistent, defended well and provide vital breaks and crosses.
For Kossa FC, James Naka undoubtedly worked hardest and was clearly determined to win and he walked away a winner in every regard.  There was ample support from Davani and Luwi and their combination with Naka will prove vital in the return leg in New Zealand on 11th May.