Thursday, December 04, 2008
With only a day away to the start of ASEAN's premier international competition, not Asia's, ASEAN's, Singapore are the team every country wants to beat, or thrash. They do start as favourites, but with Indonesia ever-improving, and Thailand under former Villa and Man City coach Peter Reid, the latters might have something to say about that.
Goalkeepers:
Singapore do have one of the better goalkeepers in ASEAN in Lionel Lewis. Having had a couple of trials around Europe but never really getting a contract, Lewis has been starring in the S-League. Some believe he is MLS-material, but has never been given a chance abroad just yet. His huge stature and fast reflexes, along with a good command of his penalty box, will definitely give the young defence in front of him a confidence boost. The back-ups in Hassan Sunny is pretty decent and good enough to call upon, after his heroics against Saudi Arabia in the recent WCQ, where Singapore lost 2-0. Hyrulnizam Jumaat is there just to make up the youngsters, plus experience of course.
Defenders:
The first choice defensive four of Noh Rahman, Baihakki Khaizan, Precious and Daniel Bennett is one of the best defence around. Coupled with the sheer presence of Precious and a good reading of the game by Khaizan, and flanked by a quick Noh Rahman and experienced Bennett, this defence will be one of the hardest to get past in the competition. Consistency, however, is something they have to work out. Juma'at Jantan is a good back-up for Noh Rahman, as is Ismail Yunos, who can play across the defence. Shaiful Esah and Rosman Sulaiman are the other alternatives defensively.
Midfielders:
The quartet of Shi Jiayi, John Wilkinson, Mustafic Fahrudin and Shahril Ishak are not bad a midfield itself. The athleticism of Wilkinson, passing ability of Shi Jiayi, combativeness of Mustafic, and the creativity of Shahril Ishak, will do well in this competition. With a good blend of attacking flair and defensive qualities, their performance during the competition is key to Singapore's success. They will have to do the providing for the front men. Others that might pipe one of the midfielder's places are the likes of the really pacey Ridhuan Muhammad and defensive minded Isa Halim, whilst Mustaqim Manzur is another young, tricky offensive midfielder.
Forwards:
Indra Sahdan Daud and Aleksandar Duric are my pick for the front two spots. This "big-small" combination boasts pace and height, as well as the natural finishing prowess of both the strikers - more notably Indra - plus the ability of Duric to create space. Their back-ups are as impressive, with last tournament's top scorer Noh Alam Shah (10 goals) providing good finishing technique and much bite up front as well. Agu Casmir also has the pace, and much strength to boast, however consistency isn't his greatest attribute.
Thailand are really Singapore's greatest threat in the knock-out rounds. With full-back Suree Sukha and forward Teerasil Dangda having had short trial with Man City and loans to other European clubs, they do have players with experience. Another striker Theerathep Winothai was from the academies of Crystal Palace and Everton, and now going to join a Belgium club. One player familiar to Singapore is definitely Tampines winger Sutee Suksomkit, who has a deadly left foot and can deliver pin-point precision crosses. However, the main, main man to watch is Datsakorn Thonglao, who is the heartbeat of the whole Thai team. Armed with a great freekick and attacking ability, he'll be the one to stop should Singapore meet in the competition.
So yeah... C'mon! Don't let me fall asleep!
Seeya~!
my thoughts at 5:24 pm