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.
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