Monday, December 22, 2008

A Failure, But We Can Bounce Back

Singapore dominated proceedings almost the entire match against Vietnam. But an error cost us dear.

But wait.

This is one of the greatest performances I have seen from the national team since Raddy took charge years ago.

Our finishing touch needs to be improved. This is a problem that is slowly finding its solution, but not just yet.

In this 0-1 reverse, a few players shone out.

1) Sharil Ishak
He made most of his return, and was fascinating in the first half, with smart and unexpected moves, good coordination with Agu Casmir, and his work should have been rewarded with more than a goal. Staked a strong claim to return to the starting lineup.

2) Noh Alam Shah
Although he did not score, missing more than a good opportunity, his commitment was there for all of us to see. He went in too aggressively at the start, but it underlined his desire, which showed even before the match, when he posted on Facebook he wanted to thrash Vietnam. Perhaps luck wasn't shining on him.

3) Ismail Yunos
Despite it being his error that cost the Singapore Lions, I was surprised we actually had our own Rory Delap. His long throws were surprising for me, and two of those throws nearly resulted in goals. If Duric, being such a tall presence in the box, was available, he would be able to direct them into the net.


I look forward to them facing stiffer opposition next month, as the Asian Cup qualifying campaign starts. Tough opponents in Iran and Jordan.

But Singapore football is worth believing in now. The quality is improving. The football is more pleasant to see now. With consolidation, we can compete with the big guns of Asia soon. This team would have matched Uzbekistan.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Woah

Woah. The Singapore football team is really much better than years ago.

Against Cambodia, despite the opponents' bus strategy, Singapore struggled to get goals in the first half. It took till a first half injury time goal that was one of the most unglamorous ones I have seen. Like kampong football. Duric didn't score, when he should have scored at least 2. One unlucky, one miss. They won 5-0 nonetheless.

Then against Myanmar, I start to see the organization within the team, with good cohesiveness, and they won 3-1.

Against Indonesia, the same things, Indonesia is stronger than the previous teams, but they are really dangerous when they Attack On Wings, and I believe the right backs did well. Here are some opinions and impressions of players:

Agu: He positions himself pretty well, and he actually does have speed! But a little sluggish acceleration, he compensates with quick static movements then the speed takes him through. Could again be his tournament.

Alam Shah & Duric: Good aerial ability in both. Duric is really ageing, so Alam Shah is more useful as a tool for dribbling. Duric holds the ball well, but his age shows in him often being a box striker.

Precious & Baihakki: The central defensive pair for all 3 matches. Pretty consistent. Though susceptible to pacy and quick-footed opponents, Baihakki compensates with good tackling, and Precious good physical opposition.

Noh Rahman & Daniel Bennett: I thought Noh Rahman was, unlike what the commentators said, pretty inadequate in defending. Especially against Myanmar. But he showed his capabilities against Indonesia, when needed most. Bennett has good tackling, and attentive of the game.

Shi Jiayi & Mustafic: The North Korean (Oops, Chinese) born Shi, in my opinion, cannot hold the ball well, but he stays in the team because he has good speed and very good free kicking skills. Mustafic is of course a very good holding midfielder, and I have only appreciation for his good shielding of the central defence and powerful penalty kick.

Lionel Lewis: Lionel has not been at his best. He is punching a lot more balls instead of catching. And that is risky because while a good punch allows a quick counter attack, a mistimed punch would result in a precarious position. A pity Raddy didn't put Hassan Sunny on, so that I can compare.

Friday, December 05, 2008

Woah

How long was that!?

Okay.

Singapore is starting the defence of their Asean Football Championship crown today against Cambodia. Then comes Myanmar on Sunday, and Indonesia on Tuesday to round up the group stage of this biennial (NOT BIANNUAL) competition.

A few things about this competition:

This is a competition full of change.
2004: Tiger Cup
2007: ASEAN Football Championship
2008: AFF Suzuki Cup

Must be swept up in the change cycle.


Another thing:

There is a qualifying phase, if you don't know (most probably). Since the only change from this year's edition to the previous one is Philippines (single L double P) being replaced by Cambodia. The inexperienced (maybe naive) Laos outfit comes back again.

But you may not know, there are basically 6 seeded teams, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Myanmar (not necessarily by order of merit). And 2 slots to fight for 5 teams.

Quite an acceptable situation, if you are qualifying for the World Cup. Or the Asian Cup. Not this. This, I feel dissuades football in these weaker nations. If Laos maintain their level of football, or improve (most probably since last time round they had a really young team), then there is little chance for the remaining 4, who fight out for the last slot.

Cambodia, Philippines are clearly better than Brunei and Timor Leste. How then?? These 2 nations shall never come back from the ashes??

I remember the surprise element in 2004 when we could see Timor playing. Thye played positive football, not the "Wall strategy" or "Bus effect", where you play ultra defensively for a draw. But that may not work, since you have seen the Wall Street crash despite John McCain referring to it as having 'strong foundation'.

So, well good luck to Singapore, and Raddy's Lions will achieve a cool feat.