The impact and the conclusion

The decision by FIFA to hold the Asian World Cup Qualifying round in sept-oct period will hit the local clubs badly, especially Home United.

It is an open secret that Home United has got star players on the pitch but their bench are mainly made up of prime league players. Without the services of Lionel Lewis, Indra Sahdan, Shi Jiayi, Sharil Ishak, HU will struggle. Lionel will leave behind huge gloves to fill, especially if you are a HU supporter, U will know the numerous no. of saves Lionel made to win us games. He is my Sleague player of the season so far.

SAFFC on the other hand will have ample cover on the bench as they will be only missing benett, their regular centreback. The shrewd signing of Norikazu made by coach Richard Bok sort of lessen the impact of missing Ashrin and Masturi. In addition, Razif and Faizal Aziz can easily step into the void left by Bennett.

Tampines will lose the goals of Alam Shah during this period. However, Mirko n Peres are capable replacements. However, if Sutee were to be called up as well, the stags will be short of ammunition and do not forget, the Stags are competing on 3 fronts this season, the league, the cup and the AFC cup. I wonder if their players have the legs to sustain such challenge.

Conclusion : Unless something dramatic happens, SAF will successfully defend their title.

Unsporting Aussies!

The recently concluded Asian Cup saw the Iraqis overcoming all odds to lift the title for the 1st time in their history, bringing much joy to the war torn country. The final between Iraq and Saudi Arabia was the first final since 1996 to be played between 2 middle east countries. Missing from the Jakarta showdown was traditional powerhouses Japan, Korea, Iran and the media favourite, Australia.

The aussies have been blaming everything, from the weather, to bad refereeing to opponents showing no respect for them. Why should any team show respect for a team that claims to have won the title even before the tournament started?!

Lets take a look at how the australians prepared themselves for their maiden appearance in this Asian biggest soccer prize.

With 2-3 weeks to go before the start of the tournament, they set up a training camp in singapore, trying to allow their players to get used to the heat and humidity of the match conditions. During their stay, all they did was to train and the only friendly lined up was the last game at the national stadium against the Lions. Compare the aussies tune up to that of korea and japan who lined up at least 3 games each to prepare the players. If this is not arrogant enough, look at whats Harry Kewell forecast for the australian team. At a pre-match conference given before his team faced oman, he boldy predicted that the aussies will at least reach the semis, else it will be considered a failure.

Judging from the way they played, this australian team dont deserve to beat singapore 3-0 in the friendly, neither should they hav defeated the thais, who totally dominated the game. If not for Viduka, australia would have taken the 1st flight home! So what if you have all the players playing in renowned leagues? The soccer you dished out is among the worst in the Asian Cup.

Having a team full of stars count for nothing, soccer is a team game, if the players are technically sound, but they can't play as a team, they will achieve ZERO. Look at brazil, its without a doubt that the south american powerhouse has the best individual talent in the world, but that does not guarantee them the world cup title every year.

Stop blaming the referee, the weather and more less your opponents lack of respect towards you, Australia. Respect is to be earned and not based on your reputation. Learn your lesson that we Asians should not be underestimated!



Congrats to Iraq yet again. Hopefully, can get to see some Iraqis make the mark in european league. Just in case you forgotten, our Singapore Lions defeated the Asian Champions, Iraq 2-0 at the national stadium in Feb 2006. So who says the Lions aren't improving?


newspaper article taken from todayonline and photo taken from asiancup website