It will be the sternest test for the Singapore Under-23s' medal aspirations as they take on Vietnam in the first semi-final to be played at Chao Avoung Stadium at 7pm (Singapore time).
The Young Lions have been far from satisfactory during the group stage with their Jekyll and Hyde performances. Assured in the first 45 minutes, clumsy in the next. Stout in the first half, helter-skelter in the next.
Fortunately the group opponents have not been that ruthless to make them pay for their defensive calamities. Vietnam Under-23s, under the Suzuki Cup-winning coach Henrique Calisto, will be another story altogether.
While few from their senior side are featuring in the biennial event, they are reputed to be quick, fast and deadly in front of goal. Three wins and a draw in the first round demonstrated their dominance against tough opponents in Thailand and Malaysia in their pool.
Astray passes will be siezed. Lapses in concentration will be capitalized. Lack of imagination and ideas will ensure dominance. Not the scenarios coach Terry Pathmanathan will like to contemplate ahead of the big one.
Shaiful Esah, Hariss Harun and Shahdan Sulaiman were rested in the last game against the host nation and will have to step up their game if the Young Lions are to be in contention.
Understandably, the Singapore fans back home will be counting on Shaiful's left foot to execute pinpoint set-pieces en route to goal as all four goals the team have scored thus far came from this method.
Hariss will need to shield the fragile defence in defensive midfield alongside team captain Isa Halim as they look to keep the speedy Vietnamese in check.
However, the player who has the biggest say in how the team will fare is Shahdan. The Home United playmaker has to use his distribution abilities to good effect and hope our blunt forwards can deliver something from open play.
Defensively the whole team have to concentrate and learn from their earlier mistakes in the tournament. Any repeat will only mean trouble for this young team.
Correct many of the mistakes made, and there is every hope of an upset and the continued quest for the 'improbable' football gold medal.
Need to arrest the problem of giving the ball too cheapy.. like u mentioned Shahdan Sulaiman's role is the key in orchestrating the passes to the front...
ReplyDelete