The year is ending, and here are some of the things I want to say.
Firstly, Singapore ended the SEA Games in 6th position, and nearly 7th, because hosts Laos had 33 golds like us. 33-30-35 is the exact figures. And 3rd place for Singapore football team.
Now the main thing. Soccerproject Season 32 has ended. Walcott United finished, as intended, 3rd, with 74 points, 10 short of 2nd place, 8 clear of 4th. 24W, 2D, 4L. 90 goals scored, only 5th highest in the league, and 28 goals conceded. GD of +62, 3rd best in the league.
And this season saw the most exciting run in the Soccerproject Cup in the history of the club, proceeding into the 6th round where the team eventually lost to an F division club which finished the season as their league's champions. Not bad for a G division team, eh?
Top club scorer is veteran RF Robby Doll with 21 league goals.
The targets for next season will be promotion to F division, having been through a strengthening season. There are still issues to be settled, like CB and CM especially. And an ageing first team.
Happy New Year to all!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Scintillating start
Adding to that sole gold medal won by the water polo team, Singapore has delivered a stunning 10 gold medal haul in the first official day of competition!
2 from the table-tennis teams, despite facing some challenges from the Vietnamese men's team in the semi-finals (ended 3-2 in Singapore's favour) and Thai's women's team (forcing close scores in every set; they won zero sets though).
3 more from the shooting team, and 5 from swimming! It was close but just enough for the 4*200m freestyle team relay, Marcus Cheah eventually edging a charging Miguel Molina of Philippines in the final stages.
With 11 golds, we are currently sitting ttop.
2 from the table-tennis teams, despite facing some challenges from the Vietnamese men's team in the semi-finals (ended 3-2 in Singapore's favour) and Thai's women's team (forcing close scores in every set; they won zero sets though).
3 more from the shooting team, and 5 from swimming! It was close but just enough for the 4*200m freestyle team relay, Marcus Cheah eventually edging a charging Miguel Molina of Philippines in the final stages.
With 11 golds, we are currently sitting ttop.
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Gameweek 3
Fixtures:
8 Dec Juventus v Bayern Munich
8 Dec Wolfsburg v Man Utd
9 Dec Liverpool v Fiorentina
9 Dec Inter v Rubin Kazan
13 Dec Atletico v Villarreal
13 Dec Chievo v Fiorentina
13 Dec Sampdoria v AS Roma
11 Dec Hertha Berlin v B Leverkusen
13 Dec Wolfsburg v B Dortmund
13 Dec Lyon v Bordeaux
EWal:
9 Dec Liverpool 1-0 Fiorentina -0.25
9 Dec Inter 1-1 Rubin Kazan -0.25
13 Dec Sampdoria 1-2 AS Roma (Scorer: Mirko Vucinic) -0.25
13 Dec Lyon 1-2 Bordeaux (Scorer: Fernando Cavenaghi) +1.5
Total: +0.75
Szeyuan:
8 Dec Juventus 2-2 Bayern Munich (Scorer: Lukas Podolski) -0.25
9 Dec Liverpool 1-0 Fiorentina (Scorer: David Ngog) -0.25
9 Dec Inter 2-0 Rubin Kazan +2.0
13 Dec Sampdoria 1-2 AS Roma -0.25
Total: +1.25
8 Dec Juventus v Bayern Munich
8 Dec Wolfsburg v Man Utd
9 Dec Liverpool v Fiorentina
9 Dec Inter v Rubin Kazan
13 Dec Atletico v Villarreal
13 Dec Chievo v Fiorentina
13 Dec Sampdoria v AS Roma
11 Dec Hertha Berlin v B Leverkusen
13 Dec Wolfsburg v B Dortmund
13 Dec Lyon v Bordeaux
EWal:
9 Dec Liverpool 1-0 Fiorentina -0.25
9 Dec Inter 1-1 Rubin Kazan -0.25
13 Dec Sampdoria 1-2 AS Roma (Scorer: Mirko Vucinic) -0.25
13 Dec Lyon 1-2 Bordeaux (Scorer: Fernando Cavenaghi) +1.5
Total: +0.75
Szeyuan:
8 Dec Juventus 2-2 Bayern Munich (Scorer: Lukas Podolski) -0.25
9 Dec Liverpool 1-0 Fiorentina (Scorer: David Ngog) -0.25
9 Dec Inter 2-0 Rubin Kazan +2.0
13 Dec Sampdoria 1-2 AS Roma -0.25
Total: +1.25
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Gameweek 2
Zebra:
Sporting Lisbon 1-3 Heerenveen -0.25
AS Roma 1-0 Basel +1.5
PSV Eindhoven 1-2 Sparta Prague -0.25
Shahktar Donetsk 0-0 Club Brugge +2.0
Total: 3.0pts
Shiping:
Valencia 3-1 Lille (Scorer: David Villa) +2.0
AS Roma 2-1 Basel (Scorer: John Arne Riise) +2.0
Sporting 2-0 Heerenveen -0.25
Slavia Prague 1-0 Genoa -0.25
Total: 3.5pts
Sze Yuan:
Portsmouth 0-2 Aston Villa +1.5
Valencia 1-1 Lille -0.25
Anderlecht 0-0 Dinamo Zagreb -0.25
AEK Athens 0-3 Everton (Scorer: Mikel Arteta) +1.0
Total: 2.0pts
EWal:
Anderlecht 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb -0.25
AEK Athens 0-2 Everton (Scorer: Louis Saha) +1.0
PSV 2-1 Sparta Prague (Scorer: Otman Bakkal) +1.5
Shahktar Donetsk 1-1 Club Brugge +1.0
Total: 3.25pts
Sporting Lisbon 1-3 Heerenveen -0.25
AS Roma 1-0 Basel +1.5
PSV Eindhoven 1-2 Sparta Prague -0.25
Shahktar Donetsk 0-0 Club Brugge +2.0
Total: 3.0pts
Shiping:
Valencia 3-1 Lille (Scorer: David Villa) +2.0
AS Roma 2-1 Basel (Scorer: John Arne Riise) +2.0
Sporting 2-0 Heerenveen -0.25
Slavia Prague 1-0 Genoa -0.25
Total: 3.5pts
Sze Yuan:
Portsmouth 0-2 Aston Villa +1.5
Valencia 1-1 Lille -0.25
Anderlecht 0-0 Dinamo Zagreb -0.25
AEK Athens 0-3 Everton (Scorer: Mikel Arteta) +1.0
Total: 2.0pts
EWal:
Anderlecht 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb -0.25
AEK Athens 0-2 Everton (Scorer: Louis Saha) +1.0
PSV 2-1 Sparta Prague (Scorer: Otman Bakkal) +1.5
Shahktar Donetsk 1-1 Club Brugge +1.0
Total: 3.25pts
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Can't wait
SEA Games starting on 9th Dec, the birthday of Zebra (not the species). I am excited.
And can Quah Ting Wen do the 8-gold haul like Michael Phelps did? Albeit this being around 2 levels lower. Haha.
Looking forward to the swimmers as usual, at the SEA Games, and our Young Lions. Our U-23 team is kicking off against Indonesia this Saturday!
What about the athletics? Come on, for once, we can actually have some kind of faith. Stefan Tseng in a tough competition in triple jump. Some of our athletes in the Asian Youth Games are in it too! Jiayou. And James Wong looks set to return and win again. Somehow he thrashed the competition so many times before.
That's all for now.
And can Quah Ting Wen do the 8-gold haul like Michael Phelps did? Albeit this being around 2 levels lower. Haha.
Looking forward to the swimmers as usual, at the SEA Games, and our Young Lions. Our U-23 team is kicking off against Indonesia this Saturday!
What about the athletics? Come on, for once, we can actually have some kind of faith. Stefan Tseng in a tough competition in triple jump. Some of our athletes in the Asian Youth Games are in it too! Jiayou. And James Wong looks set to return and win again. Somehow he thrashed the competition so many times before.
That's all for now.
Monday, November 30, 2009
GR 2 Gameweek 2
Okay... here comes midweek and an easier score computation process for me XD
There are... no league matches, and there are... no UEFA Champions League matches.
This is a gameweek to savour for those who are keen to understand more of the young players of some of the English teams, or look at some of the intense competition going on in the 2nd tier of European football.
In addition, I announce the official departure of Cyr from the game. The reason, unspoken, is automatically understood, as I had already expected it. The exit of Soo Wee is unconfirmed. As such, the moderator may try to get new participants, but EWPS may end after 4 Gamerounds, in mid-January I think, and till then, the moderator's participation as a player is unconfirmed as well.
Selected matches
Dec 1 Carling Cup
Portsmouth vs Aston Villa
Dec 2 UEFA Europa League
Valencia vs Lille
Slavia Prague vs Genoa
Anderlecht vs Dinamo Zagreb
AEK Athens vs Everton
Dec 3 UEFA Europa League
Sporting Lisbon vs Heerenveen
AS Roma vs Basel
PSV Eindhoven vs Sparta Prague
Shahktar Donetsk vs Club Brugge
There are... no league matches, and there are... no UEFA Champions League matches.
This is a gameweek to savour for those who are keen to understand more of the young players of some of the English teams, or look at some of the intense competition going on in the 2nd tier of European football.
In addition, I announce the official departure of Cyr from the game. The reason, unspoken, is automatically understood, as I had already expected it. The exit of Soo Wee is unconfirmed. As such, the moderator may try to get new participants, but EWPS may end after 4 Gamerounds, in mid-January I think, and till then, the moderator's participation as a player is unconfirmed as well.
Selected matches
Dec 1 Carling Cup
Portsmouth vs Aston Villa
Dec 2 UEFA Europa League
Valencia vs Lille
Slavia Prague vs Genoa
Anderlecht vs Dinamo Zagreb
AEK Athens vs Everton
Dec 3 UEFA Europa League
Sporting Lisbon vs Heerenveen
AS Roma vs Basel
PSV Eindhoven vs Sparta Prague
Shahktar Donetsk vs Club Brugge
Saturday, November 28, 2009
GR 2 Gameweek 1
Chunqi:
Aston Villa 1 - Tottenham 1 +2.0
Everton 0 - Liverpool 2 +2.0
Barcelona 1 - Real Madrid 1 (Scorer: Thierry Henry) -0.25
Parma 1 - Napoli 0 -0.25
Total score: 3.5
Zebra:
Everton 1-2 Liverpool +1.0
Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea -0.25
Valencia 1-1 Mallorca +2.0
Barcelona 2-2 Real Madrid -0.25
Total score: 2.5
Cyr:
Barcelona 1-3 Real Madrid (Scorer: Gonzalo Hinguain) -0.25
Valencia 3-0 Mallorca (Scorer: David Villa) -0.25 +1.0
PSG 2-1 Auxerre +1.5
Hoffenheim 3-1 Borussia Dortmund -0.25
Total score: 1.75
Soo Wee:
Total score: -
Szeyuan:
Aston Villa 2 -2 Tottenham (Scorer: Jermain Defoe) +1.0
Everton 0-2 Liverpool (Scorer: Dirk Kuyt) +1.75 +1.0
Arsenal 0-1 Chelsea +1.0
Hannover 0-3 Bayern Munich +1.75
Total score: 6.5*
*Record Gameweek Score
*Perfect Gameweek
EWal:
Aston Villa 2-1 Tottenham (Scorer: Gabriel Agbonlahor) -0.25 + 1.0
Hoffenheim 2-2 Borrusia Dortmund -0.25
Udinese 1-0 Livorno +1.0
Atletico 0-2 Espanyol (Scorer: Shunsuke Nakamura) -0.5
Total score: 1.0
Shiping:
Arsenal 2-3 Chelsea +1.0
Total score: 1.0
Aston Villa 1 - Tottenham 1 +2.0
Everton 0 - Liverpool 2 +2.0
Barcelona 1 - Real Madrid 1 (Scorer: Thierry Henry) -0.25
Parma 1 - Napoli 0 -0.25
Total score: 3.5
Zebra:
Everton 1-2 Liverpool +1.0
Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea -0.25
Valencia 1-1 Mallorca +2.0
Barcelona 2-2 Real Madrid -0.25
Total score: 2.5
Cyr:
Barcelona 1-3 Real Madrid (Scorer: Gonzalo Hinguain) -0.25
Valencia 3-0 Mallorca (Scorer: David Villa) -0.25 +1.0
PSG 2-1 Auxerre +1.5
Hoffenheim 3-1 Borussia Dortmund -0.25
Total score: 1.75
Soo Wee:
Total score: -
Szeyuan:
Aston Villa 2 -2 Tottenham (Scorer: Jermain Defoe) +1.0
Everton 0-2 Liverpool (Scorer: Dirk Kuyt) +1.75 +1.0
Arsenal 0-1 Chelsea +1.0
Hannover 0-3 Bayern Munich +1.75
Total score: 6.5*
*Record Gameweek Score
*Perfect Gameweek
EWal:
Aston Villa 2-1 Tottenham (Scorer: Gabriel Agbonlahor) -0.25 + 1.0
Hoffenheim 2-2 Borrusia Dortmund -0.25
Udinese 1-0 Livorno +1.0
Atletico 0-2 Espanyol (Scorer: Shunsuke Nakamura) -0.5
Total score: 1.0
Shiping:
Arsenal 2-3 Chelsea +1.0
Total score: 1.0
Thursday, November 26, 2009
SEA Games 2009
Knowing the current affairs and sports nature in me, I obviously know long ago that this year's SEA Games will be held in Laos.
I remember there were some noises as the lack of equipment in the host country leads to sports like gymnastics being scrapped for this addition.
There goes our Nicole and Tabitha Tay's gold medal hopes, having thrilled us the last time we met them on the telly.
I look forward to the swimmers' performances once again. Singapore has established itself as a strong swimming nation within Southeast Asia, and this Games will show how some of our swimmers are faring as they prepare for a big splash in the 2010 Asian Games, where it is feasibly the biggest competition they can win.
The likes of Tao Li and Quah Ting Wen, coupled with many others, including the rapidly improving Parker Lam, will be something for us to fill our stomachs with, especially since Singapore has always won at least around 8 golds each time this biannual competition comes around.
Table tennis is a seeming walkover, with it probably the biggest beneficiary of the Foreign Sports Talent Scheme. I hope the association sends the youth players instead of our biggest stars. Reserve the likes Feng Tianwei, Li Jiawei for the Asian Games and Olympics. Leave the SEA Games for the likes of Pang Xuejie, Isabelle Li and Clarence Chew.
Whether or not we can deliver a satiating gold medal in soccer... it is another matter. But let us just sit back and enjoy all the action as it arrives for all of Singaporeans, as usual, on Ch 5.
I remember there were some noises as the lack of equipment in the host country leads to sports like gymnastics being scrapped for this addition.
There goes our Nicole and Tabitha Tay's gold medal hopes, having thrilled us the last time we met them on the telly.
I look forward to the swimmers' performances once again. Singapore has established itself as a strong swimming nation within Southeast Asia, and this Games will show how some of our swimmers are faring as they prepare for a big splash in the 2010 Asian Games, where it is feasibly the biggest competition they can win.
The likes of Tao Li and Quah Ting Wen, coupled with many others, including the rapidly improving Parker Lam, will be something for us to fill our stomachs with, especially since Singapore has always won at least around 8 golds each time this biannual competition comes around.
Table tennis is a seeming walkover, with it probably the biggest beneficiary of the Foreign Sports Talent Scheme. I hope the association sends the youth players instead of our biggest stars. Reserve the likes Feng Tianwei, Li Jiawei for the Asian Games and Olympics. Leave the SEA Games for the likes of Pang Xuejie, Isabelle Li and Clarence Chew.
Whether or not we can deliver a satiating gold medal in soccer... it is another matter. But let us just sit back and enjoy all the action as it arrives for all of Singaporeans, as usual, on Ch 5.
Gameround 1 Ends!
Gameround 1 Standings
1) Zebra: 6.0 + 3.25 = 9.25
1) Chunqi: 5.0 + 4.25 = 9.25
3) Soo Wee: 7.0 + 1.25 = 8.25
3) Cyr: 6.25 + 2.0 = 8.25
5) Szeyuan: 3.0 + 3.75 = 6.75
6) Shiping: 3.25 + 1.0 = 4.25
6) EWal: 3.75 + 0.5 = 4.25
In a dramatic final day of the Gameround, we saw Soo Wee getting all his remaining predictions wrong to drop to level on points with Cyr, who had already finished his schedule early. As this happens, Chunqi and Zebra both delivered, and finish level on 9.25points.
Congratulations to both of you, and may you continue your good work into the next Gameround. Be sure to feel good about winning this inaugural Gameround.
Noticeably, Szeyuan has done very well. Despite missing the first gameweek, he roared back to finish 5th. Thankfully, the moderator had company in finishing in joint last place. Jiayou for next Gameround.
Here are the Gameround 1 accolades:
Gameround 1 Winners: Chunqi, Zebra
Best Gameweek Score: Chunqi (GW4: 4.25pts)
Worst Gameweek Score: EWal (GW1: -0.5pt), Shiping (GW3: -0.5pt)
Correct Scorer Prediction: Cyr (GW3: Vedad Ibisevic)
1) Zebra: 6.0 + 3.25 = 9.25
1) Chunqi: 5.0 + 4.25 = 9.25
3) Soo Wee: 7.0 + 1.25 = 8.25
3) Cyr: 6.25 + 2.0 = 8.25
5) Szeyuan: 3.0 + 3.75 = 6.75
6) Shiping: 3.25 + 1.0 = 4.25
6) EWal: 3.75 + 0.5 = 4.25
In a dramatic final day of the Gameround, we saw Soo Wee getting all his remaining predictions wrong to drop to level on points with Cyr, who had already finished his schedule early. As this happens, Chunqi and Zebra both delivered, and finish level on 9.25points.
Congratulations to both of you, and may you continue your good work into the next Gameround. Be sure to feel good about winning this inaugural Gameround.
Noticeably, Szeyuan has done very well. Despite missing the first gameweek, he roared back to finish 5th. Thankfully, the moderator had company in finishing in joint last place. Jiayou for next Gameround.
Here are the Gameround 1 accolades:
Gameround 1 Winners: Chunqi, Zebra
Best Gameweek Score: Chunqi (GW4: 4.25pts)
Worst Gameweek Score: EWal (GW1: -0.5pt), Shiping (GW3: -0.5pt)
Correct Scorer Prediction: Cyr (GW3: Vedad Ibisevic)
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
GW 4 Predictions
Debrecen vs Liverpool
Rubin Kazan vs Dynamo Kiev
Barcelona vs Inter Milan
Rangers vs Stuttgart
Alkmaar vs Olympiakos
Bordeaux vs Juventus
AC Milan vs Marseille
Porto vs Chelsea
EWal:
Debrecen 0-2 Liverpool (Scorer: Steven Gerrard) +1.0
Rangers 2-2 Stuttgart -0.25
AC Milan 2-1 Marseille -0.25
Cyr:
Rubin Kazan 2-0 Dynamo Kiev (Scorer: Sergei Semak) -0.25
AZ Alkmaar 1-1 Olympiakos (Scorer: Mounir Al Hamdaoui) +1.0
Rangers 1-3 Stuttgart +1.5
Barcelona 0-5 Inter Milan -0.25
Szeyuan:
Debrecen 0 - 3 Liverpool (Scorer: Fernando Torres) +1.0
Barcelona 1 - 1 Inter Milan (Scorer: Thierry Henry XD) -0.25
AC Milan 1 - 1 Marseille +2.0
Porto 0 - 2 Chelsea +1.0
Soo Wee:
Debrecen 0-1 Liverpool (Scorer: Fernando Torres) +2.0
Bordeaux 0-2 Juventus -0.25
AC Milan 2-1 Marseille -0.25
Porto 2-2 Chelsea (Scorer: Didier Drogba) -0.25
Shiping:
Debrecen 0-5 Liverpool* (Scorer: Steven Gerrard) +1.0-0.5
Bordeaux 1-3 Juventus -0.25
Porto 2-1 Chelsea -0.25
Barcelona 2-1 Inter Milan (Scorer: Zlatan Ibrahimovic) +1.0
*Allowed by moderator's special grant. However, there will be automatic 0.5point deduction.
Chunqi:
Debrecen 1-2 Liverpool (Scorer: Fernando Torres) +1.5
Barcelona 2-0 Inter Milan +2.0
Porto 0-2 Chelsea +1.0
AC Milan 2-1 Marseille -0.25
Zebra:
Rangers 1-3 Stuttgart +1.5
Alkmaar 0-1 Olympiakos -0.25
Bordeaux 2-1 Juventus +1.0
AC Milan 2-2 Marseille +1.0
Rubin Kazan vs Dynamo Kiev
Barcelona vs Inter Milan
Rangers vs Stuttgart
Alkmaar vs Olympiakos
Bordeaux vs Juventus
AC Milan vs Marseille
Porto vs Chelsea
EWal:
Debrecen 0-2 Liverpool (Scorer: Steven Gerrard) +1.0
Rangers 2-2 Stuttgart -0.25
AC Milan 2-1 Marseille -0.25
Cyr:
Rubin Kazan 2-0 Dynamo Kiev (Scorer: Sergei Semak) -0.25
AZ Alkmaar 1-1 Olympiakos (Scorer: Mounir Al Hamdaoui) +1.0
Rangers 1-3 Stuttgart +1.5
Barcelona 0-5 Inter Milan -0.25
Szeyuan:
Debrecen 0 - 3 Liverpool (Scorer: Fernando Torres) +1.0
Barcelona 1 - 1 Inter Milan (Scorer: Thierry Henry XD) -0.25
AC Milan 1 - 1 Marseille +2.0
Porto 0 - 2 Chelsea +1.0
Soo Wee:
Debrecen 0-1 Liverpool (Scorer: Fernando Torres) +2.0
Bordeaux 0-2 Juventus -0.25
AC Milan 2-1 Marseille -0.25
Porto 2-2 Chelsea (Scorer: Didier Drogba) -0.25
Shiping:
Debrecen 0-5 Liverpool* (Scorer: Steven Gerrard) +1.0-0.5
Bordeaux 1-3 Juventus -0.25
Porto 2-1 Chelsea -0.25
Barcelona 2-1 Inter Milan (Scorer: Zlatan Ibrahimovic) +1.0
*Allowed by moderator's special grant. However, there will be automatic 0.5point deduction.
Chunqi:
Debrecen 1-2 Liverpool (Scorer: Fernando Torres) +1.5
Barcelona 2-0 Inter Milan +2.0
Porto 0-2 Chelsea +1.0
AC Milan 2-1 Marseille -0.25
Zebra:
Rangers 1-3 Stuttgart +1.5
Alkmaar 0-1 Olympiakos -0.25
Bordeaux 2-1 Juventus +1.0
AC Milan 2-2 Marseille +1.0
Monday, November 23, 2009
Gameweek 3 Results
In a week where my favourite teams, Arsenal and Barcelona, both spluttered, there are not many surprising results, except for Tottenham's astounding 9-1 victory over a Wigan side, which I suppose whose defending was disastrous.
Hereby revealing the net results for our players.
Cyr: 2.5
EWal: 1.5
Zebra: 3.0
Soo Wee: 1.0
Shiping: -0.5
Chunqi: 3.75
Szeyuan: 0.5
Chunqi has done exceedingly well this gameweek, same for Zebra. As for Shiping it's the other way round. Soo Wee had a weak gameweek, and now let's see the overall standings 3/4 into the Gameround.
1) Soo Wee: 7.0
2) Cyr: 6.25
3) Zebra: 6.0
4) Chunqi: 5.0
5) EWal: 3.75
6) Shiping: 3.25
7) Szeyuan: 3.0
8) Runze: -
Soo Wee maintains his lead, but at least we might see some interesting things happening in the final gameweek of the Gameround, with the UEFA Champions League matches. Cyr and Zebra are in prime position to steal the thunder and lightning from Soo Wee, while Chunqi has hauled himself into contention with this gameweek.
A reminder:
You cannot predict for your favourite teams as well. In addition, there are only UEFA Champions League matches this week.
Hereby revealing the net results for our players.
Cyr: 2.5
EWal: 1.5
Zebra: 3.0
Soo Wee: 1.0
Shiping: -0.5
Chunqi: 3.75
Szeyuan: 0.5
Chunqi has done exceedingly well this gameweek, same for Zebra. As for Shiping it's the other way round. Soo Wee had a weak gameweek, and now let's see the overall standings 3/4 into the Gameround.
1) Soo Wee: 7.0
2) Cyr: 6.25
3) Zebra: 6.0
4) Chunqi: 5.0
5) EWal: 3.75
6) Shiping: 3.25
7) Szeyuan: 3.0
8) Runze: -
Soo Wee maintains his lead, but at least we might see some interesting things happening in the final gameweek of the Gameround, with the UEFA Champions League matches. Cyr and Zebra are in prime position to steal the thunder and lightning from Soo Wee, while Chunqi has hauled himself into contention with this gameweek.
A reminder:
You cannot predict for your favourite teams as well. In addition, there are only UEFA Champions League matches this week.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Gameweek 3 Predictions
Despite the email, I think I will just pick 20 matches for league gameweeks in future in the mail to faciliate easier handling by the moderator. Very tough one, you know?
My choices will be pretty random, 4 from each of the 5 leagues, and also will include at least one big team. Yeah and I will try to pick some sneaky, tough to predict ones. Remember the scoring. So strategy makes more sense from now on.
Cyr:
FC Cologne 1-4 Hoffenheim (Scorer: Vedad Ibisevic) +2.0
Stade Rennes 2-2 Le Mans -0.25
Auxerre 0-2 Monaco -0.25
Nice 4-2 Toulouse +1.0
EWal:
Stoke 1-2 Portsmouth -0.25
Burnley 0-2 Aston Villa (Scorer: Gabriel Agbonlahor) -0.25
Villarreal 1-0 Valladolid +1.0
Napoli 1-1 Lazio (Scorer: Julio Cruz) +1.0
Zebra:
Liverpool 1-1 Man City +1.25
Tottenham 0-1 Wigan -0.25
Deportivo 2-1 Atletico Madrid +2.25
Osasuna 0-0 Valencia -0.25
Soo Wee:
Liverpool 0-1 Man City -0.5
Hull 1-0 West Ham -0.25
Real Madrid 2-0 Racing +0.75
Tottenham 2-1 Wigan +1.0
Shiping:
Tottenham 3-1 Wigan (Scorer: Robbie Keane) +1.0
Fiorentina 2-1 Parma -0.5
Stuttgart 1-2 Hertha Berlin -0.5
Bayern Munich 3-1 Bayer Leverkusen (Scorer: Bastian Schweinsteiger) -0.5
Chunqi:
Liverpool 1-1 Man City +1.25
Tottenham 2-0 Wigan +1.0
Napoli 0-0 Lazio +2.0
Fiorentina 1-0 Parma -0.5
Szeyuan:
Bolton 1-1 Blackburn -0.25
Tottenham 2-0 Wigan +1.0
Stoke City 0-1 Portsmouth -0.25
My choices will be pretty random, 4 from each of the 5 leagues, and also will include at least one big team. Yeah and I will try to pick some sneaky, tough to predict ones. Remember the scoring. So strategy makes more sense from now on.
Cyr:
FC Cologne 1-4 Hoffenheim (Scorer: Vedad Ibisevic) +2.0
Stade Rennes 2-2 Le Mans -0.25
Auxerre 0-2 Monaco -0.25
Nice 4-2 Toulouse +1.0
EWal:
Stoke 1-2 Portsmouth -0.25
Burnley 0-2 Aston Villa (Scorer: Gabriel Agbonlahor) -0.25
Villarreal 1-0 Valladolid +1.0
Napoli 1-1 Lazio (Scorer: Julio Cruz) +1.0
Zebra:
Liverpool 1-1 Man City +1.25
Tottenham 0-1 Wigan -0.25
Deportivo 2-1 Atletico Madrid +2.25
Osasuna 0-0 Valencia -0.25
Soo Wee:
Liverpool 0-1 Man City -0.5
Hull 1-0 West Ham -0.25
Real Madrid 2-0 Racing +0.75
Tottenham 2-1 Wigan +1.0
Shiping:
Tottenham 3-1 Wigan (Scorer: Robbie Keane) +1.0
Fiorentina 2-1 Parma -0.5
Stuttgart 1-2 Hertha Berlin -0.5
Bayern Munich 3-1 Bayer Leverkusen (Scorer: Bastian Schweinsteiger) -0.5
Chunqi:
Liverpool 1-1 Man City +1.25
Tottenham 2-0 Wigan +1.0
Napoli 0-0 Lazio +2.0
Fiorentina 1-0 Parma -0.5
Szeyuan:
Bolton 1-1 Blackburn -0.25
Tottenham 2-0 Wigan +1.0
Stoke City 0-1 Portsmouth -0.25
Thursday, November 19, 2009
GW 2 Review
So France got through with a handball. I hand credit to the Irish for being hugely understanding of Henry, partly because they understood that action was common footballers' instinct and that they understood Henry was someone who was fired up by his loyalty and he is innately regarded a good guy in the football world.
His reputation may take a hit slightly but I think people should not be blasting him so much. Let him do the talking with his feet. I am eager to see him improve his game in all aspects and do his fervent fans proud.
http://sporting-politics.blogspot.com/2009/11/henry-handball.html
And Singapore fought back with a win in Thailand. So as it stands, Singapore is back to 2nd with 6 points, 1 ahead of Thailand and 1 behind Iran who have a game in hand.
Shockingly, Russia did not make the World Cup. I am hugely in support of the French team sacking Raymond Domenech and hiring Guus Hiddink, to have a good chance of showing their worth of going through. And Henry needs to regain his confidence that he can really return to his heady heights with a vengeance and convince everyone. Me included.
Results (including aet if necessary):
France 1-1 Ireland (Scorers: William Gallas, Robbie Keane)
Ukraine 0-1 Greece (Scorer: Dimitripos Salpigidis)
Slovenia 1-0 Russia (Scorer: Zlatko Dedic)
Bosnia-Herzegovina 0-1 Portugal (Scorer: Raul Meireles)
Thailand 0-1 Singapore (Scorer: Aleksander Duric)
Bahrain 4-0 Yemen
Malaysia 1-3 Uzbekistan
Syria 0-0 Vietnam
Indonesia 1-1 Kuwait
Okay now the prediction table. Gameweek 2 results are as below (Wrong outcome deducts only 0.25points under the new rules):
Cyr: 0.25pts
Shiping: 0.25pts
Soo Wee: 2.5pts
Zebra: 2.0pts
Chunqi: 1.25pts
EWal: 2.75pts
Szeyuan: 2.5pts
Runze: -
Current Standings
1) Soo Wee 6.0pts
2) Shiping 3.75pts
3) Cyr 3.75pts
4) Zebra 3.0pts
5) Szeyuan 2.5pts
6) EWal 2.25pts
7) Chunqi 1.25pts
8) Runze -
So Soo Wee is currently holding a big lead and what strategy will he employ as we go into club soccer next? Check it out, all on singaporeliga.blogspot.com.
His reputation may take a hit slightly but I think people should not be blasting him so much. Let him do the talking with his feet. I am eager to see him improve his game in all aspects and do his fervent fans proud.
http://sporting-politics.blogspot.com/2009/11/henry-handball.html
And Singapore fought back with a win in Thailand. So as it stands, Singapore is back to 2nd with 6 points, 1 ahead of Thailand and 1 behind Iran who have a game in hand.
Shockingly, Russia did not make the World Cup. I am hugely in support of the French team sacking Raymond Domenech and hiring Guus Hiddink, to have a good chance of showing their worth of going through. And Henry needs to regain his confidence that he can really return to his heady heights with a vengeance and convince everyone. Me included.
Results (including aet if necessary):
France 1-1 Ireland (Scorers: William Gallas, Robbie Keane)
Ukraine 0-1 Greece (Scorer: Dimitripos Salpigidis)
Slovenia 1-0 Russia (Scorer: Zlatko Dedic)
Bosnia-Herzegovina 0-1 Portugal (Scorer: Raul Meireles)
Thailand 0-1 Singapore (Scorer: Aleksander Duric)
Bahrain 4-0 Yemen
Malaysia 1-3 Uzbekistan
Syria 0-0 Vietnam
Indonesia 1-1 Kuwait
Okay now the prediction table. Gameweek 2 results are as below (Wrong outcome deducts only 0.25points under the new rules):
Cyr: 0.25pts
Shiping: 0.25pts
Soo Wee: 2.5pts
Zebra: 2.0pts
Chunqi: 1.25pts
EWal: 2.75pts
Szeyuan: 2.5pts
Runze: -
Current Standings
1) Soo Wee 6.0pts
2) Shiping 3.75pts
3) Cyr 3.75pts
4) Zebra 3.0pts
5) Szeyuan 2.5pts
6) EWal 2.25pts
7) Chunqi 1.25pts
8) Runze -
So Soo Wee is currently holding a big lead and what strategy will he employ as we go into club soccer next? Check it out, all on singaporeliga.blogspot.com.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Gameweek 2 Predictions
The European WC2010 qualifiers go into the 2nd leg with everything at stake to deliver the nation to the biggest soccer spectacle in the world in South Africa. Advantage France, Portugal and Russia as it goes, and can they hold on to this and push themselves to the World Cup?
And can teams like Singapore, fighting for a berth in the 2011 Asian Cup, bounce back from their defeats and win against the same opposition to put themselves in a better position?
Here is what our players think:
Cyr (3.5pts):
Slovenia 1-2 Russia (Scorer: Andrei Arshavin)
Bosnia-Herzegovina 0-2 Portugal (Scorer: Simao Sabrosa)
France 2-0 Ireland
Ukraine 1-0 Greece
Shiping (3.5pts):
Bosnia-Herzegovina 0-2 Portugal
France 2-0 Ireland (Scorer: Nicolas Anelka)
Slovenia 0-3 Russia (Scorer: Roman Pavlyuchenko)
Thailand 2-2 Singapore
Soo Wee (3.5pts):
Thailand 0-1 Singapore
France 2-0 Ireland
Bosnia-Herzegovia 0-2 Portugal
Ukraine 1-0 Greece
Zebra (1.0pts)
Ukraine 0-2 Greece
Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-2 Portugal
Slovenia 0-0 Russia
Malaysia 1-1 Uzbekistan
Chunqi (0.0pts)
France 2-0 Ireland (Scorer: Thierry Henry)
Thailand 2-1 Singapore (Scorer: Sutee Suksomkit)
Indonesia 1-1 Kuwait
Syria 1-2 Vietnam
Eugene (-0.5pts):
France 3-1 Ireland (Scorer: Thierry Henry)
Thailand 1-3 Singapore (Scorer: Mustafic Fahrudin)
Malaysia 1-4 Uzbekistan
Bahrain 2-1 Yemen
Szeyuan (-):
Thailand 4-1 Singapore (Scorer: Sutee Suksomkit)
France 1-1 Ireland
Bosnia-Herzegovina 0-3 Portugal
Slovenia 0-1 Russia (Scorer: Andrei Arshavin)
Runze (-):
And can teams like Singapore, fighting for a berth in the 2011 Asian Cup, bounce back from their defeats and win against the same opposition to put themselves in a better position?
Here is what our players think:
Cyr (3.5pts):
Slovenia 1-2 Russia (Scorer: Andrei Arshavin)
Bosnia-Herzegovina 0-2 Portugal (Scorer: Simao Sabrosa)
France 2-0 Ireland
Ukraine 1-0 Greece
Shiping (3.5pts):
Bosnia-Herzegovina 0-2 Portugal
France 2-0 Ireland (Scorer: Nicolas Anelka)
Slovenia 0-3 Russia (Scorer: Roman Pavlyuchenko)
Thailand 2-2 Singapore
Soo Wee (3.5pts):
Thailand 0-1 Singapore
France 2-0 Ireland
Bosnia-Herzegovia 0-2 Portugal
Ukraine 1-0 Greece
Zebra (1.0pts)
Ukraine 0-2 Greece
Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-2 Portugal
Slovenia 0-0 Russia
Malaysia 1-1 Uzbekistan
Chunqi (0.0pts)
France 2-0 Ireland (Scorer: Thierry Henry)
Thailand 2-1 Singapore (Scorer: Sutee Suksomkit)
Indonesia 1-1 Kuwait
Syria 1-2 Vietnam
Eugene (-0.5pts):
France 3-1 Ireland (Scorer: Thierry Henry)
Thailand 1-3 Singapore (Scorer: Mustafic Fahrudin)
Malaysia 1-4 Uzbekistan
Bahrain 2-1 Yemen
Szeyuan (-):
Thailand 4-1 Singapore (Scorer: Sutee Suksomkit)
France 1-1 Ireland
Bosnia-Herzegovina 0-3 Portugal
Slovenia 0-1 Russia (Scorer: Andrei Arshavin)
Runze (-):
Sunday, November 15, 2009
GR 1 Gameweek 1 Results
Here are the actual results:
New Zealand 1-0 Bahrain (aggregate 1-0)
Scorer: Rory Fallon
Ireland 0-1 France
Scorer: Nicolas Anelka
Greece 0-0 Ukraine
Portugal 1-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina
Scorer: Bruno Alves
Russia 2-1 Slovenia
Scorers: Diniyar Bilyaletdinov (2), Nejc Pecnik
Singapore 1-3 Thailand
Scorers: Mustafic Fahrudin, Therdsak Chaiman, Sutee Suksomkit (2)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standings
Cyr: 3.5 points
Shiping: 3.5 points
Soo Wee: 3.5 points
Zebra: 1.0 points
Chunqi: 0.0 points
EWal: -0.5 points
Szeyuan: -
Runze: -
Here is a 3 way tie for the lead after Gameweek 1. The prediction window for Gameweek 2 is now open, with matches mostly for the return legs of this gameweek's matches. Please remember that you are making the prediction for the 2nd leg alone, not for the aggregate.
The prediction window for Gameweek 2 will close just before the start of the respective matches.
Suggested matches (Matches on 18 Nov):
Ukraine v Greece
Bosnia-Herzegovina v Portugal
Slovenia v Russia
France v Ireland
Thailand v Singapore
Malaysia v Uzbekistan
Syria v Vietnam
Indonesia v Kuwait
Bahrain v Yemen
New Zealand 1-0 Bahrain (aggregate 1-0)
Scorer: Rory Fallon
Ireland 0-1 France
Scorer: Nicolas Anelka
Greece 0-0 Ukraine
Portugal 1-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina
Scorer: Bruno Alves
Russia 2-1 Slovenia
Scorers: Diniyar Bilyaletdinov (2), Nejc Pecnik
Singapore 1-3 Thailand
Scorers: Mustafic Fahrudin, Therdsak Chaiman, Sutee Suksomkit (2)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standings
Cyr: 3.5 points
Shiping: 3.5 points
Soo Wee: 3.5 points
Zebra: 1.0 points
Chunqi: 0.0 points
EWal: -0.5 points
Szeyuan: -
Runze: -
Here is a 3 way tie for the lead after Gameweek 1. The prediction window for Gameweek 2 is now open, with matches mostly for the return legs of this gameweek's matches. Please remember that you are making the prediction for the 2nd leg alone, not for the aggregate.
The prediction window for Gameweek 2 will close just before the start of the respective matches.
Suggested matches (Matches on 18 Nov):
Ukraine v Greece
Bosnia-Herzegovina v Portugal
Slovenia v Russia
France v Ireland
Thailand v Singapore
Malaysia v Uzbekistan
Syria v Vietnam
Indonesia v Kuwait
Bahrain v Yemen
Singapore v Thailand
It was a match that really showed Thailand's threatening pace and dribbling, and exposed Singapore's defensive frailities.
But it is hard to swallow considering how Singapore sort of lagged by 45 minutes.
In the first half, Singapore was pretty horrendous, creating barely any half-chances at all, and allowing Thailand to shoot with 4 good chances. It was really lucky that we remained only a goal down going into the break. The conceded goal is a penalty.
After the interval, Singapore broke out of their shell and started to find their more fluent style. The introduction of the speedy and tricky Khairul Amri is a good decision, and his passing and dribbling and hunger was for all to see.
Yet, the defence let the team up with 2 goals for the Thai team, one with a rooted Baihakki looking on and not noticing the dash by Therdsak, whom Shaiful Esah followed but could not stop. Therdsak skilfully shot in a volley from close range.
Then it was a one-on-one with a through ball for Sutee to score his second.
Singapore needs a miracle to claw back, and the penalty was the chance to get things going. Mustafic Fahrudin did not disappoint, with his powerful penalty kick into the top right hand corner of the net.
Despite having some good chances when the score was at 0-1, Singapore did not put in those chances and it came back to haunt them. It includes John Wilkinson passing a ball too hard and fast to Duric, instead of shooting, leading to the ball moving out to be cleared by the Thai defenders.
Some other chances include 2 free kicks, one from John Wilkinson and another from Shaiful Esah, both just scraping past the left post. Near the end, Duric was finally provided with a really good cross to his feet but he could not finish.
It summed up a disappointing night for the Lions. Yet, the 2nd half has provided faith that the Lions have the ability to go to Thailand and defeat them, as long as they can plug some gaps in defence and be clinical in their shooting.
We must beat Thailand come 18 November.
But it is hard to swallow considering how Singapore sort of lagged by 45 minutes.
In the first half, Singapore was pretty horrendous, creating barely any half-chances at all, and allowing Thailand to shoot with 4 good chances. It was really lucky that we remained only a goal down going into the break. The conceded goal is a penalty.
After the interval, Singapore broke out of their shell and started to find their more fluent style. The introduction of the speedy and tricky Khairul Amri is a good decision, and his passing and dribbling and hunger was for all to see.
Yet, the defence let the team up with 2 goals for the Thai team, one with a rooted Baihakki looking on and not noticing the dash by Therdsak, whom Shaiful Esah followed but could not stop. Therdsak skilfully shot in a volley from close range.
Then it was a one-on-one with a through ball for Sutee to score his second.
Singapore needs a miracle to claw back, and the penalty was the chance to get things going. Mustafic Fahrudin did not disappoint, with his powerful penalty kick into the top right hand corner of the net.
Despite having some good chances when the score was at 0-1, Singapore did not put in those chances and it came back to haunt them. It includes John Wilkinson passing a ball too hard and fast to Duric, instead of shooting, leading to the ball moving out to be cleared by the Thai defenders.
Some other chances include 2 free kicks, one from John Wilkinson and another from Shaiful Esah, both just scraping past the left post. Near the end, Duric was finally provided with a really good cross to his feet but he could not finish.
It summed up a disappointing night for the Lions. Yet, the 2nd half has provided faith that the Lions have the ability to go to Thailand and defeat them, as long as they can plug some gaps in defence and be clinical in their shooting.
We must beat Thailand come 18 November.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Debate
As 2 of the playing members have voiced their opinion on the clause in the rules that states that every outcome that is predicted wrongly will lead to -0.5points.
As such, all 8 playing members will be called upon to give a vote on this issue. This may take a while, as we look into creating the notions for it.
For each change to be effected, 5 votes in favour of the change will be required. In other words, a majority decision.
Players are now welcomed to voice their opinions via Comments (Blog function).
Here are the possible scenarios:
1) Status quo. Wrong outcome = -0.5points.
2) Reduction. Wrong outcome = -0.25points.
3) Removal. Wrong outcome = 0points.
4) Complication. If Home Win is predicted, a Draw = 0points, an Away Win = -0.5points.
But regarding 4), it is complicated, and what if the player predicts a Draw?
Open for comments.
Changes, if enacted, will be in effect starting from the next Gameweek.
As such, all 8 playing members will be called upon to give a vote on this issue. This may take a while, as we look into creating the notions for it.
For each change to be effected, 5 votes in favour of the change will be required. In other words, a majority decision.
Players are now welcomed to voice their opinions via Comments (Blog function).
Here are the possible scenarios:
1) Status quo. Wrong outcome = -0.5points.
2) Reduction. Wrong outcome = -0.25points.
3) Removal. Wrong outcome = 0points.
4) Complication. If Home Win is predicted, a Draw = 0points, an Away Win = -0.5points.
But regarding 4), it is complicated, and what if the player predicts a Draw?
Open for comments.
Changes, if enacted, will be in effect starting from the next Gameweek.
EW Prediction Series Gameweek 1
This will just be a fun affair; I will ask some of my friends to make predictions to some key matches affecting us, and then I will post the predictions here.
Correct outcome warrants 1 point.
Incorrect outcome deducts 0.5 point. (Open for debate)
Correct winning margin warrants 0.5point.
Correct scoreline warrants 1 point.
Therefore, maximum score from scoreline prediction is 2.0points for each match.
The maximum number of predictions that can be made each gameweek is 4.
With every 2 predictions you can predict a goalscorer for any one of the matches.
A correct goalscorer prediction gains 1 point.
I will use nicknames to denote the characters:
EWal:
Singapore 3-1 Thailand (Scorer: Aleksander Duric)
Ireland 0-2 France (Scorer: Thierry Henry)
New Zealand 1-2 Bahrain
Portugal 1-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina
Zebra:
Singapore 1-2 Thailand
Cyr:
Singapore 2-1 Thailand
New Zealand 1-0 Bahrain
Russia 3-0 Slovenia (Scorer: Andrei Arshavin)
Greece 1-1 Ukraine (Scorer: Andriy Shevchenko)
Shiping:
Greece 2-1 Ukraine
Ireland 1-3 France
Portugal 3-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina (Scorer: Jose Bosingwa)
Singapore 1-3 Thailand (Scorer: Noh Alam Shah)
Chunqi:
Singapore 1-0 Thailand
Ireland 0-2 France (Scorer: Thierry Henry)
Greece 1-0 Ukraine
Soo Wee:
Singapore 2-1 Thailand
Portugal 1-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina
Ireland 0-2 France
New Zealand 2-0 Bahrain
As can be seen, the maximum score that can be gained every gameweek is 10 points, provided all 4 predictions are perfectly correct and both goalscorer predictions are correct as well.
There will be no score deduction for incorrect prediction of goalscorers. Thus the worst score from a gameweek: 4 incorrect outcomes, will lead to -2.0points.
After this international break, this game will probably move on to the leagues. Again, there can be up to 4 predictions and 2 goalscorers (depending on number of scoreline predictions).
However, the 'punter' is not allowed to predict scores for any of his favourite club teams. So I cannot predict for Arsenal and Barcelona.
There will be a cap on 2 games for any chosen league. The leagues that can be selected are the main European leagues: EPL, Spanish Liga, Italian Serie A, German Bundesliga and French Ligue 1.
The scores will be tabulated by me every fortnight (half a month). The number of gameweeks will vary, depending on whether there are matches in midweek.
For midweek gameweeks, there is a cap on 2 games for the Champions League and 2 on the Europa League, as well as for any domestic cup competitions.
There will be no prizes, but recognition for the winner(s) all in the name of good fun! ‘Punters’ are not obliged to post predictions with the moderator (me) every gameweek, but to qualify for the fortnightly tabulation, the ‘punter’ must have entered at least 2 of the gameweeks.
This prediction series will be the only thing that exceeds the boundaries I set on the blog; my analysis of teams, etc. for Europe leagues, and international teams, will remain on my main blog.
This prediction game is a strictly jovial affair with no real stakes involved.
Correct outcome warrants 1 point.
Incorrect outcome deducts 0.5 point. (Open for debate)
Correct winning margin warrants 0.5point.
Correct scoreline warrants 1 point.
Therefore, maximum score from scoreline prediction is 2.0points for each match.
The maximum number of predictions that can be made each gameweek is 4.
With every 2 predictions you can predict a goalscorer for any one of the matches.
A correct goalscorer prediction gains 1 point.
I will use nicknames to denote the characters:
EWal:
Singapore 3-1 Thailand (Scorer: Aleksander Duric)
Ireland 0-2 France (Scorer: Thierry Henry)
New Zealand 1-2 Bahrain
Portugal 1-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina
Zebra:
Singapore 1-2 Thailand
Cyr:
Singapore 2-1 Thailand
New Zealand 1-0 Bahrain
Russia 3-0 Slovenia (Scorer: Andrei Arshavin)
Greece 1-1 Ukraine (Scorer: Andriy Shevchenko)
Shiping:
Greece 2-1 Ukraine
Ireland 1-3 France
Portugal 3-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina (Scorer: Jose Bosingwa)
Singapore 1-3 Thailand (Scorer: Noh Alam Shah)
Chunqi:
Singapore 1-0 Thailand
Ireland 0-2 France (Scorer: Thierry Henry)
Greece 1-0 Ukraine
Soo Wee:
Singapore 2-1 Thailand
Portugal 1-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina
Ireland 0-2 France
New Zealand 2-0 Bahrain
As can be seen, the maximum score that can be gained every gameweek is 10 points, provided all 4 predictions are perfectly correct and both goalscorer predictions are correct as well.
There will be no score deduction for incorrect prediction of goalscorers. Thus the worst score from a gameweek: 4 incorrect outcomes, will lead to -2.0points.
After this international break, this game will probably move on to the leagues. Again, there can be up to 4 predictions and 2 goalscorers (depending on number of scoreline predictions).
However, the 'punter' is not allowed to predict scores for any of his favourite club teams. So I cannot predict for Arsenal and Barcelona.
There will be a cap on 2 games for any chosen league. The leagues that can be selected are the main European leagues: EPL, Spanish Liga, Italian Serie A, German Bundesliga and French Ligue 1.
The scores will be tabulated by me every fortnight (half a month). The number of gameweeks will vary, depending on whether there are matches in midweek.
For midweek gameweeks, there is a cap on 2 games for the Champions League and 2 on the Europa League, as well as for any domestic cup competitions.
There will be no prizes, but recognition for the winner(s) all in the name of good fun! ‘Punters’ are not obliged to post predictions with the moderator (me) every gameweek, but to qualify for the fortnightly tabulation, the ‘punter’ must have entered at least 2 of the gameweeks.
This prediction series will be the only thing that exceeds the boundaries I set on the blog; my analysis of teams, etc. for Europe leagues, and international teams, will remain on my main blog.
This prediction game is a strictly jovial affair with no real stakes involved.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Singapore double-header
One of the most important Singapore football team dates.
Singapore vs Thailand 14 Nov
Thailand vs Singapore 18 Nov
Singapore, having lost to Iran but defeated Jordan in the Asian Cup 2011 qualifying group, is on 2nd position with 3 points, behind Asian powerhouse Iran, which could not make it to the World Cup 2010, missing out narrowly in a tight tussle for 3rd place at least in the group.
Thailand is on 2 points having drawn both of their previous matches. So as it stands the teams have 4, 3, 2 and 1 points.
This is in fact one of the easier groupings Singapore have been placed in among the recent groupings for qualifiers. The last time, it was Japan and Oman. Despite a late opportunity with a final qualifying group, Singapore disappointed and didn't enter into the actual competition.
But Singapore has become a regional powerhouse in recent years under the guidance of Raddy Avramovic, and with the aid of the Foreign Talent Scheme, the team is moving forward, despite talk of the S-League moving backwards.
With the 2 matches against Thailand, Singapore could well finally re-enter the regional competition and compete with Asia's best. Finally qualifying will mean that our nation has truly improved and is now ready to move out of just being one of the best in South-East Asia but also in Asia.
2 wins would put Singapore in a very good position to at least finish 2nd.
And it promises to be 2 very keen and fired up affairs between the rivals. Thailand are known for being fast and prefers passing on the ground, while Singapore looks to long balls to the strikeforce which are rather clinical.
Duric, at 39 (or 40?) years of age is still S-League's top scorer once again. His height will make a difference, but not to be forgotten is how he is adept at being a box striker. His partner, Noh Alam Shah, also packs a great heading ability. Remember him totally destructing the shorter Laotian defence last time in an 11-0 drubbing? He is also pacy, but will need to check his temper.
And this team has very strong backup. Khairul Amri is a very pacy forward and can score free kicks and more spectacular goals. His problem is his injury problems, but he has came back and will probably make some contributions as a substitute to turn things around when the match is not going well for the Lions.
The new central defensive pair of Daniel Bennett and Baihakki Khaizan looks rather solid. They do have some height among them, and Bennett, for years playing as a full-back, should be able to check pacy runs by the Thai attackers.
Shaiful Esah promises a lot with his set pieces especially. It is good to note I have appreciated his abilities since his substitute appearance in the defeat by Vietnam in the AFF Suzuki Cup in the semi-finals. He is long my first choice in his position.
Notingly, for all of Thai's attacking flair, they have yet to score a single goal in their qualifiers. They will look to put an end to that. I am expecting a close affair, with goals for both sides.
Singapore can rely on their attackers, with Duric, Noh, Amri, Agu all established scorers who can change games. The midfield is very exciting as well. Mustafic Fahrudin and John Wilkinson really plug the gaps in midfield with a steely presence and can threaten with powerful long shots, especially the former.
Players like Sharil Ishak will add pace, and Khairul Amri as well. It depends whether Avramovic will play him as a winger or a substitute striker, but I back him to feature prominently shall he play.
My prediction for the home leg on 14 Nov is a win for the Singapore Lions by 3-1, while I will make the prediction for the 2nd round of the battle after watching this first match.
Let us rally behind the Lions and roar them to victory!
Singapore vs Thailand 14 Nov
Thailand vs Singapore 18 Nov
Singapore, having lost to Iran but defeated Jordan in the Asian Cup 2011 qualifying group, is on 2nd position with 3 points, behind Asian powerhouse Iran, which could not make it to the World Cup 2010, missing out narrowly in a tight tussle for 3rd place at least in the group.
Thailand is on 2 points having drawn both of their previous matches. So as it stands the teams have 4, 3, 2 and 1 points.
This is in fact one of the easier groupings Singapore have been placed in among the recent groupings for qualifiers. The last time, it was Japan and Oman. Despite a late opportunity with a final qualifying group, Singapore disappointed and didn't enter into the actual competition.
But Singapore has become a regional powerhouse in recent years under the guidance of Raddy Avramovic, and with the aid of the Foreign Talent Scheme, the team is moving forward, despite talk of the S-League moving backwards.
With the 2 matches against Thailand, Singapore could well finally re-enter the regional competition and compete with Asia's best. Finally qualifying will mean that our nation has truly improved and is now ready to move out of just being one of the best in South-East Asia but also in Asia.
2 wins would put Singapore in a very good position to at least finish 2nd.
And it promises to be 2 very keen and fired up affairs between the rivals. Thailand are known for being fast and prefers passing on the ground, while Singapore looks to long balls to the strikeforce which are rather clinical.
Duric, at 39 (or 40?) years of age is still S-League's top scorer once again. His height will make a difference, but not to be forgotten is how he is adept at being a box striker. His partner, Noh Alam Shah, also packs a great heading ability. Remember him totally destructing the shorter Laotian defence last time in an 11-0 drubbing? He is also pacy, but will need to check his temper.
And this team has very strong backup. Khairul Amri is a very pacy forward and can score free kicks and more spectacular goals. His problem is his injury problems, but he has came back and will probably make some contributions as a substitute to turn things around when the match is not going well for the Lions.
The new central defensive pair of Daniel Bennett and Baihakki Khaizan looks rather solid. They do have some height among them, and Bennett, for years playing as a full-back, should be able to check pacy runs by the Thai attackers.
Shaiful Esah promises a lot with his set pieces especially. It is good to note I have appreciated his abilities since his substitute appearance in the defeat by Vietnam in the AFF Suzuki Cup in the semi-finals. He is long my first choice in his position.
Notingly, for all of Thai's attacking flair, they have yet to score a single goal in their qualifiers. They will look to put an end to that. I am expecting a close affair, with goals for both sides.
Singapore can rely on their attackers, with Duric, Noh, Amri, Agu all established scorers who can change games. The midfield is very exciting as well. Mustafic Fahrudin and John Wilkinson really plug the gaps in midfield with a steely presence and can threaten with powerful long shots, especially the former.
Players like Sharil Ishak will add pace, and Khairul Amri as well. It depends whether Avramovic will play him as a winger or a substitute striker, but I back him to feature prominently shall he play.
My prediction for the home leg on 14 Nov is a win for the Singapore Lions by 3-1, while I will make the prediction for the 2nd round of the battle after watching this first match.
Let us rally behind the Lions and roar them to victory!
Monday, November 02, 2009
Condolences
I extend my condolences to all related to Singaporean football coach V Sivalingam who regrettably collapsed during a charity football match.
This piece of sad news follows soon after former national soccer player Dollah Kassim also had a similar case, and he is now still in a coma.
I urge the Singaporean football fraternity to impose stricter checks and also to possibly reduce the intensity of these elder, retired footballers, so as to ensure these sad news will not re-emerge.
This piece of sad news follows soon after former national soccer player Dollah Kassim also had a similar case, and he is now still in a coma.
I urge the Singaporean football fraternity to impose stricter checks and also to possibly reduce the intensity of these elder, retired footballers, so as to ensure these sad news will not re-emerge.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
End of season
Walcott United fought and nearly did it.
The team finishes in a respectable 4th place with 69 points, just a point shy of the 3rd-placed team, which won against the league champions Prozna 2-0, the latter fielding a weakened team having already sealed the title.
Glad to say, Walcott United has stayed true to its attacking focus and finishes the season average 3.63 goals per game.
We congratulate both right forwards Robby Doll and Sevki Ghazali for scoring 22 goals apiece to be top scorers for the club, albeit needing to share most of the matches as they fight for the single RF slot.
There are a couple of young players as well. These promoted youth players are all French, as the source of production is led by a French scout.
Speaking of that, I will have to worry about staff contracts come the end of next season. The contracts are expensive, and I will need to decide whether to get new staff members for 3-season periods at undeveloped (thus cheaper) abilities.
For now, the management board is rather satisfied with the solid season of consolidation where finances have not declined and yet the number of players have increased, lending more weight to the team.
The team, as estimated, is set to receive about 360K of end of season bonus for finishing in the top 5.
Friends Status:
alvin88888 6th in F division
sp (still initials) 15th in F division
The team congratulates the promoted teams and will seek for an even better season in Season 32. Promotion remains not a priority, with the strengthening of team finances and adding more youth into the first team lineup being first on the priorities for the management.
The team finishes in a respectable 4th place with 69 points, just a point shy of the 3rd-placed team, which won against the league champions Prozna 2-0, the latter fielding a weakened team having already sealed the title.
Glad to say, Walcott United has stayed true to its attacking focus and finishes the season average 3.63 goals per game.
We congratulate both right forwards Robby Doll and Sevki Ghazali for scoring 22 goals apiece to be top scorers for the club, albeit needing to share most of the matches as they fight for the single RF slot.
There are a couple of young players as well. These promoted youth players are all French, as the source of production is led by a French scout.
Speaking of that, I will have to worry about staff contracts come the end of next season. The contracts are expensive, and I will need to decide whether to get new staff members for 3-season periods at undeveloped (thus cheaper) abilities.
For now, the management board is rather satisfied with the solid season of consolidation where finances have not declined and yet the number of players have increased, lending more weight to the team.
The team, as estimated, is set to receive about 360K of end of season bonus for finishing in the top 5.
Friends Status:
alvin88888 6th in F division
sp (still initials) 15th in F division
The team congratulates the promoted teams and will seek for an even better season in Season 32. Promotion remains not a priority, with the strengthening of team finances and adding more youth into the first team lineup being first on the priorities for the management.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Singapore wins
Congrats to Singapore national soccer team for winning the tournament in Ho Chi Minh!
We can derive quite some positives from the performances. We do have some strength in depth. Although some of our players are absent as they ply their trade in the Indonesian league, like Noh Alam Shah and Mustafic Fahrudin, I think some other players have stepped up.
Sharil Ishak looks to be a good contender to start, while RB and long-thrower Shaiful Esah may well prove sufficient to dislodge Noh Rahman. I always thought Esah was a better player and the good thing is that he is younger.
Duric, at 39 years of age, still looks dangerous. Having topped the S-League goalscoring charts again he is one of the more definite choices for the 2 matches against Thailand in mid-November. Crucial to win both to get to the Asian Cup.
There are many other contenders though. Noh Alam Shah, Duric, Khairul Amri, Agu Casmir, Masrezwan Masturi, and whoever I missed out. I think Duric should be starting, because he is good with the head and his feet. His partner would best be Noh, since he is speedy to complement Duric. Amri is speedy but has just come back from injury and does not have the experience of Noh. But Amri will be a good choice for winger or impact substitute.
Agu will probably be up as a sub for Duric if Duric is shut out.
Let's hope Singapore will carry this success forward and shut out Thailand's hopes.
We can derive quite some positives from the performances. We do have some strength in depth. Although some of our players are absent as they ply their trade in the Indonesian league, like Noh Alam Shah and Mustafic Fahrudin, I think some other players have stepped up.
Sharil Ishak looks to be a good contender to start, while RB and long-thrower Shaiful Esah may well prove sufficient to dislodge Noh Rahman. I always thought Esah was a better player and the good thing is that he is younger.
Duric, at 39 years of age, still looks dangerous. Having topped the S-League goalscoring charts again he is one of the more definite choices for the 2 matches against Thailand in mid-November. Crucial to win both to get to the Asian Cup.
There are many other contenders though. Noh Alam Shah, Duric, Khairul Amri, Agu Casmir, Masrezwan Masturi, and whoever I missed out. I think Duric should be starting, because he is good with the head and his feet. His partner would best be Noh, since he is speedy to complement Duric. Amri is speedy but has just come back from injury and does not have the experience of Noh. But Amri will be a good choice for winger or impact substitute.
Agu will probably be up as a sub for Duric if Duric is shut out.
Let's hope Singapore will carry this success forward and shut out Thailand's hopes.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Hattrick Update
Though I have not mentioned this game for long, this is always a permanent stay in my game repertoire (forgive me if I use this wrongly).
I have rekindled my passion for the game within today itself, placing 2 ageing midfield stars on the transfer list, and after quite some time of bidding, I managed to pull off 2 purchases that amount to 3.1million dollars. I am hoping the 2 sales will recoup at least 2.5 million for me.
The players I bought are much younger: in the range of 21-23 years. I am training Playmaking now, but have made the uncanny decision to actually play 3-4-3. But I am still doing it because some of my midfield stars are in awful form, while my strikers all deserve to be on the pitch (4 good strikers in my team).
I am currently in 4th position in my series of 8 teams, and the more laxing 1 league game per week will be crucial for me to make more informed decisions, and more time to make better choices in purchases instead of blindly splurging cash.
My aim this season is to finish in 3rd position or better.
I have rekindled my passion for the game within today itself, placing 2 ageing midfield stars on the transfer list, and after quite some time of bidding, I managed to pull off 2 purchases that amount to 3.1million dollars. I am hoping the 2 sales will recoup at least 2.5 million for me.
The players I bought are much younger: in the range of 21-23 years. I am training Playmaking now, but have made the uncanny decision to actually play 3-4-3. But I am still doing it because some of my midfield stars are in awful form, while my strikers all deserve to be on the pitch (4 good strikers in my team).
I am currently in 4th position in my series of 8 teams, and the more laxing 1 league game per week will be crucial for me to make more informed decisions, and more time to make better choices in purchases instead of blindly splurging cash.
My aim this season is to finish in 3rd position or better.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Soccerproject Season 31 Update
With 23 matches played, Walcott United is looking decent, challenging for the top positions. 17 wins of 23 in G division may not be the most pleasing record for the team in its history, having been crowned G-division champions twice before making swift returns by relegation.
However, this is a team in peril having been mildly managed the previous season. The target for the team this season is to consolidate and finish in the top 5, without promotion, so that the team finances can be boosted, as well as for the team spirit to be kept up with good results, as the team requires frequent shuffles.
FC Prozna is looking very strong, with a vast 7 point lead at the top of the table. Their manager must be determined to deliver swift results. As I had predicted at the start of the season (not penned down though), Dynamo Stranska has a stronger team than mine and should do rather well with proper management. Now they are sitting third, a point in front of my team before our crunch match on Monday.
I will put out a strong team, but the team is hampered by the absence of first-choice RM Jeff Cavanagh, always a strong presence in midfield, due to pneumonia. He will be out for 4 days. Whether or not we can win this, I think it is a 50-50 probability.
Moving on to the transfers made during the season, I think it has to some extent stabilised the financial stability. Just like how the real world is starting to move out of recession.
I had sold 2 players, an RF and an RM, for a combined profit of 1 million dollars. Both players are aged around 20-22, rather youthful, but only such players can be sold for some profit. As my team is already rather weak in numbers, I made 2 quick instant purchases for a total of 700K expenditure. Welcome LB Danielson and LF Marek Waga. Although both players are unlikely to be heroic for the team over the long term, they remain essential to boost the numbers.
I have purchased a 21-year-old Dutch CB whose skills have maxed already at 77% overall. This is rather decent, but again not a long-term solution when my first-choice CBs David Jindrisek and Thomas Lenko retire. But he cost quite a bargain at 250K.
I am still at 358K in finances, but a pending sale of a promoted youth player CB Damien Giresse to my friend, who manages the club "____". Not authorized to use his team name yet, but I shall call it SP. The sale would be 150K according to a pact we made, as I was in sympathy of his squad with just 15 players, grossly insufficient and weak finances as well. Unless an offer of 600K or above comes in, which is unlikely. I do think the player I bought is better than this I am selling :D
Moving on, I am happy with the progress of 2 of my youth players, namely CF Matt Idangar and RM Wilson Mathis. I hope they will be good enough to replace my ageing stars.
As a collective note, I apologize for the extended period of inactivity. An announcement will be that I will be expanding the scope of the blog to Singapore sports instead of just soccer! Good news I would say. And, Walcott United will be facing a testing stretch of 3 important games, which could mean the team finish 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th. I am targeting 3rd.
However, this is a team in peril having been mildly managed the previous season. The target for the team this season is to consolidate and finish in the top 5, without promotion, so that the team finances can be boosted, as well as for the team spirit to be kept up with good results, as the team requires frequent shuffles.
FC Prozna is looking very strong, with a vast 7 point lead at the top of the table. Their manager must be determined to deliver swift results. As I had predicted at the start of the season (not penned down though), Dynamo Stranska has a stronger team than mine and should do rather well with proper management. Now they are sitting third, a point in front of my team before our crunch match on Monday.
I will put out a strong team, but the team is hampered by the absence of first-choice RM Jeff Cavanagh, always a strong presence in midfield, due to pneumonia. He will be out for 4 days. Whether or not we can win this, I think it is a 50-50 probability.
Moving on to the transfers made during the season, I think it has to some extent stabilised the financial stability. Just like how the real world is starting to move out of recession.
I had sold 2 players, an RF and an RM, for a combined profit of 1 million dollars. Both players are aged around 20-22, rather youthful, but only such players can be sold for some profit. As my team is already rather weak in numbers, I made 2 quick instant purchases for a total of 700K expenditure. Welcome LB Danielson and LF Marek Waga. Although both players are unlikely to be heroic for the team over the long term, they remain essential to boost the numbers.
I have purchased a 21-year-old Dutch CB whose skills have maxed already at 77% overall. This is rather decent, but again not a long-term solution when my first-choice CBs David Jindrisek and Thomas Lenko retire. But he cost quite a bargain at 250K.
I am still at 358K in finances, but a pending sale of a promoted youth player CB Damien Giresse to my friend, who manages the club "____". Not authorized to use his team name yet, but I shall call it SP. The sale would be 150K according to a pact we made, as I was in sympathy of his squad with just 15 players, grossly insufficient and weak finances as well. Unless an offer of 600K or above comes in, which is unlikely. I do think the player I bought is better than this I am selling :D
Moving on, I am happy with the progress of 2 of my youth players, namely CF Matt Idangar and RM Wilson Mathis. I hope they will be good enough to replace my ageing stars.
As a collective note, I apologize for the extended period of inactivity. An announcement will be that I will be expanding the scope of the blog to Singapore sports instead of just soccer! Good news I would say. And, Walcott United will be facing a testing stretch of 3 important games, which could mean the team finish 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th. I am targeting 3rd.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Down with Pride
With a season total of 24 points, Walcott United is definitely relegated.
This season is periled due to my temporary loss of interest in Soccerproject.
However, ever since my return to the game on 3rd August, in the 14 league matches remaining out of 30, I recorded 5 wins, most notably my first after my return, a 2-1 away win against FC Prozna, and ending the season with a 7-0 thrashing of managerless Dinamo Murata and probably the best result in the final match of the season against SK Babi, a rather strong team.
The result is another 2-1 away win. This was very satisfying because my match ratings of:
Defence 38%
Midfield 37%
Attack 44%
with a 3-4-3 Kick and Rush formation is the best I have seen. This is the strongest group of attackers I have assembled, with RF Robby Doll being 2nd top scorer with 27 league goals (the best any of my strikers have ever done in any division), LF Shameer As'at adding 11, and CF Ratna Rahim adding 10.
Robby Doll however is 28, Ratna 27, thus within 3 seasons I would need to get replacements ready. Thus finance is important. I have really limited finance at the moment. Amazngly, RF Sevki scored 5 league goals, and 10 total goals in just 13 matches, many which should be friendlies since he is my 2nd choice RF.
SK Babi finished the season in 9th spot with 35 points despite the loss to Walcott United, with the 11th spot team with 34 points with a 9-1 thumping of last-placed Dinamo. The result did not change matters, but it was a significant achievement for Walcott United.
The win propelled Walcott United to a respectable 12th position, goal difference of -17. By number of wins, our team edged out SKP Strelci, who also posted a final day win and is on 24 points, and The Vastators which lost to division champions FC Grimaud 1-2 on the final day.
A season where the team's existence was threatened is revived but finances are still very vulnerable.
However, as I am writing this, there is good news filtering in. CF Brahim Munoz has finally been offloaded at a price of 280K. This money at least brings the budget to a safer level, though incoming transfers remain unlikely.
Thankfully, the squad is still sustainable.
This season is periled due to my temporary loss of interest in Soccerproject.
However, ever since my return to the game on 3rd August, in the 14 league matches remaining out of 30, I recorded 5 wins, most notably my first after my return, a 2-1 away win against FC Prozna, and ending the season with a 7-0 thrashing of managerless Dinamo Murata and probably the best result in the final match of the season against SK Babi, a rather strong team.
The result is another 2-1 away win. This was very satisfying because my match ratings of:
Defence 38%
Midfield 37%
Attack 44%
with a 3-4-3 Kick and Rush formation is the best I have seen. This is the strongest group of attackers I have assembled, with RF Robby Doll being 2nd top scorer with 27 league goals (the best any of my strikers have ever done in any division), LF Shameer As'at adding 11, and CF Ratna Rahim adding 10.
Robby Doll however is 28, Ratna 27, thus within 3 seasons I would need to get replacements ready. Thus finance is important. I have really limited finance at the moment. Amazngly, RF Sevki scored 5 league goals, and 10 total goals in just 13 matches, many which should be friendlies since he is my 2nd choice RF.
SK Babi finished the season in 9th spot with 35 points despite the loss to Walcott United, with the 11th spot team with 34 points with a 9-1 thumping of last-placed Dinamo. The result did not change matters, but it was a significant achievement for Walcott United.
The win propelled Walcott United to a respectable 12th position, goal difference of -17. By number of wins, our team edged out SKP Strelci, who also posted a final day win and is on 24 points, and The Vastators which lost to division champions FC Grimaud 1-2 on the final day.
A season where the team's existence was threatened is revived but finances are still very vulnerable.
However, as I am writing this, there is good news filtering in. CF Brahim Munoz has finally been offloaded at a price of 280K. This money at least brings the budget to a safer level, though incoming transfers remain unlikely.
Thankfully, the squad is still sustainable.
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Soccerproject
I flirted with quitting the game, but the presence of friends playing is what drew me back.
Come on, I am now rebuilding my team. I don't possess great hope of doing the great escape. Though I feel as though I am a new manager thrown with the task of steering the team away from relegation.
But with my current players, and a weak finance, there is little I can do at the moment.
I bought a CF and an LB immediate on my return. From 2 million my finances dropped below 1 million. The CF is very so-so, a bench-warmer I would say. But I need him, although he is rated a meagre 76%. His strike rate is pretty decent; that's the reason I recruited him.
The LB is important because I had lost both of my LBs. Due to my inactivity. Apologies to Walcott United fans. And I got myself a so-so LB as well. But this is okay since my previous 2 LBs were only marginally better than this one.
I have since bought another player - a CM. This CM still has a couple of un-maxed skills. Meanwhile I am also selling 3 of my players.
One of them, my current first-choice RB, is confirmed leaving as someone had already made a bid of 50K. My instant-selling-fee is 170K if I am not wrong. A 20-year-old CF has not received any bids. I hope that someone will bid for 700K for this striker. I need the money. The last player is a weak CB I bought as temporary reinforcement the last time round.
I am selling the RB because I think the 2 developing RBs I have (promoted from youth team) will be as good if not better than my current first-choice. And another reason is because I want to start selling some of the older players.
I aim to finish respectably - perhaps at least 12th.
Come on, I am now rebuilding my team. I don't possess great hope of doing the great escape. Though I feel as though I am a new manager thrown with the task of steering the team away from relegation.
But with my current players, and a weak finance, there is little I can do at the moment.
I bought a CF and an LB immediate on my return. From 2 million my finances dropped below 1 million. The CF is very so-so, a bench-warmer I would say. But I need him, although he is rated a meagre 76%. His strike rate is pretty decent; that's the reason I recruited him.
The LB is important because I had lost both of my LBs. Due to my inactivity. Apologies to Walcott United fans. And I got myself a so-so LB as well. But this is okay since my previous 2 LBs were only marginally better than this one.
I have since bought another player - a CM. This CM still has a couple of un-maxed skills. Meanwhile I am also selling 3 of my players.
One of them, my current first-choice RB, is confirmed leaving as someone had already made a bid of 50K. My instant-selling-fee is 170K if I am not wrong. A 20-year-old CF has not received any bids. I hope that someone will bid for 700K for this striker. I need the money. The last player is a weak CB I bought as temporary reinforcement the last time round.
I am selling the RB because I think the 2 developing RBs I have (promoted from youth team) will be as good if not better than my current first-choice. And another reason is because I want to start selling some of the older players.
I aim to finish respectably - perhaps at least 12th.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Singapore vs Liverpool
Finally a strong EPL side has come to Singapore to play a match against us.
I generally think, based on the match, Lionel Lewis is still a better keeper than Hassan Sunny.
Although Lionel conceded 2 goals in just around 15-20 minutes, he was faced with a barrage of attacks, albeit definitely not the best of Liverpool. This is an exhibition match after all.
With the crowd roaring behind Liverpool, it is easy to forget Singapore is actually our nation.
But no shame to lose to a top EPL side. Singapore, despite all its improvement under Raddy Avramovic, remains limited in talents, very good talents, and would probably find it tough to muster a 2-match winning streak if placed in the English League Two.
Not that I know the qualities there.
Our focus remains in Asia. Who knows in the near future, Fandi may send his 2 talented sons to Singapore team and boost us? And how will Hariss Harun actually develop to? He has great potential.
At this moment I see the best players in the present national team to be Lionel Lewis, Mustafic Fahrudin and Daniel Bennett.
Only Lionel is not a foreign talent. We need more local talents.
We are essentially a nation and not a football club. We must make sure in the short future, our own homegrown talents can come up and oust some of the foreign talents in our national squad. Only then can we justify the foreign talent scheme.
Table Tennis may be showing signs of such a benefit. Isabelle Li and Clarence Chew were both pretty solid at the Asian Youth Games. Swimming has done so much with just foreign coaches, and local swimmers. Tao Li and Quah Ting Wen looks to blaze the Guangzhou Asian Games 2010 alight.
Football is our pet sport. Can we make this crucial conversion soon?
I generally think, based on the match, Lionel Lewis is still a better keeper than Hassan Sunny.
Although Lionel conceded 2 goals in just around 15-20 minutes, he was faced with a barrage of attacks, albeit definitely not the best of Liverpool. This is an exhibition match after all.
With the crowd roaring behind Liverpool, it is easy to forget Singapore is actually our nation.
But no shame to lose to a top EPL side. Singapore, despite all its improvement under Raddy Avramovic, remains limited in talents, very good talents, and would probably find it tough to muster a 2-match winning streak if placed in the English League Two.
Not that I know the qualities there.
Our focus remains in Asia. Who knows in the near future, Fandi may send his 2 talented sons to Singapore team and boost us? And how will Hariss Harun actually develop to? He has great potential.
At this moment I see the best players in the present national team to be Lionel Lewis, Mustafic Fahrudin and Daniel Bennett.
Only Lionel is not a foreign talent. We need more local talents.
We are essentially a nation and not a football club. We must make sure in the short future, our own homegrown talents can come up and oust some of the foreign talents in our national squad. Only then can we justify the foreign talent scheme.
Table Tennis may be showing signs of such a benefit. Isabelle Li and Clarence Chew were both pretty solid at the Asian Youth Games. Swimming has done so much with just foreign coaches, and local swimmers. Tao Li and Quah Ting Wen looks to blaze the Guangzhou Asian Games 2010 alight.
Football is our pet sport. Can we make this crucial conversion soon?
Monday, June 22, 2009
New Game
Adding to Soccerproject, and the very good game of Hattrick, here is another game I recommend:
Championship Manager Online
Google search these words and you will find your way to the website.
Like Soccermanager, this is a soccer management game based on real life players.
Unlike Soccermanager, it is much more multi-dimensional, due to many skills contributing to the overall 'Judgement', grading from World Class, to Superstar, Star, Superb, Very Good, Good, Fairly Good, Decent, Fairly Decent, Average, etc.
The players can be trained simply under the categories, First Team, Reserve Team, Youth Team, Goalkeeper, Fitness or Rest. By training the players, positive influences may result in the Judgement of the player moving up, until a cap which is the player's maximum potential, based on a system used based on real life performances.
Very good game, after about 1-2 weeks at the game. I currently manage Game World 89 French League side Rennes, currently under me managing 2 league wins and 1 league draw, moving up to 6th.
Unlike Soccermanager, the game also follows the real life format well. The top teams in each league, following the rules for qualification for European tournaments, will participate in the elite Champions Cup (Real life named UEFA Champions League), and the Europa Cup (Europa League?). Some developments are still being carried out, leading to the Europa Cup name not yet used entirely; instead still called UEFA Cup, the real life current name.
My favourite player, favourite striker, favourite footballer, favourite sportsman, is Thierry Henry!!!!! Absolutely divine, world-class player.
If interested, join me in Game World 89!
My friends Yongrui and Seng Peing are also in the game, in the French League with me in Game World 89! But you might not be able to get a team in the French League now because most remaining unmanaged teams are 4star teams, and newcomers start the game only able to manage teams of 3 stars and below.
Positive match results will accumulate in the form of Manager Points, (not to be mixed with Experience Points, which are awarded for exploring features and doing things in the game) till a point where the manager can finally manage higher level teams.
The best teams, like Arsenal FC (GUNNERS!) and FC Barcelona, are 6star teams.
So join me now!
Championship Manager Online
Google search these words and you will find your way to the website.
Like Soccermanager, this is a soccer management game based on real life players.
Unlike Soccermanager, it is much more multi-dimensional, due to many skills contributing to the overall 'Judgement', grading from World Class, to Superstar, Star, Superb, Very Good, Good, Fairly Good, Decent, Fairly Decent, Average, etc.
The players can be trained simply under the categories, First Team, Reserve Team, Youth Team, Goalkeeper, Fitness or Rest. By training the players, positive influences may result in the Judgement of the player moving up, until a cap which is the player's maximum potential, based on a system used based on real life performances.
Very good game, after about 1-2 weeks at the game. I currently manage Game World 89 French League side Rennes, currently under me managing 2 league wins and 1 league draw, moving up to 6th.
Unlike Soccermanager, the game also follows the real life format well. The top teams in each league, following the rules for qualification for European tournaments, will participate in the elite Champions Cup (Real life named UEFA Champions League), and the Europa Cup (Europa League?). Some developments are still being carried out, leading to the Europa Cup name not yet used entirely; instead still called UEFA Cup, the real life current name.
My favourite player, favourite striker, favourite footballer, favourite sportsman, is Thierry Henry!!!!! Absolutely divine, world-class player.
If interested, join me in Game World 89!
My friends Yongrui and Seng Peing are also in the game, in the French League with me in Game World 89! But you might not be able to get a team in the French League now because most remaining unmanaged teams are 4star teams, and newcomers start the game only able to manage teams of 3 stars and below.
Positive match results will accumulate in the form of Manager Points, (not to be mixed with Experience Points, which are awarded for exploring features and doing things in the game) till a point where the manager can finally manage higher level teams.
The best teams, like Arsenal FC (GUNNERS!) and FC Barcelona, are 6star teams.
So join me now!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Crisis
This period is by far the worst period my team Walcott United is going through.
And this isn't the disastrous 2nd attempt at F Division. I am now down to G Division, and currently sit 3rd with 5 wins out of 5.
However, the standings can only say so much.
The team is in financial crisis. At this juncture, the team finances amount to below 400,000 dollars. To boost finances, there are only some limited ways.
1) Advertising boards
The impact is minimal. The ad boards are getting increasingly bad for the team, with bad offers, like 9500dollars for display for >20 days. We are talking about hitting the team's safe region of >1 million.
2) Offload players
Currently, this is the most feasible solution. However, the squad currently consists of only 22 players, and I would never know when a new youth player will be promoted. My policy of recruiting older but better players are finally showing its cons. They can no longer be sold at a good price (ie. >300K). I have placed my star striker (29yo) on sale, as well as a promoted French youth striker (18yo). I hope these 2 players' sale will garner me at least 700K.
3) Offload staff members
Staff members' wages, due to a new game rule, has soared to around 10 times of their original value. This is a big reason my finances are increasingly stretched. However, many positions are crucial. Asst manger will deal well with the team when I am away, as I am, increasingly in this period. Coach is the most impt, as it helps in improving the skills of youth players. The doctor heals injured players, while the scout ensures supply of youth players. The groundsman keeps the ground in good condition, ensuring no fine and good performances from players.
The only remaining position is the physiotherapist, who reduces chances of players getting injuries. At this moment, his salary is 6K+, and offloading him will cost me 70K+, which is much less than letting his contract run out in 1.5season left on his contract. In this critical period, this is really a last-ditch measure.
As I have put 2 players on the transfer list, I still need to buy players to ensure the players don't wear out, and also because the injuries may be much more frequent due to the removal of a physiotherapist. With a mere 300+K left, I will not think about taking a loan yet, but instead invest in free players. I have bidded for about 5, and I will hope at least 1 will materialise.
I will update the situation maybe this weekend.
And this isn't the disastrous 2nd attempt at F Division. I am now down to G Division, and currently sit 3rd with 5 wins out of 5.
However, the standings can only say so much.
The team is in financial crisis. At this juncture, the team finances amount to below 400,000 dollars. To boost finances, there are only some limited ways.
1) Advertising boards
The impact is minimal. The ad boards are getting increasingly bad for the team, with bad offers, like 9500dollars for display for >20 days. We are talking about hitting the team's safe region of >1 million.
2) Offload players
Currently, this is the most feasible solution. However, the squad currently consists of only 22 players, and I would never know when a new youth player will be promoted. My policy of recruiting older but better players are finally showing its cons. They can no longer be sold at a good price (ie. >300K). I have placed my star striker (29yo) on sale, as well as a promoted French youth striker (18yo). I hope these 2 players' sale will garner me at least 700K.
3) Offload staff members
Staff members' wages, due to a new game rule, has soared to around 10 times of their original value. This is a big reason my finances are increasingly stretched. However, many positions are crucial. Asst manger will deal well with the team when I am away, as I am, increasingly in this period. Coach is the most impt, as it helps in improving the skills of youth players. The doctor heals injured players, while the scout ensures supply of youth players. The groundsman keeps the ground in good condition, ensuring no fine and good performances from players.
The only remaining position is the physiotherapist, who reduces chances of players getting injuries. At this moment, his salary is 6K+, and offloading him will cost me 70K+, which is much less than letting his contract run out in 1.5season left on his contract. In this critical period, this is really a last-ditch measure.
As I have put 2 players on the transfer list, I still need to buy players to ensure the players don't wear out, and also because the injuries may be much more frequent due to the removal of a physiotherapist. With a mere 300+K left, I will not think about taking a loan yet, but instead invest in free players. I have bidded for about 5, and I will hope at least 1 will materialise.
I will update the situation maybe this weekend.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Horrible season is finally ending.
How horrible? Just see how long I didn't have the mood to post.
Flunked transfers which are overpriced, poor decision to expand stadium size, costing 1.15million, has led to me resorting to extremely low money transfers days ago to make up the numbers.
Hope that the cheaper ones will prove better than some of the more expensive ones...
How horrible? Just see how long I didn't have the mood to post.
Flunked transfers which are overpriced, poor decision to expand stadium size, costing 1.15million, has led to me resorting to extremely low money transfers days ago to make up the numbers.
Hope that the cheaper ones will prove better than some of the more expensive ones...
Saturday, February 28, 2009
DPMM good start
Very credible showing, exceeding expectations, dominating possession, and rescuing a draw in the dying seconds with a good counter attack with a great volley finishing the move.
Young Lions forced to a draw.
Match is played in Brunei's stadium. They defeat the Super Reds 2-1.
And all that from a team from a nation that doesn't even play in the biannual Tiger Cup or ASEAN Football Championships or AFF Suzuki Cup?
Great job, DPMM.
Young Lions forced to a draw.
Match is played in Brunei's stadium. They defeat the Super Reds 2-1.
And all that from a team from a nation that doesn't even play in the biannual Tiger Cup or ASEAN Football Championships or AFF Suzuki Cup?
Great job, DPMM.
Back to Div F
A new season, and many greater challenges.
My main targets:
1) Finish in Top 8
2) Reach 5th round of Cup
Much simpler than before. Had a honeymoon period in Div G, with a couple of dropped points at Div G showing that things could be much harder in Div F.
Will try hard to serve the good team justice in its 2nd stint in this division.
My main targets:
1) Finish in Top 8
2) Reach 5th round of Cup
Much simpler than before. Had a honeymoon period in Div G, with a couple of dropped points at Div G showing that things could be much harder in Div F.
Will try hard to serve the good team justice in its 2nd stint in this division.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
S-League 2009
Yes! It is here!
Dalian Shide is gone, Brunei DPMM is here. Sengkang is revamped, with additions of Singapore national team RB Noh Rahman, former national team captain Aide Iskandar, foreign signings like Wiredu of Canada and Diallo of Guinea, and possibly Indra Sahdan.
SAFFC is much the same, but it is undeniable Duric is starting to slow down, and may retire soon. The top scorer race may prove to be unpredictable.
Here are my predictions for the S-League season:
1st/2nd: SAFFC, Tampines Rovers
3rd: Super Reds
4th: Home United
5th: Geylang United
6th: Gombak United
7th: Young Lions
8th: Sengkang Punggol
9th: Albirex Niigata
10th: Woodlands Wellington
11th: DPMM
12th: Balestier Khalsa
These are grossly inaccurate as of now, because I need to see the teams playing before I know their standards.
May SAFFC go through to the AFC Champions League group stages at least!
Some names to look out for: Jonathan Xu (Defender, Geylang Utd), Hariss Harun (Midfielder, Young Lions), Park Tae Won (Midfielder, SAFFC), Shaiful Esah (Defender, SAFFC), Benoit Croissant (Defender, Tampines Rovers), Agu Casmir (Striker, Gombak)
Can Agu re-discover his great form in his first stint with S-League? Can Park win his first silverware with the club that denied him twice in the Singapore Cup final? Can former Sheffield United squad player (wonder how prominent he reached) be a defensive rock?
Jonathan Xu and Shaiful Esah and Hariss Harun are all upcoming youngsters whom are very promising. Xu may establish himself now that Aide is moved out of his way at CB position to Sengkang. I still think Shaiful is the best RB, not Noh Rahman. And Hariss Harun needs to be less injury-prone, and fulfil his great potential. His passing is very good.
Dalian Shide is gone, Brunei DPMM is here. Sengkang is revamped, with additions of Singapore national team RB Noh Rahman, former national team captain Aide Iskandar, foreign signings like Wiredu of Canada and Diallo of Guinea, and possibly Indra Sahdan.
SAFFC is much the same, but it is undeniable Duric is starting to slow down, and may retire soon. The top scorer race may prove to be unpredictable.
Here are my predictions for the S-League season:
1st/2nd: SAFFC, Tampines Rovers
3rd: Super Reds
4th: Home United
5th: Geylang United
6th: Gombak United
7th: Young Lions
8th: Sengkang Punggol
9th: Albirex Niigata
10th: Woodlands Wellington
11th: DPMM
12th: Balestier Khalsa
These are grossly inaccurate as of now, because I need to see the teams playing before I know their standards.
May SAFFC go through to the AFC Champions League group stages at least!
Some names to look out for: Jonathan Xu (Defender, Geylang Utd), Hariss Harun (Midfielder, Young Lions), Park Tae Won (Midfielder, SAFFC), Shaiful Esah (Defender, SAFFC), Benoit Croissant (Defender, Tampines Rovers), Agu Casmir (Striker, Gombak)
Can Agu re-discover his great form in his first stint with S-League? Can Park win his first silverware with the club that denied him twice in the Singapore Cup final? Can former Sheffield United squad player (wonder how prominent he reached) be a defensive rock?
Jonathan Xu and Shaiful Esah and Hariss Harun are all upcoming youngsters whom are very promising. Xu may establish himself now that Aide is moved out of his way at CB position to Sengkang. I still think Shaiful is the best RB, not Noh Rahman. And Hariss Harun needs to be less injury-prone, and fulfil his great potential. His passing is very good.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Doing well
As I have aimed, I regained my top position after a shock loss to initially 2nd ranked (and now 3rd) De Rouches. De Rouches... a few seasons ago was actually not as good as my team, then my managerial problems with team spirit allowed a cople of teams, including them, to overtake me. De Rouches was promoted the season before I did, then they got relegated the season before I did.
So apparently we are back on even ground and may both be promoted, but currently 2nd placed FC Prozna is worrying even me.
I have some youth players coming through, with LF Shameer As'at already near maxing his skills and looking a really good player, 2 RFs, the latter one which is promoted being extremely great in his primary skills shooting and heading. A CF is promoted too. Too early to see whether he has sufficient quality.
I await the promotion of players in CM and CB position. CM needs better young players, while I only have 2 CBs, allowing me only to play 343 as formation so as to keep their fitness up.
Generally I didn't make many transfers. Sold a few players. Will sell more, 1 CF and 1 CM (when 1 is promoted) is likely. Hopefully before end of the season, because my team spirit will be affected next season if I am promoted, because matches are tougher and wins are tougher to get.
Target is simple: 1st in league
And I did well in the cup for the first time, reaching the 5th round (never reached even the 4th round before) and exiting only on penalties. Overcome higher division teams twice before losing in the 5th round.
So apparently we are back on even ground and may both be promoted, but currently 2nd placed FC Prozna is worrying even me.
I have some youth players coming through, with LF Shameer As'at already near maxing his skills and looking a really good player, 2 RFs, the latter one which is promoted being extremely great in his primary skills shooting and heading. A CF is promoted too. Too early to see whether he has sufficient quality.
I await the promotion of players in CM and CB position. CM needs better young players, while I only have 2 CBs, allowing me only to play 343 as formation so as to keep their fitness up.
Generally I didn't make many transfers. Sold a few players. Will sell more, 1 CF and 1 CM (when 1 is promoted) is likely. Hopefully before end of the season, because my team spirit will be affected next season if I am promoted, because matches are tougher and wins are tougher to get.
Target is simple: 1st in league
And I did well in the cup for the first time, reaching the 5th round (never reached even the 4th round before) and exiting only on penalties. Overcome higher division teams twice before losing in the 5th round.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Soccerproject latest updates
4W 1D 0L.
A pretty decent start to make my way to the top of the Division G.5, after a dismaying season ended in relegation the season before.
However, the position has a lot of strengthening to do. There are 6 teams hot on Walcott United's heels, with Valencia, whom we drew against in the first match of the season, on equal points, and the other 5 just a point behind.
The top 2 gets promoted. But my target is winning the championship, to repeat my feat 2 seasons ago.
I still remember languishing in mid table mediocrity for a couple of seasons in Division G. 8th, 8th, 9th. Then the squad started to improve, thanks to new players and a better team spirit, Walcott United finished 5th the following season, and won the title for promotion in the 5th season in Div G, and 7th season in the game.
Currently my jobs are to start replenishing players. Players coming out of the youth ranks are doing that pretty well. Shameer As'at may prove to be the best forward the club has seen. Asrit Ramadani is performing very well, to expectations, though he should be plundering more goals. Both are Left Forwards.
Thomas Lenko is a very good CB, but at age 29, it is better to get some money by selling him as his form starts to drop, and invest in a younger CB. So far, CM Saiful is sold for a higher price than expected. I made a bad transfer, but I still have 3 good Central Midfielders.
And I had bought an LM Lubomir Dvorak very good in his primary skills to replace retiring Muhd Akbar Rahim, who has been my best player from the initial batch.
And I have 2 youth RFs coming out of the youth ranks, and hopefully they can be the best RFs the club has seen.
That's all.
A pretty decent start to make my way to the top of the Division G.5, after a dismaying season ended in relegation the season before.
However, the position has a lot of strengthening to do. There are 6 teams hot on Walcott United's heels, with Valencia, whom we drew against in the first match of the season, on equal points, and the other 5 just a point behind.
The top 2 gets promoted. But my target is winning the championship, to repeat my feat 2 seasons ago.
I still remember languishing in mid table mediocrity for a couple of seasons in Division G. 8th, 8th, 9th. Then the squad started to improve, thanks to new players and a better team spirit, Walcott United finished 5th the following season, and won the title for promotion in the 5th season in Div G, and 7th season in the game.
Currently my jobs are to start replenishing players. Players coming out of the youth ranks are doing that pretty well. Shameer As'at may prove to be the best forward the club has seen. Asrit Ramadani is performing very well, to expectations, though he should be plundering more goals. Both are Left Forwards.
Thomas Lenko is a very good CB, but at age 29, it is better to get some money by selling him as his form starts to drop, and invest in a younger CB. So far, CM Saiful is sold for a higher price than expected. I made a bad transfer, but I still have 3 good Central Midfielders.
And I had bought an LM Lubomir Dvorak very good in his primary skills to replace retiring Muhd Akbar Rahim, who has been my best player from the initial batch.
And I have 2 youth RFs coming out of the youth ranks, and hopefully they can be the best RFs the club has seen.
That's all.
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