I shall be updating this blog soon. It should be in 2008, though.
So, I wish everyone in the world a Happy New Year.
And I wish Arsenal to secure a Quadruple. And Thierry Henry to win the World Footballer of the Year and Ballon d'Or at least twice each in his career.
And I hope, I really wish, that Thierry Henry will return to Arsenal in the new future. He is not progressing much at Barcelona. I hope Wenger still sees talent in him, and let Titi finish his career on a great high at Arsenal.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Soccerproject
Soccerproject update:
My team, Walcott United, has hit a rogh patch upon promotion to Division G. In the 1st 3 league matches to the season, my team has collected just 2 points, with 2 goalless draws and a 1-3 defeat. Since I had some bonuses from being champions the previous season, I guess this sudden shocking big challenge will need me to make some new signings for really talented players, and produce match-winning tactics in order to survive this season and avoid direct relegation back to Division H, where games are very easy.
This sudden leap in standard had left me wondering. What should I do? My 1st team players' performances are all usually rated 50 and above, and sometimes there a few players getting 60+ ratings. The transfer market is really tight, hence I would need to scrimp and save and buy some free or low-priced players, to avoid falling into the trick of overspending finances.
My current target on the right bar shows my target as promotion to Division F within 2 seasons. I am going to change it to survival for this season, then reach top 7 for next season, top 5 for 3rd season, and challenge for promotion and be promoted by 5th season. 5-season plan, which will require lots of buying and selling.
It's a tough challenge, but I am aiming for better player morales, and have a whole squad of players that will produce 50+ ratings for matches. Toast to the progress of Walcott United!
My team, Walcott United, has hit a rogh patch upon promotion to Division G. In the 1st 3 league matches to the season, my team has collected just 2 points, with 2 goalless draws and a 1-3 defeat. Since I had some bonuses from being champions the previous season, I guess this sudden shocking big challenge will need me to make some new signings for really talented players, and produce match-winning tactics in order to survive this season and avoid direct relegation back to Division H, where games are very easy.
This sudden leap in standard had left me wondering. What should I do? My 1st team players' performances are all usually rated 50 and above, and sometimes there a few players getting 60+ ratings. The transfer market is really tight, hence I would need to scrimp and save and buy some free or low-priced players, to avoid falling into the trick of overspending finances.
My current target on the right bar shows my target as promotion to Division F within 2 seasons. I am going to change it to survival for this season, then reach top 7 for next season, top 5 for 3rd season, and challenge for promotion and be promoted by 5th season. 5-season plan, which will require lots of buying and selling.
It's a tough challenge, but I am aiming for better player morales, and have a whole squad of players that will produce 50+ ratings for matches. Toast to the progress of Walcott United!
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Singapore 5-0 Vietnam
Wow. What an emphatic scoreline! Especially impressive. However, it was definitely much aided by a Vietnam backline that were awful in defensive positioning.
However, Fazrul Nawaz probably had needed a dose of confidence after his penalty miss and dreadful performance against champions Thailand, and when he got it, he showed what he can do, with a hat-trick.
Agu Casmir was becoming better with each passing game, and I often believed that his passing and crossing were much much more accurate than many other players, even the supposedly creative midfielders. This is especially visible in the first half, when Singapore wasn't obviously dominating the match yet.
Anyway, Singapore couldn't have gotten a bronze medal if they weren't brave and committed, and I will definitely applaud them for thier gigantic efforts.
I can't comment anymore, since many players would not be in the eligibility for Young Lions.
So all the best, and as the Korat SEA Games closes (Actually closed when I am finishing this post), let's hope Laos will hold a good satisfiable SEA Games 09 in its 25th edition.
However, Fazrul Nawaz probably had needed a dose of confidence after his penalty miss and dreadful performance against champions Thailand, and when he got it, he showed what he can do, with a hat-trick.
Agu Casmir was becoming better with each passing game, and I often believed that his passing and crossing were much much more accurate than many other players, even the supposedly creative midfielders. This is especially visible in the first half, when Singapore wasn't obviously dominating the match yet.
Anyway, Singapore couldn't have gotten a bronze medal if they weren't brave and committed, and I will definitely applaud them for thier gigantic efforts.
I can't comment anymore, since many players would not be in the eligibility for Young Lions.
So all the best, and as the Korat SEA Games closes (Actually closed when I am finishing this post), let's hope Laos will hold a good satisfiable SEA Games 09 in its 25th edition.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Singapore 0-3 Thailand
No fairytale run for the Singapore football team as they were thumped by the hosts and favourites Thailand. However, I can be pleased that at least Singapore has managed to reach the semi-finals, and again, Vietnam will be their opponents.
Against Thailand, Hassan Sunny did not match his previous matches, with a blunder that helped concede the first goal of the match. Then, Baihakki's absence told, as Ismail Yunos held the ball incredibly long before Thaialnd snatch the ball and it was 2 Thailand strikers against a keeper and a defender who is behind the strikers. The 3rd goal was well-deserved.
No fairy tale for Agu Casmir, but he did okay, with him able to hold the ball, pass the ball, and cross the ball. However, no one gave him the ball to shoot, or they were often unable to. I doubt Fazrul had a good match. He was often robbed of the ball, and his dribbling skills were hardly seen. His passes went astray and he lost too much possession.
Thailand had deserved to win, so we will just have to move on with life and look to secure a bronze.
Against Vietnam, Singapore cannot count on own goals to win it anymore. However, they must be safe with the knowledge that they can definitely beat them. Although 2 were own goals in the group match, it must be noted Singapore were playing with 10 men for more than an hour. Here are some small tips:
Defence:
Hassan Sunny and the defenders should train defending against set-pieces. Hassan Sunny should command the defence better, and teh defence must be totally focused and not display slack defending.
Midfield:
Lack creativity once more. Often defence pumps long balls, so their involvement is severely limited. As I have said, if Harris Harun is fit, play him. Needs to produce accurate passes to attack.
Attack:
Needs to produce more opportunities like the ones at the start of the match against the Thais.
That's all, and good luck.
Against Thailand, Hassan Sunny did not match his previous matches, with a blunder that helped concede the first goal of the match. Then, Baihakki's absence told, as Ismail Yunos held the ball incredibly long before Thaialnd snatch the ball and it was 2 Thailand strikers against a keeper and a defender who is behind the strikers. The 3rd goal was well-deserved.
No fairy tale for Agu Casmir, but he did okay, with him able to hold the ball, pass the ball, and cross the ball. However, no one gave him the ball to shoot, or they were often unable to. I doubt Fazrul had a good match. He was often robbed of the ball, and his dribbling skills were hardly seen. His passes went astray and he lost too much possession.
Thailand had deserved to win, so we will just have to move on with life and look to secure a bronze.
Against Vietnam, Singapore cannot count on own goals to win it anymore. However, they must be safe with the knowledge that they can definitely beat them. Although 2 were own goals in the group match, it must be noted Singapore were playing with 10 men for more than an hour. Here are some small tips:
Defence:
Hassan Sunny and the defenders should train defending against set-pieces. Hassan Sunny should command the defence better, and teh defence must be totally focused and not display slack defending.
Midfield:
Lack creativity once more. Often defence pumps long balls, so their involvement is severely limited. As I have said, if Harris Harun is fit, play him. Needs to produce accurate passes to attack.
Attack:
Needs to produce more opportunities like the ones at the start of the match against the Thais.
That's all, and good luck.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Singapore 1-1 Malaysia
I wasn't the most impressed with Malaysia, for Singapore was the superior side for more of the time of the match. Then Malaysia scored. I was stunned. The defence wasn;t doing particularly well that moment...then it could really have mattered.
Then I was calling for Agu Casmir to come on. That was really weird. However, Amri's running hasn't seen him shoot much (Did he even attempted goal?) and Fazrul's penalty miss made me lose confidence in him. All of a sudden, I had forgotten the hideousness of Agu's display against Laos. After all, he is the only striker on the bench. Throw him on, roll this dice! And Agu came on on the 74th minute. I cheered...
After a moment, this dice rolled a good number. He scored! A Singaporean I was, I was fascinated. This team is different from the past 2 ones I had seen from the SEA Games. This team has the ability to come back from setbacks. This team has players that can rise to the occasion. This team had made the semi-finals.
I must say Agu didn't do too badly, nor too well, in the time after his goal. Coach Raddy Avramovic was constantly shouting 'Agu! Agu!'. I can interpret that Agu had not came back from the attack to help out with the defence and was constantly ignorant of where to stand. But I laughed all the time. After all, Singapore is heading for the semis. And Agu was the hero. I couldn't be more happy with him. And I can be assured against Thailand, Agu can be a supersub. But I'm not too confident on that still, though.
Against Thailand, Singapore have to try and work hard and produce. I hope Singapore can get to the finals, and win the Gold Medal, but this is a tall hurdle.
Singapore's defence has not been too bad, but not very impressive either. They have allowed goals to be conceded against both Malysia and Vietnam, and they wouldn't want to do the same against Thailand. It's amazing Khairul Amri has yet to score in this competition when Agu Casmir has done so. Probably he should shoot more often, because there aren't too many better shooters than him in the competition. And I am heartedned by the fact Harris Harun came to the pitch duing injury time, though he didn;t touch the ball. That means Harris will and should be available for the clash with Thailand.
Baihakki won't be able to play aginst Thailand as he had accumulated 2 yellow cards, and it makes me wonder who will be captain. Meanwhile, Hassan Sunny has been the player of the tournament for the Young Lions with his many saves.
Singapore versus Thailand. I can only say I hope Singapore will get to the final at the expense of the hosts. But at least this team can actually give me the license to hope.
On a sidenote, I am quite saddened that Channel 5 wouldn't be showing the live telecast for this match between the two powerhouses of the region. I can't support them live...
Then I was calling for Agu Casmir to come on. That was really weird. However, Amri's running hasn't seen him shoot much (Did he even attempted goal?) and Fazrul's penalty miss made me lose confidence in him. All of a sudden, I had forgotten the hideousness of Agu's display against Laos. After all, he is the only striker on the bench. Throw him on, roll this dice! And Agu came on on the 74th minute. I cheered...
After a moment, this dice rolled a good number. He scored! A Singaporean I was, I was fascinated. This team is different from the past 2 ones I had seen from the SEA Games. This team has the ability to come back from setbacks. This team has players that can rise to the occasion. This team had made the semi-finals.
I must say Agu didn't do too badly, nor too well, in the time after his goal. Coach Raddy Avramovic was constantly shouting 'Agu! Agu!'. I can interpret that Agu had not came back from the attack to help out with the defence and was constantly ignorant of where to stand. But I laughed all the time. After all, Singapore is heading for the semis. And Agu was the hero. I couldn't be more happy with him. And I can be assured against Thailand, Agu can be a supersub. But I'm not too confident on that still, though.
Against Thailand, Singapore have to try and work hard and produce. I hope Singapore can get to the finals, and win the Gold Medal, but this is a tall hurdle.
Singapore's defence has not been too bad, but not very impressive either. They have allowed goals to be conceded against both Malysia and Vietnam, and they wouldn't want to do the same against Thailand. It's amazing Khairul Amri has yet to score in this competition when Agu Casmir has done so. Probably he should shoot more often, because there aren't too many better shooters than him in the competition. And I am heartedned by the fact Harris Harun came to the pitch duing injury time, though he didn;t touch the ball. That means Harris will and should be available for the clash with Thailand.
Baihakki won't be able to play aginst Thailand as he had accumulated 2 yellow cards, and it makes me wonder who will be captain. Meanwhile, Hassan Sunny has been the player of the tournament for the Young Lions with his many saves.
Singapore versus Thailand. I can only say I hope Singapore will get to the final at the expense of the hosts. But at least this team can actually give me the license to hope.
On a sidenote, I am quite saddened that Channel 5 wouldn't be showing the live telecast for this match between the two powerhouses of the region. I can't support them live...
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Singapore 3-2 Vietnam (50th post)
Firstly I would like to congratulate myself for reaching the 50th post on this blog! It's been quite a while...and prior to this I had just changed blogskin to commemorate this occasion, and happy to say, it will be coupled with the discussion of a good Singapore team performance.
Comparing to the lacklustre performance against Laos, I believe Raddy had steadied the ship and rallied his charges. This change in attitude and commitment was largely evident. In the 1st 45 minutes, Singapore had been the more dominant team, and though leading by 3 goals was perhaps not too deserved, the fact that the match ended in Singapore's favour is rightfully deserved.
Dropping of Agu Casmir must have been everyone's mind and it did happened. Fazrul did move to attack. So my previous words were somehow answered? In this performance, before Isa Halim's dismissal, Singapore looked a completely different one from the one that emerged just 48 hours ago before this match. This team has much more commitment; they are willing to charge and challenge for balls, and their passing were more accurate, with their crossing more purposeful.
Khairul Amri was a constant thorn throughout the match. He is the only one Singaporean ahead of the centre line at most times, and the only one still constantly running, yet he seemed tireless, and his work has been appreciated.
Vietnam's 2 own goals contributed much, but Singapore, for all their improvement and desire, surely deserved to be back on track for the semi-finals.
I learnt that Hariss Harun is still only half-fit, so pardon for what I say in the preceding post.
Here's my notes for the match against Malaysia:
Defence:
Needs to further improve positioning, as they were often chasing Vietnamese forwards. Should sometimes pass more instead of pumping up high balls. Baihakki will have to continue his good work.
Midfield:
Need to link better between attack and defence. Needs more creativity; instead of predictably passing most balls to Amri. Sharil needs this performance against Malaysia, instead of the one against Laos.
Attack:
Can't really do much, since Agu is totally off-colour. Amri should continue what he is doing, and Fazrul should get in front more often.
Wish Singapore to secure a semi-final berth!
Comparing to the lacklustre performance against Laos, I believe Raddy had steadied the ship and rallied his charges. This change in attitude and commitment was largely evident. In the 1st 45 minutes, Singapore had been the more dominant team, and though leading by 3 goals was perhaps not too deserved, the fact that the match ended in Singapore's favour is rightfully deserved.
Dropping of Agu Casmir must have been everyone's mind and it did happened. Fazrul did move to attack. So my previous words were somehow answered? In this performance, before Isa Halim's dismissal, Singapore looked a completely different one from the one that emerged just 48 hours ago before this match. This team has much more commitment; they are willing to charge and challenge for balls, and their passing were more accurate, with their crossing more purposeful.
Khairul Amri was a constant thorn throughout the match. He is the only one Singaporean ahead of the centre line at most times, and the only one still constantly running, yet he seemed tireless, and his work has been appreciated.
Vietnam's 2 own goals contributed much, but Singapore, for all their improvement and desire, surely deserved to be back on track for the semi-finals.
I learnt that Hariss Harun is still only half-fit, so pardon for what I say in the preceding post.
Here's my notes for the match against Malaysia:
Defence:
Needs to further improve positioning, as they were often chasing Vietnamese forwards. Should sometimes pass more instead of pumping up high balls. Baihakki will have to continue his good work.
Midfield:
Need to link better between attack and defence. Needs more creativity; instead of predictably passing most balls to Amri. Sharil needs this performance against Malaysia, instead of the one against Laos.
Attack:
Can't really do much, since Agu is totally off-colour. Amri should continue what he is doing, and Fazrul should get in front more often.
Wish Singapore to secure a semi-final berth!
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Laos 0-0 Singapore
What can I say? Watching this game is painful on the eye for me as a Singaporean. For times of the game, I really thought Laos were the better team. Or, for that case, Singapore were the team in red.
These are the departments and players who desperately needs to improve.
All-round:
Passing was sloppy, often gives the ball away.
Crosses are often inaccurate and ineffective.
Lack of real urgency, less determination compared to Laotians.
Defence:
Often falls prey to quick counter-attacks from Laos.
Hence, they need to improve their positioning.
Midfield:
Lacks creativity.
Passes were often half-hearted and easily cut out by opposing players.
Needs to contribute more to both attack and defence.
Attack:
Did not make use of body strength (Agu Casmir) and pace enough.
Laos had nearly got the winning goal in injury time. That really shows that Laos' team is hungry and eager to prove, perhaps more after their national team got whacked by Singapore 0-11 in the Asean Football Championships earlier this year.
My personal take on players:
Hassan Sunny did fairly well on the few occasions when he needed to. Baihakki Khaizan and co. in defence were not really on top form as they were exposed by the swiftness of the Laos' counter-attacks. The midfield was often missing in action. Sharil Ishak failed to do what he ought to do: provide good passes into the penalty box. Fazrul would be better as a forward. Khairul Amri did fairly but lacked a goal. Agu was disappointing; his game in the 1st half was dreadful, and the 2nd half insignificant.
My note to Raddy (I don't know more than him though):
Drop Agu for match against Vietnam.
Restore Fazrul to frontline.
Use Hariss Harun in place of either Tangku Mushadad or Sharil Ishak.
Regret:
Singapore lack a tall centre-forward to tackle those incoming high crosses to punish the Laos. His height was what helped Noh Alam Shah put 7 past Laos in the Asean Football Championship rout.
Now, Singapore has to buck up and produce more urgency in their play from the start, and needs to produce effective passing and crossing to achieve a win against Vietnam to put them back into contention.
These are the departments and players who desperately needs to improve.
All-round:
Passing was sloppy, often gives the ball away.
Crosses are often inaccurate and ineffective.
Lack of real urgency, less determination compared to Laotians.
Defence:
Often falls prey to quick counter-attacks from Laos.
Hence, they need to improve their positioning.
Midfield:
Lacks creativity.
Passes were often half-hearted and easily cut out by opposing players.
Needs to contribute more to both attack and defence.
Attack:
Did not make use of body strength (Agu Casmir) and pace enough.
Laos had nearly got the winning goal in injury time. That really shows that Laos' team is hungry and eager to prove, perhaps more after their national team got whacked by Singapore 0-11 in the Asean Football Championships earlier this year.
My personal take on players:
Hassan Sunny did fairly well on the few occasions when he needed to. Baihakki Khaizan and co. in defence were not really on top form as they were exposed by the swiftness of the Laos' counter-attacks. The midfield was often missing in action. Sharil Ishak failed to do what he ought to do: provide good passes into the penalty box. Fazrul would be better as a forward. Khairul Amri did fairly but lacked a goal. Agu was disappointing; his game in the 1st half was dreadful, and the 2nd half insignificant.
My note to Raddy (I don't know more than him though):
Drop Agu for match against Vietnam.
Restore Fazrul to frontline.
Use Hariss Harun in place of either Tangku Mushadad or Sharil Ishak.
Regret:
Singapore lack a tall centre-forward to tackle those incoming high crosses to punish the Laos. His height was what helped Noh Alam Shah put 7 past Laos in the Asean Football Championship rout.
Now, Singapore has to buck up and produce more urgency in their play from the start, and needs to produce effective passing and crossing to achieve a win against Vietnam to put them back into contention.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
WC qualifiers draw + SEA Games
Two topics today. Let's start without ado.
Asian draw:
Singapore grouped with Asian 4th Saudi Arabia and 6th Uzbekistan, and Lebanon.
Initially, I thought it was not bad. Who knows? Uzbekistan is the best outside the 5 top seeds. It seems bad now. But never mind. A daunting task for Singapore that can only help us grow in quality and stature, that is when we pull off shocks.
My prediction: If Singapore can defeat Lebanon twice, and win on 2 other occasions, they will be able to progress. The magic number is 13, but 12 is not too bad.
If Singapore couldn't get pass this round, I will regard 9 points as passable, though not enough to get to the 4th round of qualifying.
Next: SEA Games football
First I congratulate Singapore for leading the medal tally after 2 days, with the shooting team contributing 5 gold medals, 2 silver and 2 bronze.
Singapore is grouped with Vietnam, Malaysia and Laos. Finally Singapore isn't grouped with Vietnam and Indonesia! That has been the most often case, which will probably result in a 5-team group ending with the 3 nations tied on 8 points.
Anyway, will we see another whacking of Laos, like that 11-0 mauling at the Asean Football Championships at the start of this year? Answer is a no. Laotians are shorter than others, but there isn't any tall forward in the U-23 team. The strikers are Khairul Amri and Fazrul Nawaz, who are both sprinters, and Agu Casmir, who isn't really tall either. The tall ones are Baihakki and Hassan Sunny, in defence and goal.
However, expect the Singaporean outfit to be exciting. There are fast-paced players and good passers in the team. Amri, Nawaz, Ridhuan Mohd are all good sprinters who have pace, while you can count on Hariss Harun and Sharil Ishak to spread the passes around the field against the stamina-lacking Laotians. Hence, believe Singapore can win their opening encounter with ease. I back Amri to score 2 or 3 goals, and the final scoreline to be 4-0. No goals considered as Laos can't outpace nor outjump the defence.
I will talk about following encounters in coming posts, to ensure more often posting at this blog.
And on a sidenote, join Freekick if you know who I am && you are a classmate or a friend of mine.
Asian draw:
Singapore grouped with Asian 4th Saudi Arabia and 6th Uzbekistan, and Lebanon.
Initially, I thought it was not bad. Who knows? Uzbekistan is the best outside the 5 top seeds. It seems bad now. But never mind. A daunting task for Singapore that can only help us grow in quality and stature, that is when we pull off shocks.
My prediction: If Singapore can defeat Lebanon twice, and win on 2 other occasions, they will be able to progress. The magic number is 13, but 12 is not too bad.
If Singapore couldn't get pass this round, I will regard 9 points as passable, though not enough to get to the 4th round of qualifying.
Next: SEA Games football
First I congratulate Singapore for leading the medal tally after 2 days, with the shooting team contributing 5 gold medals, 2 silver and 2 bronze.
Singapore is grouped with Vietnam, Malaysia and Laos. Finally Singapore isn't grouped with Vietnam and Indonesia! That has been the most often case, which will probably result in a 5-team group ending with the 3 nations tied on 8 points.
Anyway, will we see another whacking of Laos, like that 11-0 mauling at the Asean Football Championships at the start of this year? Answer is a no. Laotians are shorter than others, but there isn't any tall forward in the U-23 team. The strikers are Khairul Amri and Fazrul Nawaz, who are both sprinters, and Agu Casmir, who isn't really tall either. The tall ones are Baihakki and Hassan Sunny, in defence and goal.
However, expect the Singaporean outfit to be exciting. There are fast-paced players and good passers in the team. Amri, Nawaz, Ridhuan Mohd are all good sprinters who have pace, while you can count on Hariss Harun and Sharil Ishak to spread the passes around the field against the stamina-lacking Laotians. Hence, believe Singapore can win their opening encounter with ease. I back Amri to score 2 or 3 goals, and the final scoreline to be 4-0. No goals considered as Laos can't outpace nor outjump the defence.
I will talk about following encounters in coming posts, to ensure more often posting at this blog.
And on a sidenote, join Freekick if you know who I am && you are a classmate or a friend of mine.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Title run-in
Impressive. Home United lose to Young Lions. Draw between SAFFC and Tampines Rovers.
Wow. It's anyone's game, but Tampines have the advantage and Home Utd is in the worst position. But all these pressure...let's talk about other stuff.
It's too early to talk about this, but I shall be making guesses for the next S-League season. Here is it:
S-League to expand to 13 teams.
Same 3 teams fighting for title, but Young Lions to make a challenge.
Wooden Spoon to go to Sengkang Punggol, to be changed...likely.
Another walk-out.
AFC tells Singapore that their teams can go to AFC Champions League instead of AFC Cup.
Duric and Grabovac to finally retire at the end of the season.
Wow. Some nice stuff. But for now, I hope SAF win the title.
Wow. It's anyone's game, but Tampines have the advantage and Home Utd is in the worst position. But all these pressure...let's talk about other stuff.
It's too early to talk about this, but I shall be making guesses for the next S-League season. Here is it:
S-League to expand to 13 teams.
Same 3 teams fighting for title, but Young Lions to make a challenge.
Wooden Spoon to go to Sengkang Punggol, to be changed...likely.
Another walk-out.
AFC tells Singapore that their teams can go to AFC Champions League instead of AFC Cup.
Duric and Grabovac to finally retire at the end of the season.
Wow. Some nice stuff. But for now, I hope SAF win the title.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Back
Wow. It's time to post.
The S-League title fight is turning to be an intriguing one. Currently Tampines have the upper hand, but these 3 teams in the fight will be facing each other in part of their remaing matches. Very exciting. They can be in control of their own destiny. SAFFC meanwhile have the best goal difference. They might even end up with 100 league goals, averaging >3 goals per game. Impressive. Equally impressive is their top scorer Aleksander Duric. Absolutely top-class. With Home United, we present to you the Big Three of Singapore.
I recently watched on Channel 5 a match between Young Lions and Albirex Niigata. Young Lions won it 1-0. However, they deserved more than that. The football they play is absolutely impressive. They have very pacy attacking players. They also have good playmakers in Hariss Harun and engku Mushadad. Remember the latter is only 17, and probably the youngest in the league, since he is playing only on exemption. The rules of the league state that players have to be at least 18 years old. He had already represented the natiobnal team. Wonderful player. In Khairul Amri and Fazrul Nawaz, they boast of some really fast attackers that could pose a threat to any defence. I think this team really has a chance at the SEA Games, and they, not Gombak Utd, can pose the biggest threat to the Big Three.
I hope SAFFC win the league. A bond, maybe. Duric even got called up to the national team at 37. Unlike Mr Avramovic's policy of young players, definitely.
Tampines Rovers seriously isn't a team for the future. SAFFC and Home United can still sustain, but Young Lions' losing of players might hold them back for future seasons. Right now, they are really moving in the right direction. Way to go.
Walcott.
The S-League title fight is turning to be an intriguing one. Currently Tampines have the upper hand, but these 3 teams in the fight will be facing each other in part of their remaing matches. Very exciting. They can be in control of their own destiny. SAFFC meanwhile have the best goal difference. They might even end up with 100 league goals, averaging >3 goals per game. Impressive. Equally impressive is their top scorer Aleksander Duric. Absolutely top-class. With Home United, we present to you the Big Three of Singapore.
I recently watched on Channel 5 a match between Young Lions and Albirex Niigata. Young Lions won it 1-0. However, they deserved more than that. The football they play is absolutely impressive. They have very pacy attacking players. They also have good playmakers in Hariss Harun and engku Mushadad. Remember the latter is only 17, and probably the youngest in the league, since he is playing only on exemption. The rules of the league state that players have to be at least 18 years old. He had already represented the natiobnal team. Wonderful player. In Khairul Amri and Fazrul Nawaz, they boast of some really fast attackers that could pose a threat to any defence. I think this team really has a chance at the SEA Games, and they, not Gombak Utd, can pose the biggest threat to the Big Three.
I hope SAFFC win the league. A bond, maybe. Duric even got called up to the national team at 37. Unlike Mr Avramovic's policy of young players, definitely.
Tampines Rovers seriously isn't a team for the future. SAFFC and Home United can still sustain, but Young Lions' losing of players might hold them back for future seasons. Right now, they are really moving in the right direction. Way to go.
Walcott.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Long time
How long was it? I guess no one notices...
Anyway, just to say hi.
HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI!
Being seriously wrong. But I tip SAFFC to win the S-League title, and reach at least the semi-finals of AFC Cup.
Anyway, just to say hi.
HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI! HI!
Being seriously wrong. But I tip SAFFC to win the S-League title, and reach at least the semi-finals of AFC Cup.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Updating...
Hi there.
Just to update...
SAFFC has romped to the top of the S-League table with an emphatic win over arch-rivals Home United, who is playing their third game in a week. The win brings SAFFC level on points with Home United, but ahead on a sperior goal difference. Meanwhile Tampines Rovers closed the gap on the leaders to a mere 1 point with an easy win over Sengkang Punggol. This season is promising to be a truly tight one, possibly going in to the last matches of the season to decide the winner.
Sounds like a newspaper writer? Haha.
Singapore Football rocks!!!
All the way man!
Just to update...
SAFFC has romped to the top of the S-League table with an emphatic win over arch-rivals Home United, who is playing their third game in a week. The win brings SAFFC level on points with Home United, but ahead on a sperior goal difference. Meanwhile Tampines Rovers closed the gap on the leaders to a mere 1 point with an easy win over Sengkang Punggol. This season is promising to be a truly tight one, possibly going in to the last matches of the season to decide the winner.
Sounds like a newspaper writer? Haha.
Singapore Football rocks!!!
All the way man!
Thursday, August 09, 2007
S-League
As S-League progresses, we find that it is already a three-horse race. This season promises to be one of excitement, as SAFFC and Tampines Rovers are battling on all three fronts, while Home United have only the S-league as their concern.
With Singapore having to participate in the World Cup qualifiers in September, these clubs will have to battle more.
Meanwhile, Gombak is slumping, Liaoning is truly turning into a good side, and looks set to come back next season. Geylang's early season promise is fast fading, as they are rooted to second-bottom at the moment. Young Lions are consolidating their position in fourth. Korean Super Reds are truly improving, but it's proving to be too little too late, with them still on single-digits on point tally. At least they won't end up conceding 100 goals in this season. Balestier Khalsa and Albirex Niigata are stuck in mid-table mediocrity, while Sengkang Punggol will try to pull all the stops to prevent sliding down the table. Woodlands are slowly improving, with Laakad's play improving.
And I wish Singapore a happy national day, on a sidenote. I hence conclude posting on all my blogs on 9th August, the magical day.
With Singapore having to participate in the World Cup qualifiers in September, these clubs will have to battle more.
Meanwhile, Gombak is slumping, Liaoning is truly turning into a good side, and looks set to come back next season. Geylang's early season promise is fast fading, as they are rooted to second-bottom at the moment. Young Lions are consolidating their position in fourth. Korean Super Reds are truly improving, but it's proving to be too little too late, with them still on single-digits on point tally. At least they won't end up conceding 100 goals in this season. Balestier Khalsa and Albirex Niigata are stuck in mid-table mediocrity, while Sengkang Punggol will try to pull all the stops to prevent sliding down the table. Woodlands are slowly improving, with Laakad's play improving.
And I wish Singapore a happy national day, on a sidenote. I hence conclude posting on all my blogs on 9th August, the magical day.
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Although this may appear to be a friend test, but anyone who comes across this blog, take this current affairs quiz about singapore sports. It is a test on how much you know, and pit yourself against this test.
If you are a Singaporean, do take this quiz. Please do not check the answers when you take this test. Please test your own knowledge. Do not lie to yourself. Even if you are not Singaporean, you are still welcome to take this test. ZTHe supposed passing mark for this test is: 60 for locals, 40 for foreigners.
Create your own Friend Test here
And I will be turning this blog into a less formal one in due course and time.
If you are a Singaporean, do take this quiz. Please do not check the answers when you take this test. Please test your own knowledge. Do not lie to yourself. Even if you are not Singaporean, you are still welcome to take this test. ZTHe supposed passing mark for this test is: 60 for locals, 40 for foreigners.
Create your own Friend Test here
And I will be turning this blog into a less formal one in due course and time.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Newest update
Newest updates:
I have finished 5th in Season 19 of the Hattrick season, with 18 points, and a positive goal difference of +3. I managed 6 wins and 8 losses, and still have yet to receive a draw in a competitive game.
My qualifier is against a bot team, which means I will remain definitely in this series. I wonder when will I ever make the breakthrough, for top 4. May it be next season, Season 20. I am targetting 21 points out of a possible 42 for next season, which is what 4th-placed WhiteSands got. The reason why I got 18 points and a positive goal difference is due to the help from the owner of the team, who had told me he will be putting a totally reserve team. Nevertheless, for my best players to get more experience points to increase skill level, I put out my best team according to skill and form, and thrashed them 8-0. THe result was sweet, and the rivalry between us should have lessened.
My club top scorer is actually a midfielder who did not get much starts in the league. He got a brace in the final game, for 7 goals in total. I think one of my strikers, a 21-year-old one, also scored 7 goals, while Mohd Rizalruddin, with 4 goals in the final game, scored 5 or 6 in total.
On another note, if there are any requests, I have the urge to turn this blog into a non-standard one.
I have finished 5th in Season 19 of the Hattrick season, with 18 points, and a positive goal difference of +3. I managed 6 wins and 8 losses, and still have yet to receive a draw in a competitive game.
My qualifier is against a bot team, which means I will remain definitely in this series. I wonder when will I ever make the breakthrough, for top 4. May it be next season, Season 20. I am targetting 21 points out of a possible 42 for next season, which is what 4th-placed WhiteSands got. The reason why I got 18 points and a positive goal difference is due to the help from the owner of the team, who had told me he will be putting a totally reserve team. Nevertheless, for my best players to get more experience points to increase skill level, I put out my best team according to skill and form, and thrashed them 8-0. THe result was sweet, and the rivalry between us should have lessened.
My club top scorer is actually a midfielder who did not get much starts in the league. He got a brace in the final game, for 7 goals in total. I think one of my strikers, a 21-year-old one, also scored 7 goals, while Mohd Rizalruddin, with 4 goals in the final game, scored 5 or 6 in total.
On another note, if there are any requests, I have the urge to turn this blog into a non-standard one.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Apologies
My apologies for this blog stagnating...But no one has been leaving any evidences of visiting my blog, so there wasn't a need.
Rough updates of my team in Hattrick. Currently, my team has racked up 9 point, 3 points clear of automatic relegation. However, I am a whopping 6 points behind 5th placed Redz Kenn, reaping the benefits of replacing a good team like I did in my 1st season. Mantissa FC and WhiteSands Mechs are both on 18 points, while Norwich City is heading for promotion, with 30 points from a possible 30, and 6 points clear of Bravo Warriors in second.
I am targetting to finish the season on 18 points, with possible wins against Hartpool, Redz Kenn and WhiteSandsMechs. Safety is not an issue, but I am happy that my top player has reached a formidable level for Playmaking, while starting from Solid when I bought him. This is a rise of two levels. Meanwhile, two other playmakers saw their ratings increase from Passable to Excellent. Tremendous stuff for me. I just sold a player for a whopping 164,000 dollars, my biggest sale yet. He was from my youth ranks, and had a rating of Solid Playmaking. And yo know what? I bought my current best player, the guy with the Formidable rating now, for just 30,000 dollars. What a gain! I still have another youth player I plan to keep with a Solid Playmaking. I intend to sell one of my Excellent Playmakers.
Here, I round off my 1st post in more than a month.
Rough updates of my team in Hattrick. Currently, my team has racked up 9 point, 3 points clear of automatic relegation. However, I am a whopping 6 points behind 5th placed Redz Kenn, reaping the benefits of replacing a good team like I did in my 1st season. Mantissa FC and WhiteSands Mechs are both on 18 points, while Norwich City is heading for promotion, with 30 points from a possible 30, and 6 points clear of Bravo Warriors in second.
I am targetting to finish the season on 18 points, with possible wins against Hartpool, Redz Kenn and WhiteSandsMechs. Safety is not an issue, but I am happy that my top player has reached a formidable level for Playmaking, while starting from Solid when I bought him. This is a rise of two levels. Meanwhile, two other playmakers saw their ratings increase from Passable to Excellent. Tremendous stuff for me. I just sold a player for a whopping 164,000 dollars, my biggest sale yet. He was from my youth ranks, and had a rating of Solid Playmaking. And yo know what? I bought my current best player, the guy with the Formidable rating now, for just 30,000 dollars. What a gain! I still have another youth player I plan to keep with a Solid Playmaking. I intend to sell one of my Excellent Playmakers.
Here, I round off my 1st post in more than a month.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Hattrick Updates
I had just realised I had not posted on this blog for a whopping 21 days. I apologise for any patient people who are waiting for updates on this blog.
Let's have a look at my vurrent Hattrick season. This is Season 19, and after 4 matches, I am on 3 points, third from bottom (6th). It is true that I had not been strengthening my squad with signings, but this current squad definitely has the ability to actually challenge the teams here. Let me say why.
After Red Chaos' promotion, the only teams with really good midfield ratings is Bravo Warriors, currently languishing, and Norwich City, whom I am about to face. The demoted club has a strange name which is tough to remember, but my midfield can be better than his team's. However, when my rating soared to an incredible 'inadequate', my attack ratings all dropped to wretched and disastrous. This is as I put two Inner Midfielders on the wongs and clicked 'Towards Middle'. Playmakers increase ratings more than wingers. Then, I put another playmaker in striker position and chose 'Defensive'. This option is for players who are also good in midfield. In this case, this player is solid in playmaking but only inadequate in scoring. I have since then sold this player to build up funds to start buying an excellent or formidable striker.
My 3 points come from the win against promoted Hartpool. I practically demolished them 9-0, with second-half possession being a whopping 96%. However, I am disappointed with my results. I lost to WhiteSandsMechs 1-5, my biggest loss currently. I lost to the demoted team and Mantissa FC 0-3 each, as in these two matches I both highly increased to weak or inadequate midfield rating, but my attack rating is far too low to score in any opportunities.
My match against Norwich is a no-brainer; I will certainly lose. No point trying to fight against this team. Let them be promoted and hope a weaker team gets demoted. I will never be in relegation trouble for these seasons yet, but I have to break my duck and not be content with 6th all the time. I want to be in the top 4. Currently my economy is quite good, sales of tickets are quite good, but I want to use some of these funds to buy a striker and a goalkeeper/defender, and build more seats for my stadium.
With that, I conclude this post.
Let's have a look at my vurrent Hattrick season. This is Season 19, and after 4 matches, I am on 3 points, third from bottom (6th). It is true that I had not been strengthening my squad with signings, but this current squad definitely has the ability to actually challenge the teams here. Let me say why.
After Red Chaos' promotion, the only teams with really good midfield ratings is Bravo Warriors, currently languishing, and Norwich City, whom I am about to face. The demoted club has a strange name which is tough to remember, but my midfield can be better than his team's. However, when my rating soared to an incredible 'inadequate', my attack ratings all dropped to wretched and disastrous. This is as I put two Inner Midfielders on the wongs and clicked 'Towards Middle'. Playmakers increase ratings more than wingers. Then, I put another playmaker in striker position and chose 'Defensive'. This option is for players who are also good in midfield. In this case, this player is solid in playmaking but only inadequate in scoring. I have since then sold this player to build up funds to start buying an excellent or formidable striker.
My 3 points come from the win against promoted Hartpool. I practically demolished them 9-0, with second-half possession being a whopping 96%. However, I am disappointed with my results. I lost to WhiteSandsMechs 1-5, my biggest loss currently. I lost to the demoted team and Mantissa FC 0-3 each, as in these two matches I both highly increased to weak or inadequate midfield rating, but my attack rating is far too low to score in any opportunities.
My match against Norwich is a no-brainer; I will certainly lose. No point trying to fight against this team. Let them be promoted and hope a weaker team gets demoted. I will never be in relegation trouble for these seasons yet, but I have to break my duck and not be content with 6th all the time. I want to be in the top 4. Currently my economy is quite good, sales of tickets are quite good, but I want to use some of these funds to buy a striker and a goalkeeper/defender, and build more seats for my stadium.
With that, I conclude this post.
Friday, April 06, 2007
S-League rankings
In this post, I will not just simply show you the current league tables of the S-League. I shall be structuring out a mini survey on the number of points on each win and so on and so for.
Woodlans are starting their freefall, failing to win since their first league match. However, their position ranks high bcause of their victory in the League Cup. SAFFC are in the top of the league, but due to their disinvolvement in the League Cup, their point total is rather limited.
Just to let you look at the tabulated results first. As of 5th April 2007.
1) Woodlands 43
2) SAFFC 38
3) Tampines 38
4) Sengkang 29
5) Home Utd 27
6) Gombak 23
7) Geylang 15
8) Young Lions 14
9) Balestier 9
10) Albirex 9
11) Super Reds 5
12) Liaoning 0
Let me further explain this. SAFFC and Tampines are so high up, because of their involvement in the AFC Cup. I awarded 11points for a win and 5 points for a draw. A draw in the AFC Cup is equivalent to a win in the S-League. However, a win by three goals or more is awarded 1 bonus point, while a win by 6 goals or more, as demonstrated by SAFFC's mauling of Super Reds, has a bonus of 2.
The reason why Geylang and Young Lions are on the bottom half od the table is due to their disinvolvement in the League Cup and the AFC Cup, hence they only ave the league to depend on for points. Sengkang seem so good, and their league position is not bad either. Their final berth in the League Cup contributed many achievement points, as in the case of Woodlands, who are now in reach of SAF and Tampines.
This table is somehow or rather accurate. I shall update again in a month's time.
Woodlans are starting their freefall, failing to win since their first league match. However, their position ranks high bcause of their victory in the League Cup. SAFFC are in the top of the league, but due to their disinvolvement in the League Cup, their point total is rather limited.
Just to let you look at the tabulated results first. As of 5th April 2007.
1) Woodlands 43
2) SAFFC 38
3) Tampines 38
4) Sengkang 29
5) Home Utd 27
6) Gombak 23
7) Geylang 15
8) Young Lions 14
9) Balestier 9
10) Albirex 9
11) Super Reds 5
12) Liaoning 0
Let me further explain this. SAFFC and Tampines are so high up, because of their involvement in the AFC Cup. I awarded 11points for a win and 5 points for a draw. A draw in the AFC Cup is equivalent to a win in the S-League. However, a win by three goals or more is awarded 1 bonus point, while a win by 6 goals or more, as demonstrated by SAFFC's mauling of Super Reds, has a bonus of 2.
The reason why Geylang and Young Lions are on the bottom half od the table is due to their disinvolvement in the League Cup and the AFC Cup, hence they only ave the league to depend on for points. Sengkang seem so good, and their league position is not bad either. Their final berth in the League Cup contributed many achievement points, as in the case of Woodlands, who are now in reach of SAF and Tampines.
This table is somehow or rather accurate. I shall update again in a month's time.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
New Season: Season 19
The new season had begun.
To be exact, more than one week of the new season has passed.
I shall bring some bad news. Battler United lost their first league match, to, yes, arch-rivals, White Sands Mechs, haplessly 1-5. Shockingly, their midfield improved a lot.
I still could not figure out how I lost by such a big margin. It came as a shock somehow or rather. Somehow, I felt my hopes of finishing 5th diminishing already. But I should be able to stave off relegation fears, since the 2 promoted clubs are inferior. I hope Norwich City will get promoted and get out of this series. They are simply the best in this series. The demoted side lost to them 1-5 in the first league match here. The demoted team has a midfield which I believe I am able to match. Their midfield is also poor, same as me and Mantissa and WhiteSandsMechs. But their two aspects are simply good.
Bravo Warriors is losing the form. They lost their first match to Mantissa FC 0-2. It seriously dented their hopes of promotion. Here are my predictions of the table at the end of this season.
1) Norwich City
2) Bravo Warriors
3) 'The demoted side'
4) Mantissa FC
5) WhiteSandsMechs
6) Battler United
7) pang pui fc
8) Hartpool
I have to sign better and new players in order to get a chance of cracking my mire of staying in 6th place in future seasons, including this season. I aim to get a formidable or excellent striker, a formidable playmaker, an excellent winger(optional), a formidable or excellent central defender/centre-back)
Without all these I can only depend on the increase of skill level...
It will take too long and is ineffective...
To be exact, more than one week of the new season has passed.
I shall bring some bad news. Battler United lost their first league match, to, yes, arch-rivals, White Sands Mechs, haplessly 1-5. Shockingly, their midfield improved a lot.
I still could not figure out how I lost by such a big margin. It came as a shock somehow or rather. Somehow, I felt my hopes of finishing 5th diminishing already. But I should be able to stave off relegation fears, since the 2 promoted clubs are inferior. I hope Norwich City will get promoted and get out of this series. They are simply the best in this series. The demoted side lost to them 1-5 in the first league match here. The demoted team has a midfield which I believe I am able to match. Their midfield is also poor, same as me and Mantissa and WhiteSandsMechs. But their two aspects are simply good.
Bravo Warriors is losing the form. They lost their first match to Mantissa FC 0-2. It seriously dented their hopes of promotion. Here are my predictions of the table at the end of this season.
1) Norwich City
2) Bravo Warriors
3) 'The demoted side'
4) Mantissa FC
5) WhiteSandsMechs
6) Battler United
7) pang pui fc
8) Hartpool
I have to sign better and new players in order to get a chance of cracking my mire of staying in 6th place in future seasons, including this season. I aim to get a formidable or excellent striker, a formidable playmaker, an excellent winger(optional), a formidable or excellent central defender/centre-back)
Without all these I can only depend on the increase of skill level...
It will take too long and is ineffective...
Monday, March 26, 2007
Beauty of Singapore football
Let me ask you, what is the beauty of Singapore football?
You might be wondering this to be a very tough question, or just dismiss it as 'No beauty in Singapore football'. In fact, I am not very sure too. Despite being a local, and attracted to football here, I still have not found much. The thing is, you watch because it is happening near you, and you are interested at such things.
I plan to keep this post short and sweet, but pardon me if I don't.
Singapore is a small country, a little red dot on the world. Yet, with just 4.5 million citizens in SIngapore at the moment, we have successfully overthroned Thailand as the kingpins of South-East Asia. What do we have? How did we achieve that?
The government has a say in this. They are a good government, and they constantly promote racial harmony and thus led to different races willing to work and cooperate well with each other. Secondly, the system in the S-League shows that each club is allowed 4 foreign players. This really promotes the Foreign Talent Scheme used for recruiting foreign talents to our national football. I can easily name a few in the national team, such as Daniel Bennett, Precious Emuejeraye and so on.
Now, to the main point. Beauty of Singapore football? Is it because of the competitive title race? Lots of controversies? Quality football? What is the pull factor in this question?
My answer is: Support of Singapore, Passion for Football, and some more.
From the Malaysian Cup days, Singapore had done very well, in attracting attention. Now, we are trying to gnite that passion, which can be seen from the effects of our matches in the Asean Football Championships, which we eventually won.
We love football, the craze makes us get attracted.
You might be wondering this to be a very tough question, or just dismiss it as 'No beauty in Singapore football'. In fact, I am not very sure too. Despite being a local, and attracted to football here, I still have not found much. The thing is, you watch because it is happening near you, and you are interested at such things.
I plan to keep this post short and sweet, but pardon me if I don't.
Singapore is a small country, a little red dot on the world. Yet, with just 4.5 million citizens in SIngapore at the moment, we have successfully overthroned Thailand as the kingpins of South-East Asia. What do we have? How did we achieve that?
The government has a say in this. They are a good government, and they constantly promote racial harmony and thus led to different races willing to work and cooperate well with each other. Secondly, the system in the S-League shows that each club is allowed 4 foreign players. This really promotes the Foreign Talent Scheme used for recruiting foreign talents to our national football. I can easily name a few in the national team, such as Daniel Bennett, Precious Emuejeraye and so on.
Now, to the main point. Beauty of Singapore football? Is it because of the competitive title race? Lots of controversies? Quality football? What is the pull factor in this question?
My answer is: Support of Singapore, Passion for Football, and some more.
From the Malaysian Cup days, Singapore had done very well, in attracting attention. Now, we are trying to gnite that passion, which can be seen from the effects of our matches in the Asean Football Championships, which we eventually won.
We love football, the craze makes us get attracted.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
1st S-League match on TV for 2007
With this post, I mark my 35th post on this blog. This blog does not have a long history, and I am proud to be using this chance to present my Hattrick experience and various arguments and debates for Singapore football.
I shall be talking about, yes, the first televised match this year of the S-League. I had missed the first half an hour, which means the goal Indra Sahdan scored. I saw the replay, though, and it was a good, tight-angled goal from the striker. I was quite amazed when Liaoning FC was dominating from the start of the second half. In the end, they lost to a goal from young prospect Goh Swee Swee. I believe Liaoning had deserved more, but they end up rueing missed chances when a shocking lob hit the crossbar from the left flank. Another opportunity was greatly saved by Singapore's number 1 custodian Lionel Lewis.
Liaoning had proved to be good stuff. Their tactics of sending high balls is really effective, and Goh's winner proved to be a good goal that snatched any reward for the Chinese outfit. I certainly feel for them, as they had dominated proceedings in the second half and shown us what they are capable of. They just have to improve on their heading as, though they have more than 10 corner kicks, most of them ended up being cleared. Thye know how to win the ball in these situations, so they just have to work on their positioning and win more air battles to score more goals. Home United did not play like title favourites, and it was the Chinese team that shown more domination and determination than their opponents.
Kudos to the Chinese team, they will start collecting points very soon, and may end up better than Albirex in the rankings, if they improve on the points I have mentioned. At this point in time, Geylang United seems to be the most hardworking team, and the most champion-like team now is neither SAFFC nor Tampines Rovers. SAFFC appear off-colour, while Tampines' team is jaded and lacking confidence. Home is showing some champion-like appearance, having the ability to come back from being dominated in play to deal a killer punch and settle affairs. They do have enough quality to win the title, but expect stiff competition from Woodlands, due to their strikeforce, and SAFFC, when they regain their form.
Form guide (In opinion, not following much statistics):
In order:
Home United
Geylang United
Woodlands Wellington
Young Lions
Sengkang Punggol
Balestier Khalsa
Gombak United
SAFFC
Albirex Niigata
Tampines Rovers
Liaoning Guangyuan
Korean Super Reds
The bolded ones mean I am more sure with their positions.
I shall be talking about, yes, the first televised match this year of the S-League. I had missed the first half an hour, which means the goal Indra Sahdan scored. I saw the replay, though, and it was a good, tight-angled goal from the striker. I was quite amazed when Liaoning FC was dominating from the start of the second half. In the end, they lost to a goal from young prospect Goh Swee Swee. I believe Liaoning had deserved more, but they end up rueing missed chances when a shocking lob hit the crossbar from the left flank. Another opportunity was greatly saved by Singapore's number 1 custodian Lionel Lewis.
Liaoning had proved to be good stuff. Their tactics of sending high balls is really effective, and Goh's winner proved to be a good goal that snatched any reward for the Chinese outfit. I certainly feel for them, as they had dominated proceedings in the second half and shown us what they are capable of. They just have to improve on their heading as, though they have more than 10 corner kicks, most of them ended up being cleared. Thye know how to win the ball in these situations, so they just have to work on their positioning and win more air battles to score more goals. Home United did not play like title favourites, and it was the Chinese team that shown more domination and determination than their opponents.
Kudos to the Chinese team, they will start collecting points very soon, and may end up better than Albirex in the rankings, if they improve on the points I have mentioned. At this point in time, Geylang United seems to be the most hardworking team, and the most champion-like team now is neither SAFFC nor Tampines Rovers. SAFFC appear off-colour, while Tampines' team is jaded and lacking confidence. Home is showing some champion-like appearance, having the ability to come back from being dominated in play to deal a killer punch and settle affairs. They do have enough quality to win the title, but expect stiff competition from Woodlands, due to their strikeforce, and SAFFC, when they regain their form.
Form guide (In opinion, not following much statistics):
In order:
Home United
Geylang United
Woodlands Wellington
Young Lions
Sengkang Punggol
Balestier Khalsa
Gombak United
SAFFC
Albirex Niigata
Tampines Rovers
Liaoning Guangyuan
Korean Super Reds
The bolded ones mean I am more sure with their positions.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Channel 5 Live Telecast
I am very glad and proud of Channel 5 for bringing to us every Friday every week a televised S-League match. This is a good thing, but it has been continued from Channelnewsasia, who had brought the telecast to us for the past 3 years. One of my hopes for this deal is for Channel 5 to bring us consistent telecasts, unlike Channelnewsasia, who sometimes let the televised match give way to other programmes.
Another more pressing issue, in my view and opinion, is that Channel 5 bring us more live matches from the UEFA Champions League. I understand that the channel had fought hard to bring us telecasts from the Games: Commonwealth, Asian, SEA and Olympics. However, many people in Singapore likes English football and European football. Therefore, it is not a solution to force us just to watch our own brand of football. They should let us watch BOTH. As I have noticed, for past years, Channel 5 had brought to us selected Champions League matches, on every Wednesday and Thursday early morning. Last year, I was able to tape down exhilarating matches, most from my favourite club Arsenal's matches, against Real Madrid, Juventus, Villareal and Barcelona. I absolutely LOVE this matches. As I have also noticed, sometimes Italian football was provided in the early hours. Not everyone needs to watch it live, they can also watch it through having it taped! Also, the Champions League telecast also included a highlights show on Sundays, providing avid supporters who did not subscribe to Starhub somethng to cheer about.
So, I urge Channel 5 to continue fighting for our rights, by also broadcasting Champion League matches starting from next season. At least they should bring to us selected matches starting from the knockout stages of the competition, and also highlights of the matches on Sundays. They have done it before, so they can do it again. That is my pressing need! Help!!!
Channel 5 has worked hard, so I would like them also to fight for the televised matches of some top leagues, perhaps selecting top matches, like matches in the EPL between the top 4, Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool. In the Spanish Primera Liga, matches between Barcelona and Real Madrid, and Valencia, possibly also Sevilla. In the Italian Serie A, matches between AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus and possibly AS Roma. This would bring us to a total of about 12 EPL matches, 6 Spanish matches, and a further 6 Italian matches. That brings a grand total of 24 matches, and a possible rise to around 30+, if some other matches are included, perhaps derby matches.
So, I urge Channel 5 to bring us exciting matches, and ensure that despite the fact that we may not be watching it live, but also that we are watching it delayed telecast. The Barclays EPL highlights is definitely a great hit for me! Hence, I would urge Champions League matches as the main priority, then the top league matches in Europe. Perhaps, the Club World Cup final.
To recoup losses, it would be perfectly alright, if Channel 5 can omit some other programmes that cost quite some money. This can include the golf tournaments that are not main or majors of PGA tournaments, nor are they our country's tournaments. Cut off some days of telecasts from the SEA Games or Commonwealth Games, while some other less popular sporting actions can also be omitted.
For the sake of the soccer-loving nation of Singapore, do us proud, and leave us more than satisfied not to turn to Starhub and let the less financial ability's to enjoy watching. Soccer, is, the best ever sport in the world.
Another more pressing issue, in my view and opinion, is that Channel 5 bring us more live matches from the UEFA Champions League. I understand that the channel had fought hard to bring us telecasts from the Games: Commonwealth, Asian, SEA and Olympics. However, many people in Singapore likes English football and European football. Therefore, it is not a solution to force us just to watch our own brand of football. They should let us watch BOTH. As I have noticed, for past years, Channel 5 had brought to us selected Champions League matches, on every Wednesday and Thursday early morning. Last year, I was able to tape down exhilarating matches, most from my favourite club Arsenal's matches, against Real Madrid, Juventus, Villareal and Barcelona. I absolutely LOVE this matches. As I have also noticed, sometimes Italian football was provided in the early hours. Not everyone needs to watch it live, they can also watch it through having it taped! Also, the Champions League telecast also included a highlights show on Sundays, providing avid supporters who did not subscribe to Starhub somethng to cheer about.
So, I urge Channel 5 to continue fighting for our rights, by also broadcasting Champion League matches starting from next season. At least they should bring to us selected matches starting from the knockout stages of the competition, and also highlights of the matches on Sundays. They have done it before, so they can do it again. That is my pressing need! Help!!!
Channel 5 has worked hard, so I would like them also to fight for the televised matches of some top leagues, perhaps selecting top matches, like matches in the EPL between the top 4, Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool. In the Spanish Primera Liga, matches between Barcelona and Real Madrid, and Valencia, possibly also Sevilla. In the Italian Serie A, matches between AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus and possibly AS Roma. This would bring us to a total of about 12 EPL matches, 6 Spanish matches, and a further 6 Italian matches. That brings a grand total of 24 matches, and a possible rise to around 30+, if some other matches are included, perhaps derby matches.
So, I urge Channel 5 to bring us exciting matches, and ensure that despite the fact that we may not be watching it live, but also that we are watching it delayed telecast. The Barclays EPL highlights is definitely a great hit for me! Hence, I would urge Champions League matches as the main priority, then the top league matches in Europe. Perhaps, the Club World Cup final.
To recoup losses, it would be perfectly alright, if Channel 5 can omit some other programmes that cost quite some money. This can include the golf tournaments that are not main or majors of PGA tournaments, nor are they our country's tournaments. Cut off some days of telecasts from the SEA Games or Commonwealth Games, while some other less popular sporting actions can also be omitted.
For the sake of the soccer-loving nation of Singapore, do us proud, and leave us more than satisfied not to turn to Starhub and let the less financial ability's to enjoy watching. Soccer, is, the best ever sport in the world.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Effectiveness of foreign teams
What are the pros and cons of having foreign teams in a local league? Singapore boasts the only league in the world that have as many as 3 foreign teams in their league. This is not helped by the fact that our league only comprises a meagre 12 teams. Furthermore, it was increased from 10 two years ago! What's so good about foreign teams? Let's find out.
Having foreign teams boast our league's competitiveness. This is clearly one of the main benefits. However, from the matches till now, and the teams till now, I believe foreign teams are under-achieving, or they just doesn't have the required ability. Is it due to the weather in Singapore, or is it due to first-time jitters? Korean Super Reds have now lost another match, against Gombak United. However, they crumbled due to conceding three goals in the last 15 minutess. This could be due to the humid weather for the Koreans. Albirex has been, till now, the most successful team, with two 5th and 1 6th-placed finishes, and are likely to be the best of the foreign teams again. Liaoning's true ability has not yet surfaced.
Next, the foreign teams could boost our Foreign Talent Scheme. However, this point cannot stand. Look at players like Mustafic Fahrudin. They do not come from the foreign teams. Albirex and Liaoning are feeder teams, and their better players get to go back to the J-League. So, our scheme only selects players mainly from our local clubs.
Then, foreign teams can attract more fans. Again, this point can only be regarded a a half-point, since we local people usually support our local teams. For me, I do not have a supported team, but I would choose SAFFC. If not, this season, I would also support Geylang United.
On the other hand. foreign teams restict local players moving up to the level of the S-League. Foreign teams currently occupy a whopping 25% of our league, which means just 9 teams with local players. Furthermore, these local teams are allowed to have 4 foreign players in their teams. This further restricts it, since it is more likely these teams acquire players they are going to put in the first-team. Just look at Aleksander Duric, Therdsak Chaiman, Laakad Abelhadi, Park Tae Won. These are household names, or at least the better-known plaers, yet they are all foreigns.
On the whole, foreign teams are beneficial, yet only marginallly. Hence, the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) should consider restricting the number of foreign teams to 2, or else they should expand the league to about 15 or 16 teams, with 3 foreign teams, and good foreign teams. They keep saying about the need for more Chinese and Indians. More local teams and more good prospects in the life after soccer could attract them to playing in the S-League. Now, only Shi Jiayi is the Chinese, and he is not even a local Chinese. We seriously need more people like Goh Tat Chuan. If expanding league size is not a good idea, why not have two divisions, with 12 teams in each division? So, the foreign teams can stay, but if they are not good enough, they would get demoted to the lower tier. And, the bottom two or three teams in the second tier can be replaced, and foreign teams will have to start from the lower tier and have to prove themselves before moving up.
I end this discussion, hoping FAS can get a hold of my humble opinions.
Having foreign teams boast our league's competitiveness. This is clearly one of the main benefits. However, from the matches till now, and the teams till now, I believe foreign teams are under-achieving, or they just doesn't have the required ability. Is it due to the weather in Singapore, or is it due to first-time jitters? Korean Super Reds have now lost another match, against Gombak United. However, they crumbled due to conceding three goals in the last 15 minutess. This could be due to the humid weather for the Koreans. Albirex has been, till now, the most successful team, with two 5th and 1 6th-placed finishes, and are likely to be the best of the foreign teams again. Liaoning's true ability has not yet surfaced.
Next, the foreign teams could boost our Foreign Talent Scheme. However, this point cannot stand. Look at players like Mustafic Fahrudin. They do not come from the foreign teams. Albirex and Liaoning are feeder teams, and their better players get to go back to the J-League. So, our scheme only selects players mainly from our local clubs.
Then, foreign teams can attract more fans. Again, this point can only be regarded a a half-point, since we local people usually support our local teams. For me, I do not have a supported team, but I would choose SAFFC. If not, this season, I would also support Geylang United.
On the other hand. foreign teams restict local players moving up to the level of the S-League. Foreign teams currently occupy a whopping 25% of our league, which means just 9 teams with local players. Furthermore, these local teams are allowed to have 4 foreign players in their teams. This further restricts it, since it is more likely these teams acquire players they are going to put in the first-team. Just look at Aleksander Duric, Therdsak Chaiman, Laakad Abelhadi, Park Tae Won. These are household names, or at least the better-known plaers, yet they are all foreigns.
On the whole, foreign teams are beneficial, yet only marginallly. Hence, the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) should consider restricting the number of foreign teams to 2, or else they should expand the league to about 15 or 16 teams, with 3 foreign teams, and good foreign teams. They keep saying about the need for more Chinese and Indians. More local teams and more good prospects in the life after soccer could attract them to playing in the S-League. Now, only Shi Jiayi is the Chinese, and he is not even a local Chinese. We seriously need more people like Goh Tat Chuan. If expanding league size is not a good idea, why not have two divisions, with 12 teams in each division? So, the foreign teams can stay, but if they are not good enough, they would get demoted to the lower tier. And, the bottom two or three teams in the second tier can be replaced, and foreign teams will have to start from the lower tier and have to prove themselves before moving up.
I end this discussion, hoping FAS can get a hold of my humble opinions.
Monday, March 12, 2007
S-League
As the first round of the S-League draws to a close, I believe many people have a rough idea of what is likely to be the case for the rest of the season. As I offer my sincere and humble opinions, I do expect these opinions to come true, if not partially true.
As can be seen, Woodlands continued their remarkable start to the season with a 2-1 victory over last-season's Singapore Cup winners and league runner-up Tampines Rovers. Clearly, Tampines players are aging and they seriously need to draft in a new batch of young and energetic players to pose any serious threats to their title opponents. Meanwhile, Woodlands are a mix between youth and experience, or more like a team. They have lots of quality at the front, with Laakad Abdelhadi and Park Tae Won again scoring the goals. This is despite the departure of players like Agu Casmir and Itimi Dickson. Tampines should be wandering between 3rd and 6th when the July transfer window arrives, since they have not found replacements for the fast-aging Sead Muratovic, Mirko Grabovac, who struggled in the Beep Test.
Next, proceed to the match between last year's champions SAFFC and last season's wooden spoon awardees Sengkang Punggol. This match appears a total mismatch, but it ended 1-1. It can be considered a fluke, but you have to give Sengkang credit to even pull off this task, after managing a mere 18 points last season. It proves that their run to the League Cup final was no fluke. However, SAFFC have to seriously buck up, and awake from their hibernation, having just mustered a loss and a draw in this season's official matches. They too, have to find replacements for the older quality players, like Therdsak Chaiman and Aleksander Duric, if not they could end up like Tampines Rovers this season. When Therdsak left SAF seasons ago, SAF struggled, and only revived when this talismanic Thai returned to help pull the strings.
The match between Gombak and Geylang must be considered the least exciting of the matches this week, but seriously admit that this two teams are showing that they are capable to challenge for the top half of the table. For Geylang, it's a case of returning to the glory days, but they still have to work hard, and with skilful players too. Gombak have shown last season they can fight, and finished the season ahead of foreign outfit Sporting Afrique, and near Balestier Khalsa in the point tally.
Now, to the foreign teams. As I have already said, Korean Super Reds are really struggling, and surrendered easily to Home United. My prediction have been deemed invalid, as I ranked them a possible top 3. Now, I rank them in the bottom half of the table. As I say, you cannot judge a team based on just few matches. Maybe, if they win their next match, people will suddenly say they are good and rank them high. So mid-table is a high possibility. Home have shaken off their inconsistency in the League Cup and could easily end up as serious challengers for the title. I make them out as top 3, or even top 2.
Liaoning versus Young Lions bring out an interesting clash between Singapore's future prospects against Liaoning's future prospects. Young Lions did us proud by winning this 3-2, preventing any good start for the foreign teams. However, they are still unstable and I can't see them in a good position like they are at the start of last season. Maybe they will end up 5th. For Liaoning, I must say they did marginally better than their Korean counterparts. However, I can't see them picking any points against Home United in the first televised S-League match of 2007 on Channel 5. They should end the season challenging with Albirex and Gombak for 7th.
Lastly, Albirex versus Balstier. This match presents the best chance for the foreign teams, yet Albirex could only muster a weak 1-1 draw against Balestier, who are suffering from injury problems at such an early stage of the season. They should learn to be better, as their main team in Japan's division 1 just did recently: Hold Champions Urawa Red Diamonds to a 2-2 draw, scoring their two goals only in the last few minutes. Albirex could end up 7th. Balestier, with injury problems, could muster a late season charge, but should finish in the bottom three.
As I round up my points, these are the likely positions the teams will end up in.
Top 3: SAFFC, Home United, Woodlands Wellington
4-6th: Tampines Rovers, Young Lions, Geylang Utd
7-9th: Albirex Niigata, Gombak Utd, Liaoning FC
10-12: Korean Super Reds, Sengkang, Balestier
I end up saying, these predictions are subjective. I am likely to give more accurate ones in mid-season, when the transfer window opens.
As can be seen, Woodlands continued their remarkable start to the season with a 2-1 victory over last-season's Singapore Cup winners and league runner-up Tampines Rovers. Clearly, Tampines players are aging and they seriously need to draft in a new batch of young and energetic players to pose any serious threats to their title opponents. Meanwhile, Woodlands are a mix between youth and experience, or more like a team. They have lots of quality at the front, with Laakad Abdelhadi and Park Tae Won again scoring the goals. This is despite the departure of players like Agu Casmir and Itimi Dickson. Tampines should be wandering between 3rd and 6th when the July transfer window arrives, since they have not found replacements for the fast-aging Sead Muratovic, Mirko Grabovac, who struggled in the Beep Test.
Next, proceed to the match between last year's champions SAFFC and last season's wooden spoon awardees Sengkang Punggol. This match appears a total mismatch, but it ended 1-1. It can be considered a fluke, but you have to give Sengkang credit to even pull off this task, after managing a mere 18 points last season. It proves that their run to the League Cup final was no fluke. However, SAFFC have to seriously buck up, and awake from their hibernation, having just mustered a loss and a draw in this season's official matches. They too, have to find replacements for the older quality players, like Therdsak Chaiman and Aleksander Duric, if not they could end up like Tampines Rovers this season. When Therdsak left SAF seasons ago, SAF struggled, and only revived when this talismanic Thai returned to help pull the strings.
The match between Gombak and Geylang must be considered the least exciting of the matches this week, but seriously admit that this two teams are showing that they are capable to challenge for the top half of the table. For Geylang, it's a case of returning to the glory days, but they still have to work hard, and with skilful players too. Gombak have shown last season they can fight, and finished the season ahead of foreign outfit Sporting Afrique, and near Balestier Khalsa in the point tally.
Now, to the foreign teams. As I have already said, Korean Super Reds are really struggling, and surrendered easily to Home United. My prediction have been deemed invalid, as I ranked them a possible top 3. Now, I rank them in the bottom half of the table. As I say, you cannot judge a team based on just few matches. Maybe, if they win their next match, people will suddenly say they are good and rank them high. So mid-table is a high possibility. Home have shaken off their inconsistency in the League Cup and could easily end up as serious challengers for the title. I make them out as top 3, or even top 2.
Liaoning versus Young Lions bring out an interesting clash between Singapore's future prospects against Liaoning's future prospects. Young Lions did us proud by winning this 3-2, preventing any good start for the foreign teams. However, they are still unstable and I can't see them in a good position like they are at the start of last season. Maybe they will end up 5th. For Liaoning, I must say they did marginally better than their Korean counterparts. However, I can't see them picking any points against Home United in the first televised S-League match of 2007 on Channel 5. They should end the season challenging with Albirex and Gombak for 7th.
Lastly, Albirex versus Balstier. This match presents the best chance for the foreign teams, yet Albirex could only muster a weak 1-1 draw against Balestier, who are suffering from injury problems at such an early stage of the season. They should learn to be better, as their main team in Japan's division 1 just did recently: Hold Champions Urawa Red Diamonds to a 2-2 draw, scoring their two goals only in the last few minutes. Albirex could end up 7th. Balestier, with injury problems, could muster a late season charge, but should finish in the bottom three.
As I round up my points, these are the likely positions the teams will end up in.
Top 3: SAFFC, Home United, Woodlands Wellington
4-6th: Tampines Rovers, Young Lions, Geylang Utd
7-9th: Albirex Niigata, Gombak Utd, Liaoning FC
10-12: Korean Super Reds, Sengkang, Balestier
I end up saying, these predictions are subjective. I am likely to give more accurate ones in mid-season, when the transfer window opens.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Final matches
As Season 18 draws a close in the league matches, I found myself wondering whether I had a future in my series IV.4. With so strong teams in this series, I could sense myself struggling to be the top 4 in my series. This season 18 concluded with my results being 5 wins 0 draws and 9 losses. My 5 wins come from: 2 against Posers, 1 walkover against the now liquidated Bukit Panjang XI, 1 shock against WhiteSandsMechs and the last against Squeeling Jets.
Despite a haul of 15 points, more than last season's 13, I remained at 6th position. I lost out on goal difference against WhiteSands, with a goal difference that is 6 inferior. Never mind, it does not even matter about who finishes 5th, the end of season bonuses are only awarded to the top 4 in each series.
I am quite some distance from 4th placed Mantissa FC, who finished with 22 points. My last match ended in a 4-0 victory, and the only achievement I had was in boasting a player in the top scorers list, with Francesco Uboldi, who I acquired around in the middle of the season, with 7 goals. The top scorer, was, however, long and away with 21 goals. Second-placed scorer was, I think, with 14 goals.
My friend, owner of Red Chaos, ended the season in style, coming behind to win 2-1 against Norwich City and got promoted automatically. Good luck for this friend in the future, whom I had received lots of help from.
Targets for next season:
5th place
18 points
I still have a match against a 'bot', and it is a foregone conclusion. I am definitely going to win that and stay in my series!
Points to remember for this season:
Best of 15 points.
Defeated WhiteSandsMechs for first time.
Posted a double digit victory aganst Darkonian FC in a friendly. 10-0 win.
First draw, again a friendly, against Team Posei. 1-1.
Farewell with Red Chaos in the league.
Had a player in top scorers' list. 7 goals.
Increased skill for some players. 3 playmakers. 2 from passable to solid, 1 from solid to excellent.
Had players with 3 stars. Had a high of 28 or more stars for a match.
Form of some players reached excellent for some while.
Bye for now, more stuff arriving soon!
Despite a haul of 15 points, more than last season's 13, I remained at 6th position. I lost out on goal difference against WhiteSands, with a goal difference that is 6 inferior. Never mind, it does not even matter about who finishes 5th, the end of season bonuses are only awarded to the top 4 in each series.
I am quite some distance from 4th placed Mantissa FC, who finished with 22 points. My last match ended in a 4-0 victory, and the only achievement I had was in boasting a player in the top scorers list, with Francesco Uboldi, who I acquired around in the middle of the season, with 7 goals. The top scorer, was, however, long and away with 21 goals. Second-placed scorer was, I think, with 14 goals.
My friend, owner of Red Chaos, ended the season in style, coming behind to win 2-1 against Norwich City and got promoted automatically. Good luck for this friend in the future, whom I had received lots of help from.
Targets for next season:
5th place
18 points
I still have a match against a 'bot', and it is a foregone conclusion. I am definitely going to win that and stay in my series!
Points to remember for this season:
Best of 15 points.
Defeated WhiteSandsMechs for first time.
Posted a double digit victory aganst Darkonian FC in a friendly. 10-0 win.
First draw, again a friendly, against Team Posei. 1-1.
Farewell with Red Chaos in the league.
Had a player in top scorers' list. 7 goals.
Increased skill for some players. 3 playmakers. 2 from passable to solid, 1 from solid to excellent.
Had players with 3 stars. Had a high of 28 or more stars for a match.
Form of some players reached excellent for some while.
Bye for now, more stuff arriving soon!
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Matches
I was brought down to Earth with two defeats. The friendly loss was the first for me this season in the schedule, though it was really deserving of me to lose that match. The league match was totally expected, so nothing to say about...
Kanu United 5-1 Battler United
Wonderful loss. First time I am happy with a loss. Why? I shall not disclose detailed information, but I shall mention my opponent is someone I know. Losing means nothing, except that he is much stronger, and I realised he had spent 186,000 on a single player, after being demoted to Division 5 from last season. My biggest signing still stands at 60,000, but my inner midfielders are fast improving; three passable playmakers, whom I bought atprices of less than 10,000, increased to solid, while a solid playmaker whom I got at a bargain price of 30,000, increased to excellent. They are worth a lot now, but I guess I will hold on for a while more before releasing them. End-of-season sales are not high, unlike the start of seasons.
Norwich City 8-0 Battler United
I was crushed, but I improved from my 0-9 hammering near the start of the season.
Now, I shall be mentioning that I have managed to stave off automatic demotion, but is stuck at 6th place, and require a big win in my last match coupled with a big loss for current 5th place WhiteSandsMechs, to have a chance of 5th. 5th has no end-of-season bonus, though.
I have currently amassed 12 points, and has hopes of raising it to 15 provided I defeat current bottom place and newcomers Squeeling Jets, who claimed a win at Posers, but still remained bottom.
To end, I would like to congratulate Red Chaos for currently occupying top spot, but have to avoid a defeat at Norwich City in the top of the table clash to successfully get promoted.
Kanu United 5-1 Battler United
Wonderful loss. First time I am happy with a loss. Why? I shall not disclose detailed information, but I shall mention my opponent is someone I know. Losing means nothing, except that he is much stronger, and I realised he had spent 186,000 on a single player, after being demoted to Division 5 from last season. My biggest signing still stands at 60,000, but my inner midfielders are fast improving; three passable playmakers, whom I bought atprices of less than 10,000, increased to solid, while a solid playmaker whom I got at a bargain price of 30,000, increased to excellent. They are worth a lot now, but I guess I will hold on for a while more before releasing them. End-of-season sales are not high, unlike the start of seasons.
Norwich City 8-0 Battler United
I was crushed, but I improved from my 0-9 hammering near the start of the season.
Now, I shall be mentioning that I have managed to stave off automatic demotion, but is stuck at 6th place, and require a big win in my last match coupled with a big loss for current 5th place WhiteSandsMechs, to have a chance of 5th. 5th has no end-of-season bonus, though.
I have currently amassed 12 points, and has hopes of raising it to 15 provided I defeat current bottom place and newcomers Squeeling Jets, who claimed a win at Posers, but still remained bottom.
To end, I would like to congratulate Red Chaos for currently occupying top spot, but have to avoid a defeat at Norwich City in the top of the table clash to successfully get promoted.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Result of First Clash
As I had mentioned in my previous post, I am hoping that the Super Reds could pull off a great job by holding the seemingly unconvincing Home United to a draw. I was terribly wrong. I take back my criticism of Straits Times and the public. The foreign teams aren't making a big impact anyway.
Another issue. After the 1-5 hammering, I realised that despite being recipients of several proposals for participating in the S-League, there are not really good teams coming along. Sinchi FC came and went. So did Sporting Afrique, who seems a rather good team in attack but lacks the defensive ability to make much of an impact. I hugely suspect that of Liaoning FC and Korean Super Reds, one or both could end up out of the S-League. Why? Despite boasting Chinese and Korean names, in the S-League, they are only sending in a feeder club and the quality of football is not clearly shown. I am hoping the FAS could do their best to accept offers that could boost the quality of football in our native league. Adding to that, we should also have more local teams and expand the league size. Local teams give local players more chance, while expanding the league size again is definitely necessary. However, due to the problem of the number of matches that could be played due to expansion of league size, we should, in fact, have a promotion and relegation system, whereby perhaps 12 teams in the top tier and 12 or 14 in the bottom tier, with one team automatically relegated or promoted, and the second best and second worst of 2nd and 1st tier square off. Winner of this playoff will gain entry to the top tier next season. Isn't this idea more feasible, so that only the best can survive, and the worst could fight as hard as they can for survival and more benefits?
Just look at the season in 2005. Then, there is one team who stands out greatly. No, not Tampines Rovers, who claimed the title a second successive time, but bottom club Paya Lebar Punggol, who, out of 27 matches and a possible 81 points, amassed only a single win and a single draw for 4 points. This is totally unacceptable. They should be relegated, but they merged with Sengkang United and formed Sengkang Punggol, but ended up last again, with 18 points from 30 matches, due to a sudden surge at the end of the season by Geyland United, who won their last two matches to go five points ahead of Sengkang, including a gritty 3-2 victory over already crowned champions SAFFC.
Last point to make before ending. Why is Woodlands Wellington called the Chelsea of Singapore last season and now it is Home United's turn? Why Chelsea? Chelsea spends a lot of money, while we have never ever heard of any transfer fees, because the clubs get players from overaged players from the Young Lions. FAS should implement a system that you should be paying transfer fees for players. Home United did not spend a lot of money, in fact almost minimal, and the comparison should not stand. Therefore, call them something nice, while they could just change their nickname, from the current Protectors, to a more selling name.
Another issue. After the 1-5 hammering, I realised that despite being recipients of several proposals for participating in the S-League, there are not really good teams coming along. Sinchi FC came and went. So did Sporting Afrique, who seems a rather good team in attack but lacks the defensive ability to make much of an impact. I hugely suspect that of Liaoning FC and Korean Super Reds, one or both could end up out of the S-League. Why? Despite boasting Chinese and Korean names, in the S-League, they are only sending in a feeder club and the quality of football is not clearly shown. I am hoping the FAS could do their best to accept offers that could boost the quality of football in our native league. Adding to that, we should also have more local teams and expand the league size. Local teams give local players more chance, while expanding the league size again is definitely necessary. However, due to the problem of the number of matches that could be played due to expansion of league size, we should, in fact, have a promotion and relegation system, whereby perhaps 12 teams in the top tier and 12 or 14 in the bottom tier, with one team automatically relegated or promoted, and the second best and second worst of 2nd and 1st tier square off. Winner of this playoff will gain entry to the top tier next season. Isn't this idea more feasible, so that only the best can survive, and the worst could fight as hard as they can for survival and more benefits?
Just look at the season in 2005. Then, there is one team who stands out greatly. No, not Tampines Rovers, who claimed the title a second successive time, but bottom club Paya Lebar Punggol, who, out of 27 matches and a possible 81 points, amassed only a single win and a single draw for 4 points. This is totally unacceptable. They should be relegated, but they merged with Sengkang United and formed Sengkang Punggol, but ended up last again, with 18 points from 30 matches, due to a sudden surge at the end of the season by Geyland United, who won their last two matches to go five points ahead of Sengkang, including a gritty 3-2 victory over already crowned champions SAFFC.
Last point to make before ending. Why is Woodlands Wellington called the Chelsea of Singapore last season and now it is Home United's turn? Why Chelsea? Chelsea spends a lot of money, while we have never ever heard of any transfer fees, because the clubs get players from overaged players from the Young Lions. FAS should implement a system that you should be paying transfer fees for players. Home United did not spend a lot of money, in fact almost minimal, and the comparison should not stand. Therefore, call them something nice, while they could just change their nickname, from the current Protectors, to a more selling name.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Start of S-League
Today is the day when Home United square off with newcomers Korean Super Reds. Home United had offered free admission into their 4,000 seater in the Bishan Stadium for this opening match of S-League 2007. Does this prove to be the new era for S-League, with more supporters being attracted by SIngapore football?
As S-League embark on their 12th season since its inauguration in 1996, who shall top the league? Who shall make good or bad impressions? Let us have a closer look. But before that, I challenge The Straits Times' prediction for the final rankings in this season. The writer had written that the three foreign teams, Albirex Niigata, Liaoning Guangyuan FC and Korean Super Reds, finish in 8th, 9th and 10th respectively. Is he belittling the ability of the foreign teams. Let me ask a question. What are the foreign teams introduced in the league for? They are supposed to challenge for the title or at least up the standards of soccer here. So, let me ask this writer, you may be predicting according to your real thoughts, and I don't challenge that, but please show some belief in the foreign teams. Korea, Japan and China are not that poor anyway.
The Singaporean public all support the local teams. So, while supporting the locals, please also give the foreign teams their due respect and not belittling them, just like predicting Home United would triumoh by at least 3 clear goals. Thye have only played 1 official match here, and that is a 0-2 defeat tp eventual League Cup champions Woodlands Wellington. We should not jump to sweeping generalities, and should instead hope that this foreign teams produce good stuff on and off the field and raise Singapore's football standard. We don't just want to be Asean champions and cannot qualify for the Asian Cup and Asian Games.
Predictions:
1 ) SAFFC
2 ) Home United
3 ) Woodlands Wellingon
4 ) Tampines Rovers
5 ) Young Lions
6 ) Korean Super Reds
7 ) Albirex Niigata
8 ) Geylang United
9 ) Gombak United
10) Liaoning Guangyuan FC
11) Sengkang Punggol
12) Balestier Khalsa
These are the predictions. I truly hope for the best of Singapore football in many years to be displayed this season.
And, Home United shall be held to a shocking draw 1-1 by Super Reds.
As S-League embark on their 12th season since its inauguration in 1996, who shall top the league? Who shall make good or bad impressions? Let us have a closer look. But before that, I challenge The Straits Times' prediction for the final rankings in this season. The writer had written that the three foreign teams, Albirex Niigata, Liaoning Guangyuan FC and Korean Super Reds, finish in 8th, 9th and 10th respectively. Is he belittling the ability of the foreign teams. Let me ask a question. What are the foreign teams introduced in the league for? They are supposed to challenge for the title or at least up the standards of soccer here. So, let me ask this writer, you may be predicting according to your real thoughts, and I don't challenge that, but please show some belief in the foreign teams. Korea, Japan and China are not that poor anyway.
The Singaporean public all support the local teams. So, while supporting the locals, please also give the foreign teams their due respect and not belittling them, just like predicting Home United would triumoh by at least 3 clear goals. Thye have only played 1 official match here, and that is a 0-2 defeat tp eventual League Cup champions Woodlands Wellington. We should not jump to sweeping generalities, and should instead hope that this foreign teams produce good stuff on and off the field and raise Singapore's football standard. We don't just want to be Asean champions and cannot qualify for the Asian Cup and Asian Games.
Predictions:
1 ) SAFFC
2 ) Home United
3 ) Woodlands Wellingon
4 ) Tampines Rovers
5 ) Young Lions
6 ) Korean Super Reds
7 ) Albirex Niigata
8 ) Geylang United
9 ) Gombak United
10) Liaoning Guangyuan FC
11) Sengkang Punggol
12) Balestier Khalsa
These are the predictions. I truly hope for the best of Singapore football in many years to be displayed this season.
And, Home United shall be held to a shocking draw 1-1 by Super Reds.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Singapore Football
Finally, in less than a week's time, the prime league of Singapore Football, the S-League, returns back to the scene. The interest level is not high, even my interest level is not high. That is due to the amazing level and attraction of the top leagues in the world reaching towards its final stretch. UEFA Champions League, English Premier League, Spanish Primera Liga, Italian Serie A, and more. All these have high level football that let alone the S-League in SIngapore, the UEFA Cup is overshadowed too by this influx of attractive football.
Let's skip that. I have decided to put all my views of football (soccer), I mean in the European or other continents' football all on my other blog. See my other blog under 'View my Complete Profile'. At here, I would be concentrating on Asian football. Especially SIngapore football. I have started working with a scoring system for different S-League clubs, to guage the ability and true skill of S-League clubs. Basically, it works like this:
S-League: Win=5pts, Draw=2pts, Lose=0pt
Singapore Cup: W=7, D=3, L=1
League Cup: W=3 D=1 L=0
AFC Cup: W=11 D=5 L=2
Achievements in the league and cup competitions will also be noted down. For this experiment, I would be giving monthly reviews for the performance of S-League clubs, starting from March. After that, when the number of matches by each club reaches at least 20, I would have the system I am planning to call as 'The Singapore Rankings'. Bonuses are subjective to change. Also, I might be including further bonuses, perhaps for a win by at least 3 or 4 goals, and also for unbeaten or winning streaks.
Enough for now, I shall be ending my post. But before that, I would report on the current top 3 upon the completion of the League Cup.
1) Woodlands Wellington
2) Sengkang Punggol
3) Gombak United
As you may have noticed, these are just the top 3 for the League Cup.
Note: SAFFC, Young Lions, Liaoning FC and Geylang United did not participate in this inaugural competition.
Let's skip that. I have decided to put all my views of football (soccer), I mean in the European or other continents' football all on my other blog. See my other blog under 'View my Complete Profile'. At here, I would be concentrating on Asian football. Especially SIngapore football. I have started working with a scoring system for different S-League clubs, to guage the ability and true skill of S-League clubs. Basically, it works like this:
S-League: Win=5pts, Draw=2pts, Lose=0pt
Singapore Cup: W=7, D=3, L=1
League Cup: W=3 D=1 L=0
AFC Cup: W=11 D=5 L=2
Achievements in the league and cup competitions will also be noted down. For this experiment, I would be giving monthly reviews for the performance of S-League clubs, starting from March. After that, when the number of matches by each club reaches at least 20, I would have the system I am planning to call as 'The Singapore Rankings'. Bonuses are subjective to change. Also, I might be including further bonuses, perhaps for a win by at least 3 or 4 goals, and also for unbeaten or winning streaks.
Enough for now, I shall be ending my post. But before that, I would report on the current top 3 upon the completion of the League Cup.
1) Woodlands Wellington
2) Sengkang Punggol
3) Gombak United
As you may have noticed, these are just the top 3 for the League Cup.
Note: SAFFC, Young Lions, Liaoning FC and Geylang United did not participate in this inaugural competition.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Breakthrough of the season
Following my one-sided affair at Battleville against visitors Posers, ending in a 5-0 romp for my side, I started out on a new journey in this series.
WhiteSandsMechs 2-6 Battler United
Wonderful outcome I must say. I have decided to spring a surprise against my opponents by sing counter-attacks against him, though my midfield is slightly stronger.
My attack was 1 better than his defence, his attack was 1 worse than my defence, and my midfield was 6 better. (Our defence both scored 37 in the ratings).
I had targetted a draw to be a fair result. Instead, I went on to romp to the greatest win of the week in my league series. Red Chaos had ended Bravo Warriors promotion bid with a 5-1 thrashing, while Norwich remained in the hunt with a tremendous comeback from 2 goals down to triumph 5-2. In the battle of the dwellers, Posers continued their misery run with a loss at newbies Squeeling Jets 0-2. Both are confirmed demoted to the bottom tier, with two games remaining, since my team, Battler United, managed to win and bring myself to 12 points, on level with WhiteSandsMechs, only behind on an inferior goal difference.
So, let me round up with some Singapore football. In the recently concluded SingTel League Cup, Woodlands Wellington managed a 4-0 win against last-season's bottom club, with goals from Japanese player Akihiro, foreigner Lucian Dronca, and strikers, Korean Park Tae Won, and last season's top scorer and player of the year, Laakad Abdelhadi.
WhiteSandsMechs 2-6 Battler United
Wonderful outcome I must say. I have decided to spring a surprise against my opponents by sing counter-attacks against him, though my midfield is slightly stronger.
My attack was 1 better than his defence, his attack was 1 worse than my defence, and my midfield was 6 better. (Our defence both scored 37 in the ratings).
I had targetted a draw to be a fair result. Instead, I went on to romp to the greatest win of the week in my league series. Red Chaos had ended Bravo Warriors promotion bid with a 5-1 thrashing, while Norwich remained in the hunt with a tremendous comeback from 2 goals down to triumph 5-2. In the battle of the dwellers, Posers continued their misery run with a loss at newbies Squeeling Jets 0-2. Both are confirmed demoted to the bottom tier, with two games remaining, since my team, Battler United, managed to win and bring myself to 12 points, on level with WhiteSandsMechs, only behind on an inferior goal difference.
So, let me round up with some Singapore football. In the recently concluded SingTel League Cup, Woodlands Wellington managed a 4-0 win against last-season's bottom club, with goals from Japanese player Akihiro, foreigner Lucian Dronca, and strikers, Korean Park Tae Won, and last season's top scorer and player of the year, Laakad Abdelhadi.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Back at posting
Firstly, all in all, I shall wish everyone a happy lunar new year!
Next, I would proceed to the results of my matches in Hattrick.
Darkonian FC 3-5 Battler United
For this return match, I congratulate my opponent to bounce back from a 10-0 thumping to lose by two goals only in this 8-goal thriller. I had underestimated my opponents, but I did not lose anything from it.
Battler united 5-0 Posers
I had finally managed to carve out a win in the league, after a rough patch with matches against the top 4 constantly. Now, it's time for me to get back on track in my pusch for 5th place, and my next league match will be against rivals WhiteSandsMechs. My last match shall be one against Squeeling Jets, the newest team in the league, which have yet to claim a point in this campaign, though they have a chance against Posers.
Team Posei 0-3 Battler United
I had an inferior midfield in this match, albeit by the slightest margin. I put in a largely reserve side and won due to my tactics for the first time, with my ratings proving to be inferior in many areas.
Finally, congratulations to my Hattrick friend, owner of Red Chaos, who managed to climb to the top of the league, following two 1-2 losses by Bravo Warriors to Norwich City and Mantissa FC, and dropped to 3rd, with Norwich occupting second on 28 points, 2 behind leaders Chaos. Meanwhile, I am on 9 points, with 3 games remaining, and a 5 point cushion from automatic relegation.
Lastly, I shall be mentioning about Singapore football. S-league is coming back! With new team Korean Super Reds and Liaoning Guangyuan FC joining the crop, it is amazing to think about a foreign team challenging the likes of SAFFC, Tampines, and Home for the title. I predict SAFFC and Home to be in a tussle with Super Reds for the top 3, with Tampines and Young Lions to battle or 4th and possible 3rd.
Albirex should be tussling for 6th with Liaoning FC and Woodlands Wellington, while Geylang should battle for 9th with Balestier Khalsa. This part is shaky, as Balestier could also end up last, since Gombak United have revived fortunes since last year, and Sengkang Punggol is showing good progres in the inaugural season opener SingTel League Cup, poised to meet either Home or Woodlands in the final.
I would be predicting Asean Football Championships hero Khairul Amri, last year's winner Laakad Abdelhadi, and Peres de Oliviera to lead the lights in terms of scoring. Lionel Lewis could soon be leaving the S-League, since personal sponsor Adidas is finding him a place in the US Soccer League. Do not over-judge on Korean Super Reds' failure in the League Cup; it counts for nothing. Liaoning FC is still anonymous, so their quality is still not to be totally trusted yet.
Next, I would proceed to the results of my matches in Hattrick.
Darkonian FC 3-5 Battler United
For this return match, I congratulate my opponent to bounce back from a 10-0 thumping to lose by two goals only in this 8-goal thriller. I had underestimated my opponents, but I did not lose anything from it.
Battler united 5-0 Posers
I had finally managed to carve out a win in the league, after a rough patch with matches against the top 4 constantly. Now, it's time for me to get back on track in my pusch for 5th place, and my next league match will be against rivals WhiteSandsMechs. My last match shall be one against Squeeling Jets, the newest team in the league, which have yet to claim a point in this campaign, though they have a chance against Posers.
Team Posei 0-3 Battler United
I had an inferior midfield in this match, albeit by the slightest margin. I put in a largely reserve side and won due to my tactics for the first time, with my ratings proving to be inferior in many areas.
Finally, congratulations to my Hattrick friend, owner of Red Chaos, who managed to climb to the top of the league, following two 1-2 losses by Bravo Warriors to Norwich City and Mantissa FC, and dropped to 3rd, with Norwich occupting second on 28 points, 2 behind leaders Chaos. Meanwhile, I am on 9 points, with 3 games remaining, and a 5 point cushion from automatic relegation.
Lastly, I shall be mentioning about Singapore football. S-league is coming back! With new team Korean Super Reds and Liaoning Guangyuan FC joining the crop, it is amazing to think about a foreign team challenging the likes of SAFFC, Tampines, and Home for the title. I predict SAFFC and Home to be in a tussle with Super Reds for the top 3, with Tampines and Young Lions to battle or 4th and possible 3rd.
Albirex should be tussling for 6th with Liaoning FC and Woodlands Wellington, while Geylang should battle for 9th with Balestier Khalsa. This part is shaky, as Balestier could also end up last, since Gombak United have revived fortunes since last year, and Sengkang Punggol is showing good progres in the inaugural season opener SingTel League Cup, poised to meet either Home or Woodlands in the final.
I would be predicting Asean Football Championships hero Khairul Amri, last year's winner Laakad Abdelhadi, and Peres de Oliviera to lead the lights in terms of scoring. Lionel Lewis could soon be leaving the S-League, since personal sponsor Adidas is finding him a place in the US Soccer League. Do not over-judge on Korean Super Reds' failure in the League Cup; it counts for nothing. Liaoning FC is still anonymous, so their quality is still not to be totally trusted yet.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Up and Down
Battler United 10-0 Darkonian FC
I had been recently thinking about the possibility of a double-digited win. Mostly I have seen is good teams beating bot teams 9-0. Now, I have achieved the tremendous job of a double-digited win. My opponent is a bot; you cannot arrange a friendly with a bot anyway.
Two of my players bagged a hat-trick each as I completed the rout. This is not understandable. One time, this team can draw 1-1 against a team. The next, this team routed their opponents 10-0, despite the lack of differences in the gaps of the two teams.
This is certainly the best ever match I have ever had.
Red Chaos 8-1 Battler United
Obviously, this is the down part. I had a defender sent off after just 8 minutes, hence contributing to the cause of this result.
I am really disappointed at this result. It brought me back down to earth. However, it was not unexpected.
Congratulations Singapore on standing their ground againstthe more talented Thais and equalising with a superb goal to lift the title through sheer hard work and moments of magic.
I had been recently thinking about the possibility of a double-digited win. Mostly I have seen is good teams beating bot teams 9-0. Now, I have achieved the tremendous job of a double-digited win. My opponent is a bot; you cannot arrange a friendly with a bot anyway.
Two of my players bagged a hat-trick each as I completed the rout. This is not understandable. One time, this team can draw 1-1 against a team. The next, this team routed their opponents 10-0, despite the lack of differences in the gaps of the two teams.
This is certainly the best ever match I have ever had.
Red Chaos 8-1 Battler United
Obviously, this is the down part. I had a defender sent off after just 8 minutes, hence contributing to the cause of this result.
I am really disappointed at this result. It brought me back down to earth. However, it was not unexpected.
Congratulations Singapore on standing their ground againstthe more talented Thais and equalising with a superb goal to lift the title through sheer hard work and moments of magic.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
League Match 8,9 and Friendly Match
Bravo Warriors 4-0 Battler United
I have to be given credit for being able to keep the scores as low as this, against the league leaders. I used counter-attacks against this strong team and reaped benefits. Not much to comment on since this result was largely predicted and accepted.
Team Posei 1-1 Battler United
Shocking draw due to Random Factor as my midfield rating is much higher. Record in schedule is 3 wins and 2 draws.
Battler United 0-5 Mantissa FC
Mistake in fielding suspended playmaker. Substitute playmaker starts match and when another playmaker is injured (for 3 weeks), substitute defender comes into pitch as a playmaker! It contributes to poor midfield rating and a crushing loss. Mantissa have a shockingly good left attack of brilliant, better than their really good defence!
Note
Squeeling Jets have replaced Bukit Panjang and has used 200,000 for three players! Atrocious use of money. Hope this team does not end in the cauldron of defeat soon...
Singapore, go on and win the Asean Football Championships over Thailand!
I have to be given credit for being able to keep the scores as low as this, against the league leaders. I used counter-attacks against this strong team and reaped benefits. Not much to comment on since this result was largely predicted and accepted.
Team Posei 1-1 Battler United
Shocking draw due to Random Factor as my midfield rating is much higher. Record in schedule is 3 wins and 2 draws.
Battler United 0-5 Mantissa FC
Mistake in fielding suspended playmaker. Substitute playmaker starts match and when another playmaker is injured (for 3 weeks), substitute defender comes into pitch as a playmaker! It contributes to poor midfield rating and a crushing loss. Mantissa have a shockingly good left attack of brilliant, better than their really good defence!
Note
Squeeling Jets have replaced Bukit Panjang and has used 200,000 for three players! Atrocious use of money. Hope this team does not end in the cauldron of defeat soon...
Singapore, go on and win the Asean Football Championships over Thailand!
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Important Friendly Match
Battler United 4-1 Kanu United
This shall be my favourite fixture of the scheduled friendlies. My goals come mainly from my strikers, only one came from a winger.
The minus point is that I have yet another injury blow to my 21-man squad. One of my main strikers suffered an injury and would be out for three weeks. Therefore, I am left with only 2 fit strikers. Now, I have 3 first-team players injured, 1 an inner-midfielder, 2 strikers and another inner-midfielder out.
The next round of matches would be dreaded, as I would again be facing Bravo Warriors, this time with no profits, since it is an away match.
Once again, I would like to say I am very glad at this win. It is the most significant win, though I would be glad at a draw too. Not that my opponent is very strong. I would say that TEAM KHC and tbph united are the strongest of the lot, though I did flop to a 3-3 draw at hosei liao la.
This shall be my favourite fixture of the scheduled friendlies. My goals come mainly from my strikers, only one came from a winger.
The minus point is that I have yet another injury blow to my 21-man squad. One of my main strikers suffered an injury and would be out for three weeks. Therefore, I am left with only 2 fit strikers. Now, I have 3 first-team players injured, 1 an inner-midfielder, 2 strikers and another inner-midfielder out.
The next round of matches would be dreaded, as I would again be facing Bravo Warriors, this time with no profits, since it is an away match.
Once again, I would like to say I am very glad at this win. It is the most significant win, though I would be glad at a draw too. Not that my opponent is very strong. I would say that TEAM KHC and tbph united are the strongest of the lot, though I did flop to a 3-3 draw at hosei liao la.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Friendly Match + League Match 7
Battler United 3-3 Hosei Liao La
My opponent is a Malaysian team, and therefore it feels a bit special. However, I failed to win after deciding on a 4-4-2 formation instead of my preferred 3-5-2 formation. Shockingly, despite playing 4 midfielders compared to my opponents' 5, my midfield rating was actually a slight notch better! It just goes to prove that my inner-midfielders are fast-improving.
This is my first draw in Hattrick So, it is significant.
Battler United 2-8 Bravo Warriors
Now, I am wondering, I must have did pretty well. My last meeting against Bravo, the current league leaders, ended in a drab 0-7 defeat. Considering my improvement in terms of losing margin, it must be a good sign.
The extremely bad sign is that my most important playmaker, had suffered a horrendous injury and would be back only after a long 6 weeks. This spells trouble for me in my survival bid, as this player would only be back for the last league match of the campaign, which would be against Bukit Panjang's replacement. It should be a good 3 points from that match.
Currently, I sit on 6th spot, with 6 points, 3 behind fifth-placed WhiteSandsMechs and 2 points ahead of the relegation zone.
My opponent is a Malaysian team, and therefore it feels a bit special. However, I failed to win after deciding on a 4-4-2 formation instead of my preferred 3-5-2 formation. Shockingly, despite playing 4 midfielders compared to my opponents' 5, my midfield rating was actually a slight notch better! It just goes to prove that my inner-midfielders are fast-improving.
This is my first draw in Hattrick So, it is significant.
Battler United 2-8 Bravo Warriors
Now, I am wondering, I must have did pretty well. My last meeting against Bravo, the current league leaders, ended in a drab 0-7 defeat. Considering my improvement in terms of losing margin, it must be a good sign.
The extremely bad sign is that my most important playmaker, had suffered a horrendous injury and would be back only after a long 6 weeks. This spells trouble for me in my survival bid, as this player would only be back for the last league match of the campaign, which would be against Bukit Panjang's replacement. It should be a good 3 points from that match.
Currently, I sit on 6th spot, with 6 points, 3 behind fifth-placed WhiteSandsMechs and 2 points ahead of the relegation zone.
Monday, January 15, 2007
AFF Cup
Indonesia 3-1 Laos
Singapore 0-0 Vietnam
Thailand 4-0 Phillipines
Malaysia 0-0 Myanmar
Indonesia did well enough to carve a win against the improved Laotian team who just lacks stamina. Laos led 1-0 in the first half before crumbling in the second. Meanwhile, co-hosts and defending champions Singapore were held to a draw against the fast-improving Vietnamese side. In fact, Vietnam could have claimed the win had not it been a disallowed goal for Vietnam. Singapore had dominated the proceedings in the first half and Noh Alam Shah should have put Singapore in the lead had he decided to pass the ball to the lurking Khairul Amri. Despite the scoreline, Singapore can still qualify shall they be able to inflict more damage on the Laotian team.
Thailand did well to register a big win against Phillipines, condemning their opponents' hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages. Meanwhile, Myanmar produced another shock by holding the more-fancied Malaysia to a draw. Group A could end spectacularly, if Myanmar defeat Phillipines in their last natch and end with 5 points, Malaysia would be in danger shall they draw and Myanmar win by a big margin. Nevertheless, all 3 teams would be gunning for qualification while Phillipines would want some consolation.
Predictions:
Indonesia 2-1 Vietnam
Singapore 3-0 Laos
Myanmar 3-1 Phillipines
Thailand 2-0 Malaysia
Vietnam 3-1 Laos
Singapore 2-1 Indonesia
Singapore 0-0 Vietnam
Thailand 4-0 Phillipines
Malaysia 0-0 Myanmar
Indonesia did well enough to carve a win against the improved Laotian team who just lacks stamina. Laos led 1-0 in the first half before crumbling in the second. Meanwhile, co-hosts and defending champions Singapore were held to a draw against the fast-improving Vietnamese side. In fact, Vietnam could have claimed the win had not it been a disallowed goal for Vietnam. Singapore had dominated the proceedings in the first half and Noh Alam Shah should have put Singapore in the lead had he decided to pass the ball to the lurking Khairul Amri. Despite the scoreline, Singapore can still qualify shall they be able to inflict more damage on the Laotian team.
Thailand did well to register a big win against Phillipines, condemning their opponents' hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages. Meanwhile, Myanmar produced another shock by holding the more-fancied Malaysia to a draw. Group A could end spectacularly, if Myanmar defeat Phillipines in their last natch and end with 5 points, Malaysia would be in danger shall they draw and Myanmar win by a big margin. Nevertheless, all 3 teams would be gunning for qualification while Phillipines would want some consolation.
Predictions:
Indonesia 2-1 Vietnam
Singapore 3-0 Laos
Myanmar 3-1 Phillipines
Thailand 2-0 Malaysia
Vietnam 3-1 Laos
Singapore 2-1 Indonesia
League Match 6
Mantissa FC 4-0 Battler united
I made a grave mistake at this match. I decided not to use Counter-attacks as my tactic despite my inferior midfield quality, and paid the price. Mantissa FC put really strong defenders on the field and I was amazed by the brilliant and excellent defence they had. My defence was poor, ably defeated by their weak attack.
I deserved to lose this match. Despite this setback, I'm pretty sure of a qualifier and very possiby survival--guaranteed of 6th place, since Posers are not making much of an impact at the moment despite already having 4 points. I am on 6 points and with all task to do.
I prefer not to talk much about this mtch, except that my star striker had been down with an injury and would be back only in 2 weeks time. Therefore, I have a need to buy an emergency striker. Yet, it should be useful for me for at least a season.
With mid-season nearing, my prospects are good enough to survive yet insufficient to challenge. I have to engage higher qualified players to enhance my challenge in this league which I believe I would stay for at least 3 seasons yet.
I made a grave mistake at this match. I decided not to use Counter-attacks as my tactic despite my inferior midfield quality, and paid the price. Mantissa FC put really strong defenders on the field and I was amazed by the brilliant and excellent defence they had. My defence was poor, ably defeated by their weak attack.
I deserved to lose this match. Despite this setback, I'm pretty sure of a qualifier and very possiby survival--guaranteed of 6th place, since Posers are not making much of an impact at the moment despite already having 4 points. I am on 6 points and with all task to do.
I prefer not to talk much about this mtch, except that my star striker had been down with an injury and would be back only in 2 weeks time. Therefore, I have a need to buy an emergency striker. Yet, it should be useful for me for at least a season.
With mid-season nearing, my prospects are good enough to survive yet insufficient to challenge. I have to engage higher qualified players to enhance my challenge in this league which I believe I would stay for at least 3 seasons yet.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
AFF Cup commences
Malaysia did an okay job to despatch any Phillipine hopes with an emphatic 4-0 win. The Phillipines were still hopong to get 6 points out of this group. There might be a chance should there be five teams in each group. They are too optimistic. It is rather difficult for them to get any points in this group having seen this result of the match.
Resolute Myanmar held mighty Thailand to a 1-1 draw as Thailand's hopes of getting maximum points were broken immediately. It could have been worse, had it not been an equaliser in added time against the substitute keeper. Thailand dominated the procceedings, but were unable to capitalise. Myanmar deserved their point and it would be a close fight for the nonours in this group.
Personally, I think that Thailand had the best team in South-East Asia. However, Singapore had shown they can pose great fights. Thailand and Singapore are the only teams to win this tournament. SIngapore also play an attractive brand of football. These two teams are rather similar in terms of their style of play.
I still think they will meet in the finals. Shall that come true, it would be the first time they met in the knockout stages.
I think that Singapore would defeat Vietnam today. Indonesia should win, but by a small margin.
Predictions:
SIngapore 3-1 Vietnam
Indonesia 2-0 Laos
Resolute Myanmar held mighty Thailand to a 1-1 draw as Thailand's hopes of getting maximum points were broken immediately. It could have been worse, had it not been an equaliser in added time against the substitute keeper. Thailand dominated the procceedings, but were unable to capitalise. Myanmar deserved their point and it would be a close fight for the nonours in this group.
Personally, I think that Thailand had the best team in South-East Asia. However, Singapore had shown they can pose great fights. Thailand and Singapore are the only teams to win this tournament. SIngapore also play an attractive brand of football. These two teams are rather similar in terms of their style of play.
I still think they will meet in the finals. Shall that come true, it would be the first time they met in the knockout stages.
I think that Singapore would defeat Vietnam today. Indonesia should win, but by a small margin.
Predictions:
SIngapore 3-1 Vietnam
Indonesia 2-0 Laos
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Friendly
Woxingwosu FC 0-3 Battler United
I continued my fine run in the schedule of friendlies with a second consecutive 3-goal win. As hoped and targetted, I won by this margin. One of my strikers ended his goal drought, though it does not matter. I would not mention much about the match since it bears no much significance. However, I would like to mention that both teams adopted the same tactic---attacking on the wings. My midfield was only just better than my opponent's. My opponent's defence was consistent at inadequate. However, their attack was sufferable, at best wretched (very low).
Coincidentally, this is good practise for me ahead of my league match against Mantissa FC. However, I would certainly find it hard to break the defence of Mantissa, at best at outstanding. Their midfield is superior to mine, but their attack is at best only poor.
I hope I have a chance to add to my points tally in this round's match, a match of high importance shall I meet my target of 5th place in the league.
I continued my fine run in the schedule of friendlies with a second consecutive 3-goal win. As hoped and targetted, I won by this margin. One of my strikers ended his goal drought, though it does not matter. I would not mention much about the match since it bears no much significance. However, I would like to mention that both teams adopted the same tactic---attacking on the wings. My midfield was only just better than my opponent's. My opponent's defence was consistent at inadequate. However, their attack was sufferable, at best wretched (very low).
Coincidentally, this is good practise for me ahead of my league match against Mantissa FC. However, I would certainly find it hard to break the defence of Mantissa, at best at outstanding. Their midfield is superior to mine, but their attack is at best only poor.
I hope I have a chance to add to my points tally in this round's match, a match of high importance shall I meet my target of 5th place in the league.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
League Match 5
Battler united 0-5 Red Chaos
Firstly, I would like to mention that my predictions were mostly rather accurate. I had a 5-goal loss to Chaos, as predicted. Bravo were held to a draw to Norwich, WhiteSands defeated Posers and Mantissa had a walkover.
I would not talk much about the outcomes of this round's matches. I would just mention that my position in IV.4 dropped to fifth, as WhiteSands moved ahead of my team to 9 points. Mantissa moved to sixth as Posers dropped to seventh after their five-goal collapse at WhiteSands. Chaos saw themselves moving up to second, courtesy of the 1-1 draw between Norwich and unbeaten Bavo. Bravo currently are on 13 points, a single point ahead of Norwich.
Predictions:
Bravo 5-0 walkover Panjang
Mantissa FC 2-2 Battler United
Norwich City 9-0 Posers
Red Chaos 4-0 WhiteSandsMechs
My friendly match would be against Woxingwosu FC, with me expecting a solid victory, perhaps by a 2 or 3 goal margin.
Firstly, I would like to mention that my predictions were mostly rather accurate. I had a 5-goal loss to Chaos, as predicted. Bravo were held to a draw to Norwich, WhiteSands defeated Posers and Mantissa had a walkover.
I would not talk much about the outcomes of this round's matches. I would just mention that my position in IV.4 dropped to fifth, as WhiteSands moved ahead of my team to 9 points. Mantissa moved to sixth as Posers dropped to seventh after their five-goal collapse at WhiteSands. Chaos saw themselves moving up to second, courtesy of the 1-1 draw between Norwich and unbeaten Bavo. Bravo currently are on 13 points, a single point ahead of Norwich.
Predictions:
Bravo 5-0 walkover Panjang
Mantissa FC 2-2 Battler United
Norwich City 9-0 Posers
Red Chaos 4-0 WhiteSandsMechs
My friendly match would be against Woxingwosu FC, with me expecting a solid victory, perhaps by a 2 or 3 goal margin.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Singapore Soccer 2006
Singapore football in 2006 is rather dismaying. According to statistics, Singapore had only a win and 5 draws with 8 losses. Ironically, the single win was against powerhouses Iraq---a shocking 2-0 win. Yet Singapore can only manage 2 penalty-shootout wins against Malaysia. They failed to even beat Palestine.
Despite this terrible record, Singapore had a good year whatsoever in football. They manage to push Iraq and China, 2 strong teams in Asia. Credit is due to keeper Lionel Lewis, who managed a 10-man shortlist for the AFC player of the year award. He was the only Singaporean and the only goalkeeper to make that list.
We would have to give most credit to Referee Shamsul Maidin, who did us Singapore so proud by officiating 3 matches as the main referee at the 2006 World Cup. He did not make the quater-final stage though, due to a lack of experience. Still, popular soccer website Soccernet rated him as the best referee. Hope he would officiate at higher levels!
In the S-league, 2-time defending champions Tampines Rovers suffered from a hectic schedule and eventually finished a credible second. The champions are SAFFC. They had a passable streak under their first manager, but when long-time assistant manager stood up to be the manager, he proved a revelation by leading SAF to an amazing unbeaten streak to lead them to the title by more than 10 points. Young Lions, who were the forerunners, seemed certain to win the league after maintaining unbeaten to lead by many points. However, their inexperienced side had a mid-season collapse and it became clear who would win the title eventually. Young Lions finished 3rd. Home United finished fourth and Woodlands 5th. Foreign sides Albirex Niigata and Sporting Afrique finished 6th and 10th respectively in the 11-team league.
In 2007, the S-league will expand to 12 sides, with Liaoning FC of China and Korean Super Reds joining the league. Sporting Afrique pulled out of the league due to financial constraints. I hope for more competition from the foreign sides. The best position achieved by a foreign side was 5th, twice by Albirex Niigata.
As the AFF Cup draws nearer, Their strikeforce is out of form. However, in a recent friendly against Phillipines, Singapore managed a 4-1 victory, with Indra Sahdan, the main striker, netting a brace after returning from injury just last month. Khairul Amri, a forward/winger, netted another goal while free-kick specialist Daniel Bennett, who netted some important goals from set-pieces at the Tiger Cup last time out, scored another from a free kick. This was certainly welcome news for Singapore, though the strikeforce still have much room for improvement against stronger sides like Vietnam and Indonesia in their group matches.
Despite this terrible record, Singapore had a good year whatsoever in football. They manage to push Iraq and China, 2 strong teams in Asia. Credit is due to keeper Lionel Lewis, who managed a 10-man shortlist for the AFC player of the year award. He was the only Singaporean and the only goalkeeper to make that list.
We would have to give most credit to Referee Shamsul Maidin, who did us Singapore so proud by officiating 3 matches as the main referee at the 2006 World Cup. He did not make the quater-final stage though, due to a lack of experience. Still, popular soccer website Soccernet rated him as the best referee. Hope he would officiate at higher levels!
In the S-league, 2-time defending champions Tampines Rovers suffered from a hectic schedule and eventually finished a credible second. The champions are SAFFC. They had a passable streak under their first manager, but when long-time assistant manager stood up to be the manager, he proved a revelation by leading SAF to an amazing unbeaten streak to lead them to the title by more than 10 points. Young Lions, who were the forerunners, seemed certain to win the league after maintaining unbeaten to lead by many points. However, their inexperienced side had a mid-season collapse and it became clear who would win the title eventually. Young Lions finished 3rd. Home United finished fourth and Woodlands 5th. Foreign sides Albirex Niigata and Sporting Afrique finished 6th and 10th respectively in the 11-team league.
In 2007, the S-league will expand to 12 sides, with Liaoning FC of China and Korean Super Reds joining the league. Sporting Afrique pulled out of the league due to financial constraints. I hope for more competition from the foreign sides. The best position achieved by a foreign side was 5th, twice by Albirex Niigata.
As the AFF Cup draws nearer, Their strikeforce is out of form. However, in a recent friendly against Phillipines, Singapore managed a 4-1 victory, with Indra Sahdan, the main striker, netting a brace after returning from injury just last month. Khairul Amri, a forward/winger, netted another goal while free-kick specialist Daniel Bennett, who netted some important goals from set-pieces at the Tiger Cup last time out, scored another from a free kick. This was certainly welcome news for Singapore, though the strikeforce still have much room for improvement against stronger sides like Vietnam and Indonesia in their group matches.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Casual Post
Since for the moment I had nothing to talk about, I would be talking about random stuff, though related to soccer and Hattrick.
Hattrick:
I am playing friendly matches with a few other teams. There are eight teams in this assigned league. I missed my first match, then started on my second match, which is my 4-1 win over TEAM KHC. I know some of the owners of these teams, I think I know four of seven other teams. This is one of them. My next scheduled friendly match would be against Woxingwosu FC, another one I know.
Some of the targets I had lay out for Season 18:
5th in IV.4
Finish as top 2 in this friendly league
AFF Cup:
In Hattrick, I opened a conference about AFF Cup, and to my pleasance, within a day, there were already 5 additional posts! A great achievement for me in my first time opening and setting up a conference. However, I had high hopes of some response, as there must be people concerned of Singapore football, and no similar conference had been set up.
Targets:
Singapore to reach finals at least.
Singapore to defeat Malaysia in a possible semi-final clash.
Hattrick:
I am playing friendly matches with a few other teams. There are eight teams in this assigned league. I missed my first match, then started on my second match, which is my 4-1 win over TEAM KHC. I know some of the owners of these teams, I think I know four of seven other teams. This is one of them. My next scheduled friendly match would be against Woxingwosu FC, another one I know.
Some of the targets I had lay out for Season 18:
5th in IV.4
Finish as top 2 in this friendly league
AFF Cup:
In Hattrick, I opened a conference about AFF Cup, and to my pleasance, within a day, there were already 5 additional posts! A great achievement for me in my first time opening and setting up a conference. However, I had high hopes of some response, as there must be people concerned of Singapore football, and no similar conference had been set up.
Targets:
Singapore to reach finals at least.
Singapore to defeat Malaysia in a possible semi-final clash.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
AFF Cup qualifiers
Upon doing some research on the AFF Cup on Google, I finally found out more on this competition. In this post, I would mention briefly about the qualifiers.
The standings of the qualifiers:
Laos 10 pts
Phillipines 9 pts
Cambodia 5 pts
Brunei 4 pts
Timor Leste 0 pt
The top 2 teams qualify for the main competition.
As can be seen, there are 11 South-East Asian countries. All wanted to take part in the competition. As the competition would be made very hectic and gruelling, the organisers decided on a qualifying tournament, so as to prevent players from over-exhausting and attract more interest as the tournament would be a competition of the elite.
However, this act would cause weaker teams like Brunei and Timor Leste never to have a chance to qualify for the tournament. Therefore, no competition means no improvement. These would result in these countries, with small populations, to lose hope as their national team is unable to take part in any tournament.
Meanwhile, Cambodia, who had been participating regularly, had been kicked out before the main tournament begin on 12 Jan. Is there hope for the poor country? Laos and Phillipines progressed to the main draw deservedly.
As the qualifying tournament had ended in November last year, the main draw had already been given. Therefore, they would join the 6 teams who automatically qualified. They are: Holders Singapore, Runner-up Indonesia, semi-finalists Malaysia and Myanmar, traditional kings of South-East Asia Thailand and Vietnam. With these teams, they form 2 groups, Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar and Phillipines in Group A, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam and Laos in Group B.
Both groups would be very competitive, as Myanmar and Malaysia battle for a place alongside favourites Thailand. Holders Singapore and runners-up Indonesia would receive stiff competition from an improved Vietnam.
At the recent king's Cup which Thailand, the hosts, lifted, Vietnam defeated Singapore 3-2 in a match. This suggests that Vietnam would fire from all cylinders to try and regain the glory and repay their fans' support for their national soccer side.
As the competition inches nearer, I would make a pre-tournament prediction that Thailand and Malaysia would progress from Group A and Singapore and Vietnam progress from Group B.
Happy catching the AFF Cup starting from 12 Jan this year!
The standings of the qualifiers:
Laos 10 pts
Phillipines 9 pts
Cambodia 5 pts
Brunei 4 pts
Timor Leste 0 pt
The top 2 teams qualify for the main competition.
As can be seen, there are 11 South-East Asian countries. All wanted to take part in the competition. As the competition would be made very hectic and gruelling, the organisers decided on a qualifying tournament, so as to prevent players from over-exhausting and attract more interest as the tournament would be a competition of the elite.
However, this act would cause weaker teams like Brunei and Timor Leste never to have a chance to qualify for the tournament. Therefore, no competition means no improvement. These would result in these countries, with small populations, to lose hope as their national team is unable to take part in any tournament.
Meanwhile, Cambodia, who had been participating regularly, had been kicked out before the main tournament begin on 12 Jan. Is there hope for the poor country? Laos and Phillipines progressed to the main draw deservedly.
As the qualifying tournament had ended in November last year, the main draw had already been given. Therefore, they would join the 6 teams who automatically qualified. They are: Holders Singapore, Runner-up Indonesia, semi-finalists Malaysia and Myanmar, traditional kings of South-East Asia Thailand and Vietnam. With these teams, they form 2 groups, Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar and Phillipines in Group A, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam and Laos in Group B.
Both groups would be very competitive, as Myanmar and Malaysia battle for a place alongside favourites Thailand. Holders Singapore and runners-up Indonesia would receive stiff competition from an improved Vietnam.
At the recent king's Cup which Thailand, the hosts, lifted, Vietnam defeated Singapore 3-2 in a match. This suggests that Vietnam would fire from all cylinders to try and regain the glory and repay their fans' support for their national soccer side.
As the competition inches nearer, I would make a pre-tournament prediction that Thailand and Malaysia would progress from Group A and Singapore and Vietnam progress from Group B.
Happy catching the AFF Cup starting from 12 Jan this year!
Friendly Match
Battler United 4-1 TEAM KHC
Another handsome victory in a game which saw only 373 spectators. My opponent is not a weak one, in fact I would have rated it 70% as good as the team who knocked me out of the Singapore Cup with an edgy win, Seventh Mavericks. I did not put some of my main players for the atch and was expecting a close encounter. However, I did expect to carve a result. My midfield is significantly better than his. Mine was at poor (low), one of my higher ratings, while his was at disastrous (high). My four goals again come from 4 different players. I dominated the match with 80% of ball possession due to my largely superior midfield. My opponent had only three midfielders while I had a typical 5. His defence is stronger than my attack while my defence is on par with his attack. Hence, the deciding factor is the midfield.
I'm largely boosted by the win. However, my confidence will not be replaced by optimism of a result against Chaos. I would be glad to avoid a heavy defeat. Not anything like 9-0 or 7-0.
Predictions:
Battler United 1-6 Red Chaos
WhiteSandsMechs 3-1 Posers
Bravo Warriors 2-2 Norwich City
Bukit Panjang XI 0-5 walkover Mantissa FC
I'm expecting this to be an interesting week, with title contenders Norwich lining against in-form Bravo. Shall it end in a draw or a defeat for Bravo, Chaos could be the biggest winners. WhiteSands would ascertain their position in the league shall they defeat Posers and condemn them to demotion.
On my coming posts, I would be including comments and predictions on the matches of the upcoming AFF Cup, previously known as Tiger Cup, for South-East Asian nations.
Another handsome victory in a game which saw only 373 spectators. My opponent is not a weak one, in fact I would have rated it 70% as good as the team who knocked me out of the Singapore Cup with an edgy win, Seventh Mavericks. I did not put some of my main players for the atch and was expecting a close encounter. However, I did expect to carve a result. My midfield is significantly better than his. Mine was at poor (low), one of my higher ratings, while his was at disastrous (high). My four goals again come from 4 different players. I dominated the match with 80% of ball possession due to my largely superior midfield. My opponent had only three midfielders while I had a typical 5. His defence is stronger than my attack while my defence is on par with his attack. Hence, the deciding factor is the midfield.
I'm largely boosted by the win. However, my confidence will not be replaced by optimism of a result against Chaos. I would be glad to avoid a heavy defeat. Not anything like 9-0 or 7-0.
Predictions:
Battler United 1-6 Red Chaos
WhiteSandsMechs 3-1 Posers
Bravo Warriors 2-2 Norwich City
Bukit Panjang XI 0-5 walkover Mantissa FC
I'm expecting this to be an interesting week, with title contenders Norwich lining against in-form Bravo. Shall it end in a draw or a defeat for Bravo, Chaos could be the biggest winners. WhiteSands would ascertain their position in the league shall they defeat Posers and condemn them to demotion.
On my coming posts, I would be including comments and predictions on the matches of the upcoming AFF Cup, previously known as Tiger Cup, for South-East Asian nations.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)