Singapore 3-2 Vietnam (50th post)

Firstly I would like to congratulate myself for reaching the 50th post on this blog! It's been quite a while...and prior to this I had just changed blogskin to commemorate this occasion, and happy to say, it will be coupled with the discussion of a good Singapore team performance.

Comparing to the lacklustre performance against Laos, I believe Raddy had steadied the ship and rallied his charges. This change in attitude and commitment was largely evident. In the 1st 45 minutes, Singapore had been the more dominant team, and though leading by 3 goals was perhaps not too deserved, the fact that the match ended in Singapore's favour is rightfully deserved.

Dropping of Agu Casmir must have been everyone's mind and it did happened. Fazrul did move to attack. So my previous words were somehow answered? In this performance, before Isa Halim's dismissal, Singapore looked a completely different one from the one that emerged just 48 hours ago before this match. This team has much more commitment; they are willing to charge and challenge for balls, and their passing were more accurate, with their crossing more purposeful.

Khairul Amri was a constant thorn throughout the match. He is the only one Singaporean ahead of the centre line at most times, and the only one still constantly running, yet he seemed tireless, and his work has been appreciated.

Vietnam's 2 own goals contributed much, but Singapore, for all their improvement and desire, surely deserved to be back on track for the semi-finals.

I learnt that Hariss Harun is still only half-fit, so pardon for what I say in the preceding post.

Here's my notes for the match against Malaysia:

Defence:
Needs to further improve positioning, as they were often chasing Vietnamese forwards. Should sometimes pass more instead of pumping up high balls. Baihakki will have to continue his good work.

Midfield:
Need to link better between attack and defence. Needs more creativity; instead of predictably passing most balls to Amri. Sharil needs this performance against Malaysia, instead of the one against Laos.

Attack:
Can't really do much, since Agu is totally off-colour. Amri should continue what he is doing, and Fazrul should get in front more often.

Wish Singapore to secure a semi-final berth!