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.
Monday, March 26, 2007
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.
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