Terry Pathmanathan has the difficult task of lifting the crestfallen young Singaporeans after their 4-1 thrashing at the feet of the Vietnamese in the SEA Games semi-finals as the bronze medal playoff against hosts Laos loom on Thursday afternoon (Singapore time).
Like their last group B "friendly" fixture, the Young Lions will once again have to contend with the loud support of 20,000 Laotians who will be willing their side to win their first ever football medal of the Games.
To make matters worse, Shaiful Esah is sidelined after suffering a serious knock in the last match. Gabriel Quak is set to be his replacement on the left flank, probably the only enforced change for the playoff.
While every Young Lion has seen some action in Vientiane so far, it remains to be seen whether the fringe players such as Firdaus Idros, Madhu Mohana and Shahfiq Ghani could be thrown into the fray as the team look to regain some pride with a bronze.
As usual, it remains to be seen whether the shakiest back four of the tournament (after Timor Leste and Cambodia) can provide some security for the goalkeeper. It is also interesting to see how much possession these boys can retain on the ground without looking silly or nervy.
Honestly it is pointless to talk about the opponents again unless the Singaporeans choose to get their act together and end their Games adventure on a high. Historically for this nation, the game has always been a hit-and-miss affair.
Laos are underdogs, but they are no longer minnows at this level after their brave performances throughout this Games. Alfred Riedl will ensure his side put on a good show in front of their people and provide a satisfactory end to their journey.
More information about Laos can be seen in this previous entry.
Showing posts with label 2009 SEA Games. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2009 SEA Games. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Vietnam 4 Singapore 1: Big Defensive Lesson for Young Lions
The Singaporean footballers seem to be biannual poorer cousins to their water polo counterparts. While the latter are relied upon to deliver gold, the former's dreams of hitting the jackpot have been extended after losing 4-1 to Vietnam in the first semi-final played on Monday.
Although the Young Lions took the lead mid way in the first half against the run of play, it was the opposition who took charge of the game all the way from start to finish and deservedly won the game to advance to the final.
The Vietnamese were mobile in their short passing and off-the-ball running; the Singaporeans were content to defend and counter with long balls. While it was fine to adopt a soak-and-strike strategy as it effectively showed in the first 30 minutes whenever the Young Lions had the ball, the fragile back four was always going to be a major concern.
Prior to the game, it was highlighted in the preview that the Singaporeans had to eradicate the mistakes they committed against group opponents if they were to have a chance to cause an upset.
It also warned that a repeat of these errors would see them being punished without a second chance for redemption. And that was virtually exactly what happened.
Not even goalkeeper Hyrulnizam Juma'at's commendable performance between the posts, including saving a penalty from Phan Thanh Binh, could cover up the glaring weaknesses that were waiting to be exposed.
At the same time, much was expected of skipper Isa Halim, Shaiful Esah, Hariss Harun and Shahdan Sulaiman to step up their game to give the Singaporeans some hope. None of them managed to do so.
Isa and Hariss had too much to do shielding the back four in vain while Shaiful looked off colour in defence and attack, apart from a few deadly crosses on the left that nearly reaped rewards.
Shahdan and the rest of the team seemed to be on different wavelengths on the style of play. Many were too busy pumping hopeful long balls for Khairul Nizam to chase and Shahdan had too little of the ball to make more through passes.
The Vietnamese also managed to isolate Shahdan and Nizam up front for much of the game. With the attacking gear shut out, it was inevitable then the floodgates would eventually open given the pressure they exerted on the defence from the start.
The victors kept much possession of the ball, played several one-twos that had the red shirts confused and left gaps in defence that were exploited by their forwards. Once they found the equalizer two minutes after Nizam's opening goal against the run of play, there was to be no second chance for Young Lions this time.
They could have had more goals to dish out a bigger lesson, but Hyrulnizam spared further embarassment for Terry Pathmanathan and his colleagues. In the end, the 4-1 result was just fruits for the Vietnamese domination, and also the defensive loopholes from the Singaporeans.
Now Singapore have to contest a bronze medal playoff against hosts Laos, who lost to Malaysia in the other semi-final, and it will not be as friendly as the goalless draw the previous time they meet in Group B.
Even then, they were nearly embarassed by Lamnao Singto and company in the second half. With the home side expected to be backed by a full house National Stadium, it would take a miracle for the Singaporeans to clinch the bronze.
Although the Young Lions took the lead mid way in the first half against the run of play, it was the opposition who took charge of the game all the way from start to finish and deservedly won the game to advance to the final.
The Vietnamese were mobile in their short passing and off-the-ball running; the Singaporeans were content to defend and counter with long balls. While it was fine to adopt a soak-and-strike strategy as it effectively showed in the first 30 minutes whenever the Young Lions had the ball, the fragile back four was always going to be a major concern.
Prior to the game, it was highlighted in the preview that the Singaporeans had to eradicate the mistakes they committed against group opponents if they were to have a chance to cause an upset.
It also warned that a repeat of these errors would see them being punished without a second chance for redemption. And that was virtually exactly what happened.
Not even goalkeeper Hyrulnizam Juma'at's commendable performance between the posts, including saving a penalty from Phan Thanh Binh, could cover up the glaring weaknesses that were waiting to be exposed.
At the same time, much was expected of skipper Isa Halim, Shaiful Esah, Hariss Harun and Shahdan Sulaiman to step up their game to give the Singaporeans some hope. None of them managed to do so.
Isa and Hariss had too much to do shielding the back four in vain while Shaiful looked off colour in defence and attack, apart from a few deadly crosses on the left that nearly reaped rewards.
Shahdan and the rest of the team seemed to be on different wavelengths on the style of play. Many were too busy pumping hopeful long balls for Khairul Nizam to chase and Shahdan had too little of the ball to make more through passes.
The Vietnamese also managed to isolate Shahdan and Nizam up front for much of the game. With the attacking gear shut out, it was inevitable then the floodgates would eventually open given the pressure they exerted on the defence from the start.
The victors kept much possession of the ball, played several one-twos that had the red shirts confused and left gaps in defence that were exploited by their forwards. Once they found the equalizer two minutes after Nizam's opening goal against the run of play, there was to be no second chance for Young Lions this time.
They could have had more goals to dish out a bigger lesson, but Hyrulnizam spared further embarassment for Terry Pathmanathan and his colleagues. In the end, the 4-1 result was just fruits for the Vietnamese domination, and also the defensive loopholes from the Singaporeans.
Now Singapore have to contest a bronze medal playoff against hosts Laos, who lost to Malaysia in the other semi-final, and it will not be as friendly as the goalless draw the previous time they meet in Group B.
Even then, they were nearly embarassed by Lamnao Singto and company in the second half. With the home side expected to be backed by a full house National Stadium, it would take a miracle for the Singaporeans to clinch the bronze.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Preview of SEA Games Semi-final: Vietnam v Singapore
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.
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.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Simply Sensational SEA Games!
Fairy tales are alive in Laos as far as the SEA Games football tournament is concerned. The host nation Laos have defied all odds to top Group B and reach the semi-finals which will be played on Monday.
Typically thought to be football minnows in the region, they have been well-drilled in their tactics under Austrian Alfred Riedl. They now have guile and tactical astuteness to complement their determination and never-say-die attitude.
In Lamnao Singto, they also have a powerful forward who is capable of taking on the best of defences in Southeast Asia. He gave our Young Lions backline a stern test with his nippy running and shooting from different ranges, coming close to breaking the deadlock on a few occasions.
With 20,000 Laotians willing them, whatever happens from there on, this team will be remembered for breaking new frontiers in their football development. There is every chance they will become a credible, competitive team if the Laotian football authorities are able to keep the core and Riedl intact in the next few years.
They may not reach these heights again at senior level international football, but they can no longer be summarily dismissed as the Lions did in their 11-0 thrashing a few years ago.
Equally shocking news to have come out from this tournament is defending champions Thailand and Indonesia crashing out at the first out.
After losing 2-1 to Malaysia in their final group game, Thailand are eliminated by finishing outside the top two in Group A. By doing so, Thailand SEA Games Steve Darby has broken a few unwanted records.
The last time the Thais failed to win gold was in 1991. The last time the Thais missed the final was back in 1989. The last time the Thais did not advance beyond the first stage was futher way back in 1973. He, who formerly helped the Vietnamese women's football team to a medal, had done the nightmarish improbable, as far as the Thais will be concerned.
Indonesia went one better as they finished bottom of Group B with only one point, a 2-2 draw with Singapore. Yes, the statistics do not lie. They are officially worse than hosts Laos, Myanmar and Singapore in this Games. The Indonesians will be wondering what went wrong there as they went from bad to worse with each passing game.
Would the coaches of the Thai and Indonesian squads be spared the axe? Looking from history, that looks pretty unlikely. Indonesia axed Peter Withe after he failed to bring the senior team to the semi-finals of the AFF Cup in 2007. Thailand sacked German Sigfried Held after their early exit in the Tiger Cup 2004/05 group stage.
It also shows how tightly competitive the top of Asean football has become. Vietnam are now the reigning kings, but if they do not win the gold medal in Laos, the struggle to be number one in the region returns.
Under former international K Rajagobal, the Malaysians have been shaping up nicely in this tournament. Despite all the funny business inside the Kelana Jaya permises, these boys are focused on getting the job done on the pitch. They have clocked up international experience and will be looking to put all these into good use in their remaining two games, starting from Monday.
Meanwhile, with the final four settled (Vietnam v Singapore, Laos v Malaysia), let the fight for the medals begin!
Typically thought to be football minnows in the region, they have been well-drilled in their tactics under Austrian Alfred Riedl. They now have guile and tactical astuteness to complement their determination and never-say-die attitude.
In Lamnao Singto, they also have a powerful forward who is capable of taking on the best of defences in Southeast Asia. He gave our Young Lions backline a stern test with his nippy running and shooting from different ranges, coming close to breaking the deadlock on a few occasions.
With 20,000 Laotians willing them, whatever happens from there on, this team will be remembered for breaking new frontiers in their football development. There is every chance they will become a credible, competitive team if the Laotian football authorities are able to keep the core and Riedl intact in the next few years.
They may not reach these heights again at senior level international football, but they can no longer be summarily dismissed as the Lions did in their 11-0 thrashing a few years ago.
Equally shocking news to have come out from this tournament is defending champions Thailand and Indonesia crashing out at the first out.
After losing 2-1 to Malaysia in their final group game, Thailand are eliminated by finishing outside the top two in Group A. By doing so, Thailand SEA Games Steve Darby has broken a few unwanted records.
The last time the Thais failed to win gold was in 1991. The last time the Thais missed the final was back in 1989. The last time the Thais did not advance beyond the first stage was futher way back in 1973. He, who formerly helped the Vietnamese women's football team to a medal, had done the nightmarish improbable, as far as the Thais will be concerned.
Indonesia went one better as they finished bottom of Group B with only one point, a 2-2 draw with Singapore. Yes, the statistics do not lie. They are officially worse than hosts Laos, Myanmar and Singapore in this Games. The Indonesians will be wondering what went wrong there as they went from bad to worse with each passing game.
Would the coaches of the Thai and Indonesian squads be spared the axe? Looking from history, that looks pretty unlikely. Indonesia axed Peter Withe after he failed to bring the senior team to the semi-finals of the AFF Cup in 2007. Thailand sacked German Sigfried Held after their early exit in the Tiger Cup 2004/05 group stage.
It also shows how tightly competitive the top of Asean football has become. Vietnam are now the reigning kings, but if they do not win the gold medal in Laos, the struggle to be number one in the region returns.
Under former international K Rajagobal, the Malaysians have been shaping up nicely in this tournament. Despite all the funny business inside the Kelana Jaya permises, these boys are focused on getting the job done on the pitch. They have clocked up international experience and will be looking to put all these into good use in their remaining two games, starting from Monday.
Meanwhile, with the final four settled (Vietnam v Singapore, Laos v Malaysia), let the fight for the medals begin!
2009 SEA Games Laos v Singapore Post-match Analysis
1995 SEA Games, 0-0. 2007 SEA Games, also 0-0. 2009 SEA Games, still 0-0 and both hosts Laos and Singapore make it to the last four.
Unlike the previous two occasions when the Singaporeans could not unlock the stubborn Laotian resistance, they barely got a point this time. By playing short passes around their half, especially near their penalty area.
Prior to the game at the sell-out Laos National Stadium, Myanmar defeated Indonesia 3-1. That left both sides needing a point if they were to deny Myanmar a place in the semi finals.
Top scorer and defender Safuwan Baharudin was suspended. Goalkeeper Jasper Chan remained injured and forward Khairul Nizam was ruled out after suffering from food poisoning on the eve of the game.
With one eye on the semi-finals, coach Terry Pathmanathan also left Shaiful Esah, Shahdan Sulaiman and Hariss Harun, who was on one yellow card, on the bench and named a makeshift side to keep Laos, backed by 20,000 vociferous fans at the ground, at bay.
The Young Lions stated their intent immediately after kick off-by playing short passes among themselves and barely getting past the halfway mark. It took more than 90 seconds for the chasing red shirts to finally have a touch of the ball.
That similar pattern persisted until the final whistle and both teams had their wish of reaching the semis. Young Lions, even if you have wanted to play such passing football, it could have been done with more finesse instead of retreating these passes back into your area.
It was frustrating to see the Singaporeans living so dangerously especially when the Laotians were determined to get a goal more than them. Undoing all that monkey with a stupid slip at a dangerous position was madness.
They could have been a goal down and be plunged into trouble had Afiq Yunos not cleared the ball off the line early in the second half. Other desperate attempts only signalled desperate to hang on to a point and semi-final spot.
The more technical and astute teams would have ripped these young boys apart and sent them back to their dressing room with tails on their rears, full strength line up or otherwise.
With their potential semi-final opponents to be among Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia from Group A, Pathmanathan will have his work cut out in minimising these 'alamak' moments that had fans cringing on television sets so far.
At the end of the first stage, Singapore Under-23s did just enough to meet the minimum expectations set by Football Association of Singapore-reaching the semis.
They were unbeaten, drawing two and winning the other. Apart from injuries and illness, there would be no suspension cases in the last four.
The question though, can the Young Lions step up their plate to fulfill their potential in their remaining two games in Laos-the semi-finals and either the final or bronze medal playoff?
Unlike the previous two occasions when the Singaporeans could not unlock the stubborn Laotian resistance, they barely got a point this time. By playing short passes around their half, especially near their penalty area.
Prior to the game at the sell-out Laos National Stadium, Myanmar defeated Indonesia 3-1. That left both sides needing a point if they were to deny Myanmar a place in the semi finals.
Top scorer and defender Safuwan Baharudin was suspended. Goalkeeper Jasper Chan remained injured and forward Khairul Nizam was ruled out after suffering from food poisoning on the eve of the game.
With one eye on the semi-finals, coach Terry Pathmanathan also left Shaiful Esah, Shahdan Sulaiman and Hariss Harun, who was on one yellow card, on the bench and named a makeshift side to keep Laos, backed by 20,000 vociferous fans at the ground, at bay.
The Young Lions stated their intent immediately after kick off-by playing short passes among themselves and barely getting past the halfway mark. It took more than 90 seconds for the chasing red shirts to finally have a touch of the ball.
That similar pattern persisted until the final whistle and both teams had their wish of reaching the semis. Young Lions, even if you have wanted to play such passing football, it could have been done with more finesse instead of retreating these passes back into your area.
It was frustrating to see the Singaporeans living so dangerously especially when the Laotians were determined to get a goal more than them. Undoing all that monkey with a stupid slip at a dangerous position was madness.
They could have been a goal down and be plunged into trouble had Afiq Yunos not cleared the ball off the line early in the second half. Other desperate attempts only signalled desperate to hang on to a point and semi-final spot.
The more technical and astute teams would have ripped these young boys apart and sent them back to their dressing room with tails on their rears, full strength line up or otherwise.
With their potential semi-final opponents to be among Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia from Group A, Pathmanathan will have his work cut out in minimising these 'alamak' moments that had fans cringing on television sets so far.
At the end of the first stage, Singapore Under-23s did just enough to meet the minimum expectations set by Football Association of Singapore-reaching the semis.
They were unbeaten, drawing two and winning the other. Apart from injuries and illness, there would be no suspension cases in the last four.
The question though, can the Young Lions step up their plate to fulfill their potential in their remaining two games in Laos-the semi-finals and either the final or bronze medal playoff?
Thursday, December 10, 2009
What Young Lions Will Need To Do Against Laos...
It will be back to business for the Singapore Under-23s when they take on hosts Laos in their final Group B match of the SEA Games football tournament.
After drawing with Indonesia 2-2 and beating Myanmar 2-1, the Young Lions seem to have one foot in the next stage. Their final group opponents would typically have been the task of collecting three points in any international competition.
However, this Laotian team, coached by former Vietnam coach Alfred Riedl, are sensational on home ground. They held Myanmar to a 1-1 draw in their opening game before stunning the Indonesians 2-0 to go top on superior goal difference.
Recent SEA Games history have also favoured the home side when they play the Young Lions. Two years ago, they defended their way to a goalless draw. Ditto 1995, when they also held stoutly for a point against the Lions. (For those who do not know, SEA Games football is now an under-23 age group event since 2001.)
Another draw will do for both teams as they will proceed to the semi-finals on that outcome, regardless on what has gone on in the earlier game between the other two sides in the group.
But should the preceding game produce a winner, there is everything to play for. And with 20,000 Laotians making their presence felt at National Stadium in Vientiane, it will be a stern test of nerves for the Young Lions, many of whom are encountering the partisan capacity crowd for the first time in their senior playing careers.
It will be up to the three senior internationals in the team-skipper Isa Halim, set-piece specialist Shaiful Esah and holding midfielder Hariss Harun to do their part on the pitch to steady nerves.
The boys should focus on how to maintain consistency in their play over the full 90 minutes plus. If they repeat their game of two halves as they did in their previous matches, they might not be able to get away against a fired-up Laos team this time.
With team top scorer and regular defender Safuwan Baharudin suspended, the centre-back pairing selected will have to be very focused against the dangerous Laotian forward line led by Thai-based Lamnao Singto.
The PEA striker netted twice to send his country top and is keen to repeat his feat at the expense of Young Lions, who were charitiable defensively in the second half of their games.
And there is Riedl. The Austrian attained cult status during his three stints with the Vietnamese national team for bringing them to the Asean Football Federation Tiger Cup (now renamed Suzuki Cup) final and their memorable Asian Cup run to the quarter-finals in 2007.
With his expertise on the game in the region, he will be looking to recreate this level of joy in Laos since taking on his present role in June. With the hosts on the cusp of reaching the semi-finals for the first time and the locals willing them on, the Singapore Under-23s have a real fight to keep their SEA Games adventure alive.
While this is the republic's youngest football team to participate in this event, they have every potential of winning the gold medal as much as their rivals Thailand and Vietnam from the other group.
Potential is nothing without effort and results to show for. Terry Pathmanathan needs to tell the boys to stay consistent and keep things simple on the pitch. The players in turn should not try anything too fanciful in defence and attack.
Delayed telecast or no back in Singapore, the nation awaits to find out whether these young lads have the steel that can bring forth a new legacy, starting from the Laos mission.
After drawing with Indonesia 2-2 and beating Myanmar 2-1, the Young Lions seem to have one foot in the next stage. Their final group opponents would typically have been the task of collecting three points in any international competition.
However, this Laotian team, coached by former Vietnam coach Alfred Riedl, are sensational on home ground. They held Myanmar to a 1-1 draw in their opening game before stunning the Indonesians 2-0 to go top on superior goal difference.
Recent SEA Games history have also favoured the home side when they play the Young Lions. Two years ago, they defended their way to a goalless draw. Ditto 1995, when they also held stoutly for a point against the Lions. (For those who do not know, SEA Games football is now an under-23 age group event since 2001.)
Another draw will do for both teams as they will proceed to the semi-finals on that outcome, regardless on what has gone on in the earlier game between the other two sides in the group.
But should the preceding game produce a winner, there is everything to play for. And with 20,000 Laotians making their presence felt at National Stadium in Vientiane, it will be a stern test of nerves for the Young Lions, many of whom are encountering the partisan capacity crowd for the first time in their senior playing careers.
It will be up to the three senior internationals in the team-skipper Isa Halim, set-piece specialist Shaiful Esah and holding midfielder Hariss Harun to do their part on the pitch to steady nerves.
The boys should focus on how to maintain consistency in their play over the full 90 minutes plus. If they repeat their game of two halves as they did in their previous matches, they might not be able to get away against a fired-up Laos team this time.
With team top scorer and regular defender Safuwan Baharudin suspended, the centre-back pairing selected will have to be very focused against the dangerous Laotian forward line led by Thai-based Lamnao Singto.
The PEA striker netted twice to send his country top and is keen to repeat his feat at the expense of Young Lions, who were charitiable defensively in the second half of their games.
And there is Riedl. The Austrian attained cult status during his three stints with the Vietnamese national team for bringing them to the Asean Football Federation Tiger Cup (now renamed Suzuki Cup) final and their memorable Asian Cup run to the quarter-finals in 2007.
With his expertise on the game in the region, he will be looking to recreate this level of joy in Laos since taking on his present role in June. With the hosts on the cusp of reaching the semi-finals for the first time and the locals willing them on, the Singapore Under-23s have a real fight to keep their SEA Games adventure alive.
While this is the republic's youngest football team to participate in this event, they have every potential of winning the gold medal as much as their rivals Thailand and Vietnam from the other group.
Potential is nothing without effort and results to show for. Terry Pathmanathan needs to tell the boys to stay consistent and keep things simple on the pitch. The players in turn should not try anything too fanciful in defence and attack.
Delayed telecast or no back in Singapore, the nation awaits to find out whether these young lads have the steel that can bring forth a new legacy, starting from the Laos mission.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
SEA Games 2009-Young Lions' Performance So Far
Danger still lurks for the Singapore Under-23 football team in Group B, despite them notching a 2-1 win against Myanmar following an opening 2-2 draw against Indonesia in the 2009 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games football tournament held in Laos.
For both games, the youngest football team in this event had produced Jekyll-and-Hyde performances. In each case, they were in control in the first half, only for them to display panicky defensive performances after the break.
With the majority of the team under the age of 21 (there are only three 23-years-old-captain Isa Halim, Shaiful Esah and goalkeeper Hyrulnizam Juma'at), the competitive inexperience at this level showed.
In their games played, they raced to 2-0 leads each time, all attributed to Shaiful's expert left foot from set-pieces. And it seemed that this was the easiest and only route to score.
But somehow they could hang on to keep a clean sheet in every occasion. There was no idea what head coach Thambiah Pathmanathan addressed the team in the safe confines of the dressing room during half-time, but the Young Lions came out a different team in the next 45 minutes.
The confidence deserted them. Their assured touches on the ball were no more. Passes were all over the place and often straight to a shirt of another colour.
Experience or no experience in senior level professional game, these players became lost sheep wandering around the turf as their opponents gained in confidence with each passing minute. Why could they not maintain their composed game that had the other team on tenterhooks?
Eventually the Young Lions would wilt under the incessant pressure and leak goals, undoing the fine start they had. They were pretty fortunate to get four points so far, but with tougher opponents awaiting especially in the semi-finals onwards, they are now on very thin ice.
Looking further, the four goals netted so far in the competition all came in the first half. Furthermore, two came from the head of centre-back Safuwan Baharudin, another from Hariss Harun and a Shaiful free kick special.
So what were the forwards doing? Is Khairul Nizam really the next big team he is made up to be? Yes, he is fast and pacy. Yes, he holds the ball and dribbles well.
But no, he is no prolific sharpshooter. In the recently concluded S.League season, he only had six goals for Young Lions, a poor return for any forward. Sure, the service he received at club level was not there, making him having to toil and run against bigger and taller defenders in hope most of the time.
However, in this SEA Games, there is Shaiful with his left foot, Shahdan Sulaiman of Home United pulling the strings as the playmaker and precocious talent Shahfiq Ghani. Fazli Ayob was a revelation on the right wing with his overlapping runs behind the defence.
Shahdan in particular had created several scoring opportunities with his pinpoint forward passes, but bore no fruit for his hard work.
Not only did Nizam seem to have left his scoring boots back in Singapore, his positional discipline as a forward left much to be desired. Already at club and school level, he had displayed a tendency to drift away on the wings, not to dissimilar to his more illustrous step-brother Khairul Amri, thus leaving a gap in the centre of attack.
How about the other forwards in the squad? Fadhil Noh saw too little game time so far to make an impression. Shahfiq, who is better off as an attacking midfielder, is no pacy forward and his inexperience showed in his numerous offsides against Myanmar.
No team is rewarded without maintaining consistency and netting goals, so the team have to pull up their socks if they are to extend their Laos adventure or risk being the first sporting laughing stock in the SEA Games.
For both games, the youngest football team in this event had produced Jekyll-and-Hyde performances. In each case, they were in control in the first half, only for them to display panicky defensive performances after the break.
With the majority of the team under the age of 21 (there are only three 23-years-old-captain Isa Halim, Shaiful Esah and goalkeeper Hyrulnizam Juma'at), the competitive inexperience at this level showed.
In their games played, they raced to 2-0 leads each time, all attributed to Shaiful's expert left foot from set-pieces. And it seemed that this was the easiest and only route to score.
But somehow they could hang on to keep a clean sheet in every occasion. There was no idea what head coach Thambiah Pathmanathan addressed the team in the safe confines of the dressing room during half-time, but the Young Lions came out a different team in the next 45 minutes.
The confidence deserted them. Their assured touches on the ball were no more. Passes were all over the place and often straight to a shirt of another colour.
Experience or no experience in senior level professional game, these players became lost sheep wandering around the turf as their opponents gained in confidence with each passing minute. Why could they not maintain their composed game that had the other team on tenterhooks?
Eventually the Young Lions would wilt under the incessant pressure and leak goals, undoing the fine start they had. They were pretty fortunate to get four points so far, but with tougher opponents awaiting especially in the semi-finals onwards, they are now on very thin ice.
Looking further, the four goals netted so far in the competition all came in the first half. Furthermore, two came from the head of centre-back Safuwan Baharudin, another from Hariss Harun and a Shaiful free kick special.
So what were the forwards doing? Is Khairul Nizam really the next big team he is made up to be? Yes, he is fast and pacy. Yes, he holds the ball and dribbles well.
But no, he is no prolific sharpshooter. In the recently concluded S.League season, he only had six goals for Young Lions, a poor return for any forward. Sure, the service he received at club level was not there, making him having to toil and run against bigger and taller defenders in hope most of the time.
However, in this SEA Games, there is Shaiful with his left foot, Shahdan Sulaiman of Home United pulling the strings as the playmaker and precocious talent Shahfiq Ghani. Fazli Ayob was a revelation on the right wing with his overlapping runs behind the defence.
Shahdan in particular had created several scoring opportunities with his pinpoint forward passes, but bore no fruit for his hard work.
Not only did Nizam seem to have left his scoring boots back in Singapore, his positional discipline as a forward left much to be desired. Already at club and school level, he had displayed a tendency to drift away on the wings, not to dissimilar to his more illustrous step-brother Khairul Amri, thus leaving a gap in the centre of attack.
How about the other forwards in the squad? Fadhil Noh saw too little game time so far to make an impression. Shahfiq, who is better off as an attacking midfielder, is no pacy forward and his inexperience showed in his numerous offsides against Myanmar.
No team is rewarded without maintaining consistency and netting goals, so the team have to pull up their socks if they are to extend their Laos adventure or risk being the first sporting laughing stock in the SEA Games.
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