It seems the fallen giant's awokeness was a temporary one.
The fortutious Singapore Cup success last season, driven largely by a brilliant goalkeeper and strong team play has somewhat fallen apart this season and questions must be asked about the Eagles' performance, if there has been any. In truth, it has been abysmal.
'Negative' and 'too defensive' has been the greatest criticisms of them.
Injuries aside, I think the absence of Kim Jae Hong is beginning to show, with all due respect to Noor Ali. The Korean's imaginative play has sorely been missed as he could produce that few bits of quality to complement the doginess of the rest of the team. Without him, Miro has been asked to work overtime in the attacking department, which is taking its toll.
Mas has been missed too. Together with Kim & Yazid, these were 3 vital clogs in the mean green machine of 2009 that led to the cup success.
Fingers are starting to point at Coach Mike Wong. But in truth, it seems there are more serious than what it is on the surface. The running of the football side of things at Geylang was already put in a blurry state when 3 men were put in charge of the club before Mike 'officially' took charge last season (or was it in 2008?).
Anyway, sometimes I do feel that the team is restricting itself in terms of tactics trying to fit into a 3-5-2 or 3-6-1 formation. Yes the Eagles did have success when it was employed around 2001. But since then, only Home United and Tampines have played them formation to entertainment and success.
In my opinion, with the players currently available. A less sophisticated 4-4-2 would work well. Peter & Hafiz upfront, supported by Thaha, Itimi on the wings and Vasi cum Miro at the heart of midfield. Defence would be more tricky as its a big weakness. That could also be the reason why the Eagles have always needed to defend in numbers. Belo + Adrian at centrehalves with Shah Hirul and Jonathan at fullbacks will be the best I can think of. The keepers currenlty pick themselves.
I would think that this team will be able to play a better brand of football for its fans, whom i really feel has been suffering the past games.
It is currently an emergency situation for the Eagles. The 3 wisemen, or perhaps 4, must really wake up now and shape the team up in a way before it gets nearer the foot of the table and when the fans boycott their games.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
The Green Men at war in AFC Cup
The Eagles take on the Thais team tomorrow at JBS. Although I do not see them qualifying ultimately from the group, I do feel that the Eagles can get a positive result in this game.
Last time i graced JBS to watch the Eagles, they defeated Bangkok Glass to end their barren spell.
Planning to catch them in action tomorrow evening. Lets hope i will have something to cheer and write about post-game.
Highlights from the reverse 2-2 draw at Supachalasai Stadium, Bangkok
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Lions XI - If I am National Team Coach...
Ok. The events that have taken place since 2-3 weeks ago have been disappointing and unsavoury. Unexpectedly there have been so much media coverage on the Lions this time around, albeit its some negative ones. But I guessed it did have its effect in raising some awareness in fellow Singaporeans about our national team?
All sorts of opinions have been expressed through a series of media platform and questions have been raised about Coach Raddy and his team selection. Players who have erred can be excluded by a simple reason, they have under performed for the past 2 years to be frank. No other excuses like disciplinary reasons are needed.
Lets take 1 issue at a time. Today, let me focus on team selection. Lets play Championship Manager (Asian version). I am in the mood to share my fantasy 11 for the next Lions X1.
Note: Jersey nos go with the old school English style, but in a 4-4-1-1 or 4-2-3-1 style.
No 1: Lionel Lewis/Hassan Sunny/Shahril Jantan
All came thorugh the famed Geylang United system. Need we explain more? All 3 are excellent goalkeepers. If one fault I can pick out, perhaps Lionel need to work on his kicking and backpasses more. Too bad our best department lies here, if not our team would be stronger.
No 2: Isa Halim ???
Tough tackler, decent technique. Played in all right sided positions with Woodlands in the past. Dun waste him sitting on the bench as a substitute centre midfield. I know he got outclassed in the SEA Games at right back. But I sense he can make the spot his in time to come.
**BUT: Need to show his worth more to Raddy to stake a 1st team spot.
No 3: Shaiful Esah
No much introduction needed. Just need to concentrate better and keep improve his defending.
While he recovers from injury, I will go for Jumaat Jantan for his mobility down the flanks.
No 4: Dan Bennett
One of the few successes of the FTS. Still solid though have been shaky in recent times. But I put that down to his partners in defence. He is still the 2 best centrebacks our small country possess.
No 5: Mustafic Fahrudin
The major surprise!
Quality undoubted as a defensive midfield. But this choice as centreback needs justification.
a) We do not have good enough centrebacks to step up currently. The closest will be Shariff Samat, needs to prove his worth to Coach. Next option will be Shahri Alias.
b) Farra has played in defence for Tampines before.
c) We do have other options for centre midfield.
No 6: Hariss Harun
Definitely a key player. Kudos to Raddy for blooding him early. He has improved leaps and bounds. Continue to work hard and he has a bright future. Did I mention b4 that he lives in my HDB block? Its true.
No 7: Ahmad Latiff
We all know about ghis performances in recent times. My first intention is to play ALK with Hariss in the middle, but considering the lack of capable options on the wing, I would think he has to work harder and run more on the wing for the Lions. Supposed its not too much to ask from him after sitting out intl games for so long?
No 8: John Wilkinson
My choice as a partner for Hariss in the middle. Works hard and good workrate in the middle with decent passsing ability. But if a new winger can come through soon, I will place Latiff in the middle and placed Wilko on the bench.
No 9: Noh Alam Shah
Ah Long has shown too that in recent games that he deserves his spot in the team. The stint in Malang looks to have spur him on.
* Needs to be at his inspiration besst if he is to retain his captaincy.
No 10: Shahril Ishak
The most creative among all the players we possess. Used to play in a free role in the national U-18 under Vincent Subramaniam. Has been tried at left midfield and central but his workrate and fitness levels puts him at a disadvantage in these positions. A supporting role will suit him well. We basically need him to be at his creative best for 60-70 minutes when a replacement can come on.
*Got to beware, Shafiq Ghani will certainly threaten this spot in a few years time. Watch your back Shahril.
No 11: Khairul Amri
One of our best in getting past defenders. Putting him wide on the left allows him the chacne to cut in a have a go as well. But needs to work hard on his defensive skills to suit the role better too.
Important subs: Shariff, Shahril Alias, Jumaat, Mustaqim, Agu, Fazrul, Jiayi, Qiu Li
Under further consideration: Jamil Ali, Aliff, Masrezwan
*I do not know if anyone of them smoke and I dun really care. As long as they show enough semangat and brains when they play, Singaporeans will never fault them. Stand up and prove that you deserved your place in the team.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Repetition Cycles - Self examination
I read that some fans are afraid of the things that Singaporean comment after each Lions defeat.
But thing is I feel, even when we win. These issues are also present and has long needed addressing. Each defeat just further highlight the problems already inherent in Raddy's team.
Our defence simply need an overhaul. Some other guys should really be given a chance to prove themselves. Like Shariff, Shahril Alias in the middle and Jumaat, Isa at fullbacks. But they will need time. More names need to put in better perfomances in the league to throw their names into the fray.
Big question: Are there better defenders out there for Raddy's selection?
My answer: Raddy needs expose the above mentioned and others while stop being loyal to some others.
And i loved the way SSF's blog @ http://singaporesportsfan.wordpress.com/2010/03/04/thank-you-lionel-for-saving-us-from-humiliation-against-jordan/
Simply loved the way he described our twin terror of disaster : )
Raddy has many times stated that the team needed an overhaul but one would know besides the addition of Shaiful and Hariss, the team has not change much over the past years.
If however impressive a player plays but still cant make it into the national team, at that time, something got to give. And perhaps them its time for Raddy's head since his team selection cant be justifiable anymore.
Sometimes it would occur to me that Raddy has taken us the furthest he can, esp with this set of players.
The clock should start ticking with the ASEAN championship coming up. I hope I dun need to address and read about those issues everytime after we cock up and nothing is done. Thing is if we can already guess wat others will talk about post-game each time we cock up, why have the issue not been settled (by the coach?) ?
To end off, kudos to to NAS and Hariss, the 2 best Lions on the pitch last night.
*did in a stage of sleepiness, hope can get my points across.
But thing is I feel, even when we win. These issues are also present and has long needed addressing. Each defeat just further highlight the problems already inherent in Raddy's team.
Our defence simply need an overhaul. Some other guys should really be given a chance to prove themselves. Like Shariff, Shahril Alias in the middle and Jumaat, Isa at fullbacks. But they will need time. More names need to put in better perfomances in the league to throw their names into the fray.
Big question: Are there better defenders out there for Raddy's selection?
My answer: Raddy needs expose the above mentioned and others while stop being loyal to some others.
And i loved the way SSF's blog @ http://singaporesportsfan.wordpress.com/2010/03/04/thank-you-lionel-for-saving-us-from-humiliation-against-jordan/
Simply loved the way he described our twin terror of disaster : )
Raddy has many times stated that the team needed an overhaul but one would know besides the addition of Shaiful and Hariss, the team has not change much over the past years.
If however impressive a player plays but still cant make it into the national team, at that time, something got to give. And perhaps them its time for Raddy's head since his team selection cant be justifiable anymore.
Sometimes it would occur to me that Raddy has taken us the furthest he can, esp with this set of players.
The clock should start ticking with the ASEAN championship coming up. I hope I dun need to address and read about those issues everytime after we cock up and nothing is done. Thing is if we can already guess wat others will talk about post-game each time we cock up, why have the issue not been settled (by the coach?) ?
To end off, kudos to to NAS and Hariss, the 2 best Lions on the pitch last night.
*did in a stage of sleepiness, hope can get my points across.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Feb happenings - Disappointments/Shocks/Hopes
Due to time constraints and unfortunate events, there have been few entries in the past weeks.
Anyway, while browsing through to catch up on the news revealed a shocker. Young player of the year Ojimi Obatola's employment pass not renewed? What the heck man? any kind soul there with an explanation on this?
Anyway, once again it seems like Geylang is going to have another disappointing season ahead. I suppose w/o Masrezwan upfront, the Eagles will find goals hard to come up. Jury is still pending about Tomko and Ghindaru. Much will depend on Miro again. There are tactical issues which I dun agree with.
Suppose there will always be a short supply of goals in their matches once again this season as defence is once again the main focus. One nil scorelines will be common. AFC Cup wise, I am not that optimistic about their chances especially when you struggle in the final third of the field.
On the other hand, my 'hometown' club Sengkang looks like they are doing well. Credit to Aide especially many of us thought they would struggle again this campaign.
Another darkhorse will be Rams from the north. A decently solid and balanced team in my view.
Will try to catch up on the league soon.
Meanwhile, lets get behind the Lions for Wednesday's clash with Jordan (Live, Ch 5, 11pm). Thier form hadnt been good. But they usually perform when odds are stacked again them, so C'mon Lions! I wanna hear your ROar!
Anyway, while browsing through to catch up on the news revealed a shocker. Young player of the year Ojimi Obatola's employment pass not renewed? What the heck man? any kind soul there with an explanation on this?
Anyway, once again it seems like Geylang is going to have another disappointing season ahead. I suppose w/o Masrezwan upfront, the Eagles will find goals hard to come up. Jury is still pending about Tomko and Ghindaru. Much will depend on Miro again. There are tactical issues which I dun agree with.
Suppose there will always be a short supply of goals in their matches once again this season as defence is once again the main focus. One nil scorelines will be common. AFC Cup wise, I am not that optimistic about their chances especially when you struggle in the final third of the field.
On the other hand, my 'hometown' club Sengkang looks like they are doing well. Credit to Aide especially many of us thought they would struggle again this campaign.
Another darkhorse will be Rams from the north. A decently solid and balanced team in my view.
Will try to catch up on the league soon.
Meanwhile, lets get behind the Lions for Wednesday's clash with Jordan (Live, Ch 5, 11pm). Thier form hadnt been good. But they usually perform when odds are stacked again them, so C'mon Lions! I wanna hear your ROar!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Sights @ Hougang Stadium 2 Feb
It was the first 2010 S-League game for me this year and of course it was at Hougang Stadium for Sengkang vs Balestier. Hardly a big game, but as usual there was a decent crowd at the Dolphins nest.
Pre-match feel was for Tigers win considering they are now a much more stable team from last season and with old head Salim Moin helping out Coach Nasar.
Just as I entered the stadium at the 18th min mark, Geylang discard Rivaldo Costa put the Tigers. Not too long later, fellow samba boy Vitor Borges, recommended by Peres, was caught by Fadhil Salim in the box and it was Rivaldo who put the Tigers 2 nil up from the spot, Fadhil narrowly missing his punch.
Just as HT approached, Jordan Webb, impressive with his a-la Robinho stepovers, ghosted into the box to chest a long ball down, beat the keeper, and passed the ball into the empty net.
In between, the Tigers had defender Sofiyan sent off for a second yellow card.
The second half saw Sengkang swinging cross after cross into the box but to no avail. Jalal and vice-cap Lau Meng Meng behind most of the inviting ones. Tigers keeper was in fine form and Sengkang were somewhat poor in front of goal.
2010 for Sengkang is a totally different one from the Jon Angelucci's long ball time, this group relies more on pace and speed up front with decent wide men.
However, my personal opinion is that Diallo Abdoulaye is never a centre back. Oh pls. The foreign policy is somehow screwed here.
Other interesting sights:
- Prof Ho Peng Kee spotted, along Venga, and the 3 men Etoile entourage
- Richard Bok and Mike Wong on scouting missions
- *new* Vitor Borges I believed needed the attention of his physio at least 3 times during the match, if i remembered correctly, the stretcher party was quite tired carrying him off so many times.
- Current Thai Port player Cameroonian Modourou Moise with his African teammates cum friends, possibly on a scouting mission on the Eagles game on Wed with SAF. When asked if he was here on holiday, he said no. And gave me a smile when I asked if he was on scouting trip. Haha. The Thai team is probably in pre-season mode right now, so likelyhood he has been given off by his Coach.
- 2 ladies, who are from the Sengkang management team, giving out Mentos sweets in a nicely decorated basket to the VIP section during the game.
Pre-match feel was for Tigers win considering they are now a much more stable team from last season and with old head Salim Moin helping out Coach Nasar.
Just as I entered the stadium at the 18th min mark, Geylang discard Rivaldo Costa put the Tigers. Not too long later, fellow samba boy Vitor Borges, recommended by Peres, was caught by Fadhil Salim in the box and it was Rivaldo who put the Tigers 2 nil up from the spot, Fadhil narrowly missing his punch.
Just as HT approached, Jordan Webb, impressive with his a-la Robinho stepovers, ghosted into the box to chest a long ball down, beat the keeper, and passed the ball into the empty net.
In between, the Tigers had defender Sofiyan sent off for a second yellow card.
The second half saw Sengkang swinging cross after cross into the box but to no avail. Jalal and vice-cap Lau Meng Meng behind most of the inviting ones. Tigers keeper was in fine form and Sengkang were somewhat poor in front of goal.
2010 for Sengkang is a totally different one from the Jon Angelucci's long ball time, this group relies more on pace and speed up front with decent wide men.
However, my personal opinion is that Diallo Abdoulaye is never a centre back. Oh pls. The foreign policy is somehow screwed here.
Other interesting sights:
- Prof Ho Peng Kee spotted, along Venga, and the 3 men Etoile entourage
- Richard Bok and Mike Wong on scouting missions
- *new* Vitor Borges I believed needed the attention of his physio at least 3 times during the match, if i remembered correctly, the stretcher party was quite tired carrying him off so many times.
- Current Thai Port player Cameroonian Modourou Moise with his African teammates cum friends, possibly on a scouting mission on the Eagles game on Wed with SAF. When asked if he was here on holiday, he said no. And gave me a smile when I asked if he was on scouting trip. Haha. The Thai team is probably in pre-season mode right now, so likelyhood he has been given off by his Coach.
- 2 ladies, who are from the Sengkang management team, giving out Mentos sweets in a nicely decorated basket to the VIP section during the game.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Eagles dealt yet another friendly defeat
Geylang United FC 2-3 Woodlands Wellingtion FC
37” Vasile Ghindaru , 47” Miroslav Latiak
36” 62"Lakkad Abdelhadi, 50” Kazuki Yoshino
Date: 23 January 2010
Location: Bedok Stadium
A double strike by Moroccan Lakkad Abdelhadi consigned Geylang United to a second friendly loss in a week as it enabled Woodlands Wellingtion to come away from Bedok with a 3-2 victory on Saturday.
This result meant that the Eagles have achieved only one win out of their six pre-season friendlies and that came against amateur side Singapore Cricket Club.
The 5pm kickoff time meant that the first half was played under scorching heat conditions and it took both sets of players awhile to settle down.
With regards to the Geylang starting line-up, it had a familiar look to it with only defensive lynchpin Rastislav Belicak (injured) and star forward Masrezwan Masturi (bench) missing. In their places came Jonathan Xu and promising starlet Yasir Hanapi.
In the 12th minute, the Eagles had their first shot at the Rams’ goal after good approach play by Miroslav Latiak resulted in Yasir producing a beautiful curling attempt that was pushed away by the Rams’ keeper Hafez Mawasi for a corner.
Five minutes later, new signing Itimi Dickson whipped in a brilliant effort direct from a free-kick out from the left which needed a goalline intervention by the Woodlands’ defence.
Slowly, the away team was beginning to threaten with former Geylang trainee Sazali Salleh and Lakkad looking to do damage.
In the 36th minute, the Woodlands’ pair dealt the Eagles the first blow. After Sazali broke into the danger area, the ball was laid off for Lakkad whose shot took a wicked bounce which deceived Eagles custodian Yazid Yasin and into goal.
However, the Rams’ joy did not last long as Geylang pulled level almost immediately.
Syed Thaha swung in a free-kick from the far side which was met with a looping heading into the far post from new Romanian signing Vasile Ghindaru. At half time, the score stood at one apiece.
The Eagles went into the lead two minutes after the break. Masrezwan, who had replaced the ineffective Peter Tomko, produce a decent attempt which was deflected out for a corner.
Off the resulting set piece, Latiak put the Eagles ahead 2-1 with a shot from outside the box after the Rams’ defence failed to clear their lines.
This time round, it was the Eagles who could not hold on to their lead for long.
From an initial corner situation for Woodlands in the 50th minute, the Geylang backline could not clear convincingly. This led to Rams’ centrehalf Winston Yap teeing up his partner in defence Kazuki Yoshino. The Japanese kept his composure to steer a stinging shot into Yazid’s goal to pull the scores level once again.
The equaliser seemed to galvanise the Rams as they started to look more dangerous.
In the 62nd minute, former Eagles captain Noor Ali led a raid down into the Eagles box where he was upended by Jonathan.
Lakkad stepped up to net the Rams’ third goal for the evening which turned out to be the winner.
Along the way during the second period, Coach Mike Wong made several positional changes to the players in search for the right formula with Ghindaru, Syed Fadhil and Shah Hirul all inter-switching positions.
But it seems that tactical switches and substitutions were to no avail as the Eagles struggled to find a reply.
There was a fine chance in the 82th minute when Masrezwan combined well with substitute Hafiz Rahim to set up Latiak, whose attempt on his weaker right foot was pushed away by the Rams’ keeper.
On the stroke of full time, it was Latiak again with the shot but this time it was off target and the referee ended the game soon after.
Coach Mike Wong revealed post-match that the team needs to improve on aspects like tactical awareness and team cohesion and that it is crucial to put these issues right on the training ground before the campaign begins.
The Eagles will next face Sengkang Punggol in their last pre-season friendly on Tuesday, 26 Jan, at the Hougang Stadium. Kick-off will be at 5pm.
37” Vasile Ghindaru , 47” Miroslav Latiak
36” 62"Lakkad Abdelhadi, 50” Kazuki Yoshino
Date: 23 January 2010
Location: Bedok Stadium
A double strike by Moroccan Lakkad Abdelhadi consigned Geylang United to a second friendly loss in a week as it enabled Woodlands Wellingtion to come away from Bedok with a 3-2 victory on Saturday.
This result meant that the Eagles have achieved only one win out of their six pre-season friendlies and that came against amateur side Singapore Cricket Club.
The 5pm kickoff time meant that the first half was played under scorching heat conditions and it took both sets of players awhile to settle down.
With regards to the Geylang starting line-up, it had a familiar look to it with only defensive lynchpin Rastislav Belicak (injured) and star forward Masrezwan Masturi (bench) missing. In their places came Jonathan Xu and promising starlet Yasir Hanapi.
In the 12th minute, the Eagles had their first shot at the Rams’ goal after good approach play by Miroslav Latiak resulted in Yasir producing a beautiful curling attempt that was pushed away by the Rams’ keeper Hafez Mawasi for a corner.
Five minutes later, new signing Itimi Dickson whipped in a brilliant effort direct from a free-kick out from the left which needed a goalline intervention by the Woodlands’ defence.
Slowly, the away team was beginning to threaten with former Geylang trainee Sazali Salleh and Lakkad looking to do damage.
In the 36th minute, the Woodlands’ pair dealt the Eagles the first blow. After Sazali broke into the danger area, the ball was laid off for Lakkad whose shot took a wicked bounce which deceived Eagles custodian Yazid Yasin and into goal.
However, the Rams’ joy did not last long as Geylang pulled level almost immediately.
Syed Thaha swung in a free-kick from the far side which was met with a looping heading into the far post from new Romanian signing Vasile Ghindaru. At half time, the score stood at one apiece.
The Eagles went into the lead two minutes after the break. Masrezwan, who had replaced the ineffective Peter Tomko, produce a decent attempt which was deflected out for a corner.
Off the resulting set piece, Latiak put the Eagles ahead 2-1 with a shot from outside the box after the Rams’ defence failed to clear their lines.
This time round, it was the Eagles who could not hold on to their lead for long.
From an initial corner situation for Woodlands in the 50th minute, the Geylang backline could not clear convincingly. This led to Rams’ centrehalf Winston Yap teeing up his partner in defence Kazuki Yoshino. The Japanese kept his composure to steer a stinging shot into Yazid’s goal to pull the scores level once again.
The equaliser seemed to galvanise the Rams as they started to look more dangerous.
In the 62nd minute, former Eagles captain Noor Ali led a raid down into the Eagles box where he was upended by Jonathan.
Lakkad stepped up to net the Rams’ third goal for the evening which turned out to be the winner.
Along the way during the second period, Coach Mike Wong made several positional changes to the players in search for the right formula with Ghindaru, Syed Fadhil and Shah Hirul all inter-switching positions.
But it seems that tactical switches and substitutions were to no avail as the Eagles struggled to find a reply.
There was a fine chance in the 82th minute when Masrezwan combined well with substitute Hafiz Rahim to set up Latiak, whose attempt on his weaker right foot was pushed away by the Rams’ keeper.
On the stroke of full time, it was Latiak again with the shot but this time it was off target and the referee ended the game soon after.
Coach Mike Wong revealed post-match that the team needs to improve on aspects like tactical awareness and team cohesion and that it is crucial to put these issues right on the training ground before the campaign begins.
The Eagles will next face Sengkang Punggol in their last pre-season friendly on Tuesday, 26 Jan, at the Hougang Stadium. Kick-off will be at 5pm.
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