AFF Suzuki Cup

[bon-nirnam]

Obviously a bad result for Thailand, but a terrific result for the region in general.

Makudi would probably have sacked Robson by the time you read this, if he has realised that the game has even been played from his plush hotel in Switzerland.

Imagine how would people at his dining table in Zuric would have reacted
upon hearing vv's explanation of the 2-2 results?

'Well, the boys have just played in our FA Cup last Sunday'

'They did what! What are you, an ibiot?   Plongggggg!!!!



 

[jakartacasual]

at the press conference after the game i wanted to ask robson how detrimental the fa cup final been to his players preparation but i didnt need to...he mentioned it at every opportunity!

[lokomotive]

Obviously a bad result for Thailand, but a terrific result for the region in general.

Makudi would probably have sacked Robson by the time you read this, if he has realised that the game has even been played from his plush hotel in Switzerland.

Imagine how would people at his dining table in Zuric would have reacted
upon hearing vv's explanation of the 2-2 results?

'Well, the boys have just played in our FA Cup last Sunday'

'They did what! What are you, an ibiot?   Plongggggg!!!!

Brilliant. Sad but could be true.

[lokomotive]

at the press conference after the game i wanted to ask robson how detrimental the fa cup final been to his players preparation but i didnt need to...he mentioned it at every opportunity!

In case of an early exit, Robo at least should be in a position to keep his face. And in case they fire him, the FAT/TPL maybe have some stuff think about, if a former England captain talks that much about fatigue of his players.

[druryfire]

I understand what you mean Loko, now this is how I see it:

FAT - They turn around and say, hey, we wanted rid of Steve Darby after the ASEAN Games, he stayed on, look what happened.

FAT also say, we hired Robbo to help develop the Thai league, look what he did, he played a cup final just days before the first game.

Also, Thailand could still qualify, if they do, can Robbo blame Fatigue? If they qualify then Robbo will be made to seen to of been making excuses.

Also, Robbo knew the calendar, so what's he telling us? He'd rather pick players fatigued because he doesn't believe in the players he didn't pick (no Laeng, no Anon). If he was that concerned he would have brought this to our attention before or picked players that were ready.


When we say heads will roll, it lands with the coach, yes, he's been badly done by and FAT head's should roll aswell, but does Robbo pick the squad or is he told this is the crop you deal with, if the latter then FAT should go from top to bottom, if it's him, then it's bad preperation. You deal with the card you have. Two years ago, a second string dealt with Laos, now a half fit 1st string couldn't. Is it the players, or the coach? I believe Reid would have worked around this, Robbo couldn't and it wouldn't matter what personnel he had, he underestimated Laos, simple as.

I've never liked Robbo and would like to see him be replaced, but the best thing he can do now is proove me wrong, get out of the group stage and then resign.

As for todays game, brilliant result, it know makes ASEAN football unpredicatble, good for the game.

[charade_2010]

Robson's men rally for 2-2 draw against Laos

JAKARTA : The Thai national football team plunged to a new low as they were lucky to earn a 2-2 draw with Laos in their Suzuki Cup opener last night.

Sarayoot Chaikamdee's last-gasp equaliser saved Thailand from further embarrassment in the Southeast Asian championship at Gelora Bung Kano stadium.

In yesterday's other Group A game, Indonesia hammered Malaysia 5-1.

The Thais had to come from behind twice - Sarayoot on target on both occasions - to avoid a defeat against Laos who proved they are no longer the region's whipping boys.

Konekham Inthammavong stunned Bryan Robson's men when he gave Laos the lead after 53 minutes.

Sarayoot equalised after 67 minutes. Kanlaya Sysomvang regained the lead for Laos in the 82nd minute only for Sarayoot to earn a point for the Thais in injury time.

"We were lucky to get two goals back," admitted Robson.

Laos coach David Booth said: "We worked hard together for four months. This is Laos' best result against Thailand for 35 years."

Thailand entered the tournament as one of the favourites but the three-time winners will need to improve greatly in their next two games against Malaysia and Indonesia in Group A to progress to the semi-finals.

"The result today was OK but we will have to beat Malaysia and Indonesia in the next games," said Robson.

The Thais were feeling the effects after a number of their players from Chonburi FC and Muang Thong United were involved in a draining FA Cup final on Sunday.

Captain and defender Nataporn Phanrit and playmaker Datsakorn Thonglao were left on the bench while defender Panupong Wongsa was not even included in the team list.

"As I said earlier, this would not be an easy game," Robson said.

"In the first 15 minutes, we had very good chances and should have scored two goals but could not make it. Laos played very well especially in their defence and counter-attack."

The Englishman added: "My players did not get enough preparation because we had a hard game on Sunday in the FA Cup final. Some players were tired."

Sarayoot said it was a disappointing result and claimed the setback was a result of a lack of proper preparation time.

"We played too many games at home," he said. "But we should be able to qualify for the next round."

The Thais appeared sluggish during the opening half although they created the better chances. They could have taken the lead as early as the fourth minute when Sarayoot's pass released Suchao Nutnum, who was unable to put the ball past Laos goalkeeper Sengphachan Bounthisanh.

Sarayoot then had an opportunity of his own in the 12th minute after the striker ran on to a fine through ball by skipper Therdsak Chaiman. But the normally lethal striker shot straight at Sengphachan.

Laos looked dangerous on the counter-attack and Thai defender Rangsan Vivatchaichok was booked in the 34th minute when he chopped down Lamnao Singto just outside the Thai box as the Laotian striker bore down on goal.

Thailand's best chance of the half arrived five minutes before half-time. Sarayoot slipped a fine through ball to Therdsak, who broke clear but was quickly closed down by Sengphachan who stopped the Thai skipper's initial attempt.

Therdsak managed to get to the rebound first but his follow-up shot came back off the upright.

With the game still deadlocked, Laos grew in confidence after the break and took a shock lead in the 53th minute.

Kaysone Soukhavong swung in a free-kick that was met by Konekham, who badly mistimed his header. However, the ball bounced off the ground and looped agonisingly over the head of goalkeeper Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool for the opening goal.

The Thais levelled in the 67th minute thanks to a brilliant finish by Sarayoot.

Kanlaya came on as a replacement for Lamnao and appeared to have bagged the winner in the 82nd minute with a 20-yard drive.

But the Thais salvaged a point when Sarayoot's header crept in in stoppage time.

Thailand will next play Malaysia on Saturday.

Group B is in Hanoi featuring Vietnam, Singapore, Burma and the Philippines. The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals.

You Tube videos :

Thailand - Laos :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQoW5nXDs0E

Indonesia - Malaysia :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drUbYCsJWaQ

[druryfire]

Just seeing the goals, the 1st one for Laos isn't about fatigue, it's about slacking marking. Robbo hasn't done his homework. He could have spotted this in Laos in October (let's be fair, he went to at least one game, credit for that) and since then he could have gone to Siskaet or Prachinburi! In my opinion he underestimated, which probably anyone would, but with his big wage he surely has to do the preperation that the rest of us wouldn't want to do?

The 2nd goal, almost gives me memories of Germany - England, one long punt from the keeper, a good strike to be fair, what could the keeper do? Defenders close down quicker maybe, but sometimes you just can't stop these strikes.

We are probably lucky Chaikmedee played, if he didn't, were would the goals have come from looking at our recent record?

[charade_2010]

In my opinion he underestimated, which probably anyone would, but with his big wage he surely has to do the preperation that the rest of us wouldn't want to do?

Yeah , he seemed to underestimate Laos but I'd like to add that Thailand didn't have good prepartion for this Cup . FAT's shedule was too passive .

[wolfman]

Captain and defender Nataporn Phanrit and playmaker Datsakorn Thonglao were left on the bench while defender Panupong Wongsa was not even included in the team list.

Yes, these guys played 120 minutes on Sunday, but it should also be pointed out that these three were used by Robson as overage players at the Asian Games, when they could have been rested through most of November.

[Vinnie]

Gutted for Laos; they must be devastated.

I agree that those who put together that insane schedule are mainly to blame, but nevertheless, Robson is still a dead coach walking.

[charade_2010]

Robson blames shocker on fatigue

Thailand coach Bryan Robson has blamed fatigue for his side's shock 2-2 draw with minnows Laos on the opening day of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010.

Thailand, who had 12 squad members involved in a tiring FA Cup final last weekend, twice had to come from behind to rescue a point in a game observers had predicted they would win with ease.

A brace from Thai striker Sarayoot Chaikamdee proved enough to cancel out shock efforts from Konekham Inthammavong and Kanlaya Sysomvang in Jakarta, but did little to appease Robson's obvious disappointment after his team's first Group A outing.

"Overall the game was disappointing for us but quite a few of the players had a hard game on Sunday. We looked like a team that didn't prepare well for the tournament and had not trained much together," Robson told the tournament's official website.

"It was a sluggish performance but at least the players showed good character to come back well twice.

"Our choices were limited because we had a lot of tired players but I thought that we were more threatening when Datsakorn (Thonglao) and Teerasil (Dangda) came on as substitutes late in the second half."

Despite the Laos setback, Robson was adamant that he was focused on the positives ahead of a crunch clash with Malaysia - who lost 5-1 to Indonesia in the later Group A game - on Saturday.

"It was a disappointing result but it has not affected our aims for the competition too much," he said.

"What it does mean is that we must get good results in our next games against Malaysia and Indonesia.

"The good thing for us is that now I will have more time to work with the players in training - something that I didn't have a chance to do before this game.

"But I've still got confidence in the players that they can get the result that we need to advance."

[jakartacasual]

some thoughts on the game

http://jakartacasual.blogspot.com/2010/12/too-soon-for-thai-autopsy.html

[BKK73]

some thoughts on the game

http://jakartacasual.blogspot.com/2010/12/too-soon-for-thai-autopsy.html

I agree with you. The Thai press remind me of the English press in that they think their team is a lot better than what they actually are.

On yesterday's evidence the Thai team looked very jaded. There is no doubting that Brian Robson was a great player, but looking at him standing disinterested on the touchline doesn't make me think he can inspire his troops to victory. It looked like he'd rather be somewhere else.

[charade_2010]

AFF Suzuki Cup Day Two Review

Chris Greatwich's injury-time equaliser earned a point for a plucky Philippines side against Singapore.

The English-born striker popped up just before the final whistle to sidefoot former Chelsea trainee James Younghusband's low cross past keeper Hassan Sunny from six yards as a static Singapore defence looked on.

The Lions had taken the lead in slightly fortuitous fashion after 64 minutes.

Noh Alam Shah's bad touch seemed to have ended a promising attack but as he tried to cut the ball back from the byline, it hit a Filipino defender and bounced back into his path.

The forward hung up a cross at the back post and an unmarked Aleksandar Duric headed home from close range but Singapore were left to rue a number of missed chances thanks to Greatwich's late strike.

In the other Group B fixture, Nguyen Anh Duc and Nguyen Trong Hoang both scored twice as hosts Vietnam began their AFF Suzuki Cup defence with an emphatic 7-1 victory over Myanmar at My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi.

Vietnam broke the deadlock after 14 minutes of the Group B game when Ahn Duc smashed home a rebound after keeper Zin Htet Kyaw had parried Nguyen Minh Phuong's initial effort.

Their lead lasted all of two minutes as Myanmar stunned the hosts with a fine equaliser.

Aung Kyaw Moe ran between two defenders to latch on to Thant Myo Aung's long ball before firing a shot with the outside of his right foot from just outside the box that beat the Vietnam keeper.

However, the hosts reasserted their authority in the 29th minute when Minh Phuong nonchalantly lifted a free-kick from the edge of the dee into the back of the net.

Vietnam proved irresistible in the second-half and added a further five goals to their tally against an increasingly demoralized Myanmar.

Le Tan Tai's composed finish made it 3-1 after 50 minutes before Anh Duc grabbed his second a quarter of an hour later with a powerful header into the bottom corner from Nguyen Vu Phong's floated cross.

The striker turned provider in the 74th minute as his precise cushioned lay-off allowed substitute Trong Hoang to rifle a shot into the bottom corner from just outside the area

Trong Hoang then sidefooted home unmarked inside the six-yard box with eight minutes to go before Vu Phong pounced on a loose ball to slot in the seventh goal in injury time.

Analysis :

Singapore - Philippines :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqBWpQq3mlU

Vietnam - Myanmar :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKcVVrDiG0w

[jakartacasual]

some post match comments from thailand v lao

http://jakartacasualtv.blogspot.com/2010/12/thailand-v-lao-2-2.html

some action from the game including one of the goals and the disallowed effort

http://asianfootballpix.blogspot.com/2010/12/thailand-v-lao-2-2.html

[wolfman]

A couple of thoughts that occurred to me watching JC's video's. First, Robson makes comment that Thailand looked like a team that hadn't prepared well. I wondered, given the proximity of the tournaments, why a different manager wasn't sent to Gwangzhou? I know the FAT would point to the SEA Games failure, but why isn't there a full-time U-23 coach? Robson could have remained in Thailand, and trained with what was left of the squad.

Secondly, it's interesting to note that the 2 teams who had to qualify have drawn with more fancied opposition, while 2 automatic qualifiers have been thrashed 5-1 and 7-1. Will there a review of the format for 2012? Or is there a need for qualifying, given they're only reducing the field from 10 to 8 teams?

[binnsy]

C

Captain and defender Nataporn Phanrit and playmaker Datsakorn Thonglao were left on the bench while defender Panupong Wongsa was not even included in the team list.

Yes, these guys played 120 minutes on Sunday, but it should also be pointed out that these three were used by Robson as overage players at the Asian Games, when they could have been rested through most of November.

come on the 3 overaged players would have been used by there club.As for Robbo he was not upto managing Middlesboro and spent millions of his mates (GiBSON) money for what?two Wembley finals.
Taxi for Robson

[SriRachaShark]

If they do decide to give the coach his P45, who do you think they will go after?

Will Rene be a serious contender? Zico maybe? Ray Wilkins?

[lokomotive]

Secondly, it's interesting to note that the 2 teams who had to qualify have drawn with more fancied opposition, while 2 automatic qualifiers have been thrashed 5-1 and 7-1. Will there a review of the format for 2012? Or is there a need for qualifying, given they're only reducing the field from 10 to 8 teams?

I don't think it will change. It's the standard AFC procedure, even though this is an AFF tournament, that the top ranked nations gain direct entry. And in that case Myanmar is even ranked higher than Malaysia.

[druryfire]

Secondly, it's interesting to note that the 2 teams who had to qualify have drawn with more fancied opposition, while 2 automatic qualifiers have been thrashed 5-1 and 7-1. Will there a review of the format for 2012? Or is there a need for qualifying, given they're only reducing the field from 10 to 8 teams?

I don't think it will change. It's the standard AFC procedure, even though this is an AFF tournament, that the top ranked nations gain direct entry. And in that case Myanmar is even ranked higher than Malaysia.

It's changed before, the early days didn't have a qualfication round but they needed to put one in as there were some dire teams.

Don't forget, next edition might see the power house Brunei come back, wo we always need a qualfiyign round to really eliminate the weak links. Wonder how Cambodia are feeling just missing out, they would tell us they could cause a surprise aswell, so there could be a call for everyone to be in at once, once again/

[druryfire]

Hey Loko, seent his article before anywhere?

http://www.aseanfootball.org/news_102.asp

[charade_2010]

ALL EYES ON INDONESIA’S ‘FOREIGN’ PLAYERS

JAKARTA (Dec 3, 2010) – Indonesia’s ‘foreign’ players – Christian Gonzalez and Irfan Haarys Bachdim – have come under the spotlight here after scoring goals in their rout of Malaysia and are likely to see far more action including tomorrow’s tie against Laos before this year’s AFF Suzuki Cup draws to an end. The duo combined well upfront and scored a goal each as Indonesia swept aside Malaysia 5-1.

Gonzalez, currently playing for Persib Bandung, is from Uruguay but has been plying his trade in Indonesia for many years and is even married to a local. Irfan on the other hand was born in Holland but as his father is Indonesian, the player opted to move here and represent his father’s homeland.

The match against Malaysia marked the duo’s official international appearance for their new country and they both certainly made the best of it. In fact, with the duo leading the strikeforce, veteran striker Bambang Pamungkas was left on the bench.

Gonzalez, nicknamed El Loco by the local media, has been a leading scorer in the Indonesian league and could be the key to Indonesia’s dreams of winning their first ever AFF Suzuki Cup this year. The striker is on fire and has now scored four goals for Indonesia in three internationals. He scored three goals in friendlies against Taiwan and Timor Leste in the run-up to this event.

Assistant coach Wolfgang Pikal told reporters at the Pre-Match Press Conference that head coach Alfred Riedl would name the starting line-up at a team briefing at noon tomorrow.

“I am pleased to say that with the exception of Arif (Suyono) all the other players are in good condition and ready for action. We are most likely to field the same team afterall they performed very well against Malaysia. Irfan played very well, so did Christian and Okto (Maniani).”

But he warned that Indonesia cannot afford to make mistakes which had allowed Malaysia to score. “The Laos strikers are fast and we can’t make the same mistake again. Laos showed that they are a team to contend with against Thailand. We can see the gap between teams have reduced and Laos is one of those who has improved vastly. I understand the team has been together since Jan 2009,” he said adding that striker Lamnao Singto and Ketsada Souksavanh were quick and could pose problems.

Laos coach David Booth said that his preparations against Indonesia would be no different from when they played Thailand two days ago. “I always said that the three teams in this group were all difficult. “We would like to perform the way we did in the first game.”
Meanwhile, Booth said that he was not surprised with the Philippines draw with Singapore. “We played them and I was not surprised at all.”

[lokomotive]

Hey Loko, seen this article before anywhere?

http://www.aseanfootball.org/news_102.asp

Yeah on my site and there. However, both interviews (Riedl and Booth) were posted there during this and last week and I feel flattered. 

[wolfman]

C

Captain and defender Nataporn Phanrit and playmaker Datsakorn Thonglao were left on the bench while defender Panupong Wongsa was not even included in the team list.

Yes, these guys played 120 minutes on Sunday, but it should also be pointed out that these three were used by Robson as overage players at the Asian Games, when they could have been rested through most of November.

come on the 3 overaged players would have been used by there club.

Actually, the League was done on 24 October, the FA Cup semis were on Oct 30th, and MTU were out of the League Cup on Nov 4th. I don't think MTU played other matches before the FA Cup final apart from a friendly with Air Force. Instead of playing 3 (Nattaporn & Datsakorn) or 4 (Panupong) matches in 12 days in China, they could have rested up (apart from training) for over 3 weeks before the Final.

Robson really should have taken overage players from teams who were in neither final, instead of the spine of the NT (2 centre-halves and a centre-mid)

[wolfman]

Tonight's results:

Thailand 0-0 Malaysia
Indonesia 6-0 Laos

Thailand dominated the firt half but failed to get any decent balls into the box. They'd had 11 shots to Malaysia's 0 just before halftime, but far too many were long-range Datsakorn specials. In the second half, Malaysia evened things up, but neither side really looked threatening, with Sarayoot having Thailand's best chance. Again, patience was lacking, with too many long range efforts. A couple of good penalty shouts were turned down for challenges on Sarayoot and Suchao. Suchao's in particular looked a certain foul, and the referee compounded his error by booking Suchao for a dive. He'd earlier penalised and booked Nattaphong for a fine tackle as well.

These results mean that Thailand must beat Indonesia on Tuesday to be sure of a semifinal spot. Indonesia are guaranteed top spot, but any of the other three could take second place. If Malaysia draw with Laos, then Thailand can afford to draw, or even lose by up to 3 goals. However, if there is a winner, then Thailand must win their match.

[bon-nirnam]

I don't think Indonesia will field their first unit for a meaning less match.
If Thailand anded up tied with Indonesia and if Laos managed to beat Malaysia,
it will be an interesting situation for FAT.


 

[charade_2010]

Robson's men must win against Indonesia

 

JAKARTA : Thailand are on the verge of elimination after a scoreless draw with Malaysia in their second match of the Suzuki Cup last night .

In the other Group A game of the Southeast Asian championship, Indonesia defeated Laos 6-0 at GeloraBung Karno stadium.

The Thais, who drew 2-2 with Laos in their opening match, will now have to beat Indonesia in their last group game on Tuesday to reach the semi-finals.

Coach Bryan Robson made six changes to his starting line-up after their disappointing stalemate with Laos.

His men were the better side but failed to break Malaysia's gritty defence.

"We got several chances to score but we just did not have luck," said Robson. "It's very disappointing that we could not score goals and this is our main problem."

In heavy conditions following afternoon rain, striker Sarayoot Chaikamdee, Thailand's two-goal hero against Laos, missed two good chances in the first eight minutes.

The best opportunity in the first half fell to the Thais in the 18th minute when Teerasil Dangda dashed into box to receive a return pass from Datsakorn Thonglao.

He got to the ball just ahead of goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat but lost control at the crucial moment and failed to get his attempt on target.

Having lost 5-1 to Indonesia in their opening game, Malaysia defended well to frustrate the Thais who had to try long-range shots.

Malaysia had an opportunity to break the deadlock three minutes into the second half when they were awarded a free-kick just outside the box.

Skipper Safiq Raman took the kick that flew just wide of goalkeeper Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool's right post.

The Thais appeared short of ideas as they continued to shoot from distance.

Sarayoot was kept quiet for much of the game but he nearly ended the stalemate 11 minutes from time when he turned defender in theMalaysian box but failed to beat Khairul from close range.

With eight minutes left, Thailand appeared to have won a penalty when Suchao Nutnum went down but Burmese referee Win Cho saw the things differently and booked the player for diving. Replays showed Suchao was tripped in the area.

It has become a familiar story for Robson, whose team have failed to hit their target on a regular basis during his reign as Thailand coach.

"It's something that I'm trying to get used to as Thailand coach. Once again, we completely dominated position and we created some great opportunities but we wasted them," said the Englishman.

"I think that some of the passing movement today was very good, especially in the first half. We got around the back of their defence on many occasions but we just wasted our chances.

"Our final pass and final finish has been frustrating. We've done enough to win both games here but if you miss your chances, you don't win the game."

The draw was Thailand's second in Group A and leaves them needing to win their final match against hosts Indonesia on Tuesday to ensure their progression to the semi-finals.

"We would have liked to have won this game and moved one step closer to the semi-finals. But now we are going to have to do it the hard way. We have to beat Indonesia here which is a very tough task," said Robson.

"But I'm sure we can give them a tough game and I still feel that we have a chance to reach the semi-finals."

For Malaysia coach K. Rajagobal, the draw was a welcome result after his side had been battered 5-1 by Indonesia in their opener.

"We knew that Thailand would play their best game tonight and we knew it would be a difficult task to get something from the match because they have some very good individual players," he said.

"I must give credit to my team. They defended well and in the second half, they came out with more energy and created more chances .

Video clips :

Thailand - Malaysia :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjG-Fm2TndA&feature=player_embedded

Indonesia - Laos :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wl_ZGvd-Aq4&feature=player_embedded

[SriRachaShark]

Thailand v Indonesia in the final group match. Shades of 1998 - when both teams were trying to lose to avoid Vietnam in the semis. At least we know we'll going for the WIN this time.

[charade_2010]

Thailand v Indonesia in the final group match. Shades of 1998 - when both teams were trying to lose to avoid Vietnam in the semis. At least we know we'll going for the WIN this time.

Shark , please let the past sleep peacefully .   

[jakartacasual]

some thoughts on the game

http://jakartacasual.blogspot.com/2010/12/thailand-v-malaysia-0-0.html

some action and post match comments

http://jakartacasualtv.blogspot.com/2010/12/thailand-v-malaysia.html

[bon-nirnam]

 
Oh Maria, where are you? Thailand needs your help! 

[charade_2010]

Philippines produce Vietnam shocker

The Philippines pulled off one of the biggest shocks in AFF Suzuki Cup history with a 2-0 win over Vietnam.

Goals from Chris Greatwich and Phil Younghusband overcame the hosts and defending champions at My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi and leaves the Philippines in the unlikely position of topping Group B and needing just a point against Myanmar to qualify for the semi-finals.

Greatwich opened the scoring after 38 minutes with a diving header from Anton Del Rosario's cross before Younghusband sealed the points 11 minutes from the end when he cut inside and fired a low shot into the back of the net.

Vietnam now need to beat Singapore in their final game to guarantee their place in the last four, while the Lions just need a point.

Earlier, an injury-time strike from substitute Agu Casmir saw Singapore come from a goal down to avoid an upset with a 2-1 win over Myanmar.

Myanmar had taken a shock lead after just 13 minutes when Khin Muang Lwin finished off an incisive move and managed to hold out until the interval.

The second-half introduction of Casmir proved crucial, however, as the forward cut the ball back to Aleksander Duric from the byline just after the hour mark and the veteran striker sidefooted into an empty net from inside the six-yard box.

Duric then returned the favour deep into stoppage time as his lay-off was driven into the back of the net by Casmir.

Analysis :
 
Singapore - Myanmar :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubd7PIhXuqU&feature=player_embedded

Vietnam - Philippines :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3j9WILj39Q&feature=player_embedded

[binnsy]

Oh Maria, where are you? Thailand needs your help! 

This Thailand team must be one of the poorest sides that it ever put out.Having watched the two games played so far I think that they will be flying back on Wednesday without a win to there name.:-(

[charade_2010]

No drop in Thai standards : Sutee

JAKARTA: Midfielder Sutee Suksomkit sees no difference between Thailand's successful sides of the past and the team of the present but he admits that the rest of the teams in Southeast Asia have caught up with the former regional kingpins.

Sutee and Therdsak Chaiman are the only two survivors in Thailand's current AFF Suzuki Cup squad who were also involved in their victorious campaign in Jakarta in 2002. Playing with a team that included the likes of Kiatisuk Senamuang, Woorawoot Srimaka and Surachai Jaturapattarapong, the Thais beat Indonesia on penalties at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium eight years ago to win the regional title for the third time in four attempts.

But they have failed to add to their haul since despite reaching the last two finals. And their challenge this year is in serious jeopardy after they failed to manage a victory in their opening two matches in Group A against Laos and Malaysia.

Sutee though does not feel that there has been a significant drop in the standard of the national team.

"Of course in 2002, Thailand had a good team and it was a special moment for me because we were champions," said the 32-year-old to www.affsuzukicup.com.

"I was young then and I only played a few games because we had a lot of veteran players then like Kiatisuk and Woorawoot. We were very aggressive and strong and we performed very well then.

"The level of our team now is almost exactly the same and we still have good players. But a lot of things have changed now and football is a lot faster and more physical."

According to Sutee, the surprise results so far this year have highlighted how the gap between the teams has narrowed.

"We now have opponents who are much more competitive and every team is strong. Before our main challengers were Indonesia and Malaysia, but Singapore and Vietnam have gone on to win the tournament while Laos and Philippines have improved a lot this year.

"Teams like Laos are tough to play. If you can score against them like Indonesia did, it can become easier. But the longer they hold out, the tougher it is to break down their defence.

"Malaysia also played well against us. Their defence was strong and their passing game caused us a few problems."

Thailand's problems have been compounded by their lack of training and fitness due to the late finishing Thai League season which saw the team assembled in Bangkok only last Monday, two days before their opening 2-2 draw against Laos.

Explained Sutee, whose side face a must-win showdown against hosts Indonesia on Tuesday: "Our players are weak and tired after playing in a lot of club matches. We have been getting better since we arrived in Indonesia but it is still not enough.

"We need more time, so hopefully we can get to the semi-finals and get stronger as the tournament goes on.

"It will be very difficult for us on Tuesday because Indonesia are a top team and they play a very fast game. But we have no choice and we must try to find our focus and win the game."

[jakartacasual]

http://jakartacasual.blogspot.com/2010/12/judgement-day-for-thailand.html
my match preview...

[wolfman]

JC - To save you doing the maths , Thailand can qualify with a draw, as long as Laos & Malaysia also draw. In fact, if that game is a draw, Thailand could lose 0-3 and still scrape through.

[SriRachaShark]

A couple of newspaper reports from the infamous 1998 match, and, on a happier note, one from the Asian Games victory over South Korea a few weeks later, can be read here
http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/chonburifc/club_news.pl?news=461391

[wolfman]

Thailand eliminated after a 2-1 loss to Indonesia. Malaysia beat Laos 5-1 to progress in 2nd place. Indonesia chose not to field a weakened side making just 3 changes to their team. Thailand made 4 changes (according to the commentators) including dropping Suchao (replaced by Naruphol), Sarayoot (Kirati), Teerathorn (Suttinan) and Sutee (Rangsan).

After a fairly dull and even first half, Thailand came out with more intent in the second half, but it looked like it wouldn't be their night, with two good chances - a shot from the edge of the area with the keeper out of position, and a brilliant overhead kick from Kirati - going straight at a defender/keeper on the line, when anywhere else would have done.
Finally, a fine volleyed finish by Suree, after Kirati had chested down, put Thailand in front on 69 minutes. However, two late penalties to Bambang Pamungkas, both of which saw Panupong receive yellow cards and consequently red, gave the hosts the victory.

[ThaiPortFC]

Highlight:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6DMRfhsVt4

[charade_2010]

Thailand stunned by late Indonesia penalties

JAKARTA : Thai football sunk into the abyss last night when the national side's Suzuki Cup campaign ended in the first round after a 2-1 defeat against Indonesia.

Bambang Pamungkas converted two late penalties in the final nine minutes as Indonesia came from behind to send the three-time champions crashing out in the group stage of the Southeast Asian championship for the first time since 2004.

Thailand appeared to be on course for a win they needed to progress when Suree Sukha fired them ahead in the 68th minute at Gelora Bung Karno stadium.

Panupong Wongsa conceded the penalties in the 81st and 88th minute. He was booked on both occasions and was sent off.

In the other Group A game, Malaysia hammered Laos 5-1 to join Indonesia in the semi-finals.

Indonesia had seven points, Malaysia four, Thailand three and Loas one.

Once dubbed "Brazil of Southeast Asia", Thailand are no longer the region's football powerhouses.

The Kingdom's U23 team, who were eight-time defending champions, were eliminated in the first round of the 2009 SEA Games in Laos.

Also, the U23 sqaud could only manage a scoreless draw with Maldives at last month's Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.

"We played very well in this match but we were unlucky," said Thailand coach Bryan Robson after last night's defeat.

"We should have got a penalty in the first half. The referee should not have awarded the two penalties."

The Englishman said his players were tired following a long domestic season.

Asked about his future with the Thai national side, Robson said: "I still have a contract with the Thai FA. It depends on Thai FA president Worawi (Makudi) to consider.

"But if the Thai media think that I am not good enough, then I will consider what to do."

Despite securing top spot in the group before the match, Indonesia coach Alfred Riedl opted to make only three changes to the side that beat Laos 6-0 while Robson made four changes.

Cheered on by the crowd of 65,000, the Indonesians showed plenty of attacking intent early on but the first half quickly descended into a physical battle.

Thai midfielder Rangsan Vivatchaichok fired a 25-metre free-kick straight at the wall in the fifth minute.

Indonesia goalkeeper Markus Harison Rihihina bravely came out to save at the feet of Datsakorn Thonglao in the 15th minute.

The Thais nearly took the lead in the 51st minute when Datsakorn's attempt was cleared off the line.

Robson sent veteran Therdsak Chaiman on to replace Datsakorn in the 67th minute and moments later they went in front when Kirati Keawsombut knocked the ball down into the box for Suree, who volleyed into the top right corner.

But Indonesia came to life after falling behind and were awarded a penalty after Christian Gonzales was bundled over in the box by Panupong.

Bambang made no mistake from the spot in the 81st minute. Two minutes from time, Panupong handled Bambang's goal-bound attempt and was shown the red card for a second bookable offence.

The striker was on target again from the spot to seal Thailand's demise.

[the_englishman]

This may not be such a bad thing. The players finally get some rest and a certain overpaid person may be asked to leave.

[wolfman]

Strange comment:
"If the Thai media think I'm not good enough, then I will consider what to do" Surely he'd be thicker-skinned than that?

Also disagree with his call on all 3 penalties; I think Suree went down too easy, looking for a spot kick, and both of Indonesia's looked fair. For me, the only unlucky bit was Panupong's booking for the handball, as it looked to be unintentional.

[wolfman]

If they do decide to give the coach his P45, who do you think they will go after?

Will Rene be a serious contender? Zico maybe? Ray Wilkins?

Takeshi Okada? That is of course, if the Sharks don't already have him.

[binnsy]

A far better team performance but the damage had already been done in the two previous matchs at least  Thailand looked liked more of a team.
For me the second penalty was cast iron you can,t slide into tackles with you arms raised in the air and get away with it.
It makes me wonder if the growing increase of foriegn players into the TPL is having an effect on the National Team may well be time to curtail this influx?.

[wolfman]

It makes me wonder if the growing increase of foriegn players into the TPL is having an effect on the National Team may well be time to curtail this influx?.

The arguments usually levelled at the EPL and the England team to make a similar case don't work here. Foreigners aren't keeping Thais out of the top teams and continental competitions. (The 22 in Indonesia contains 17 players from this year's top 3 clubs)

Nor are they keeping National team players on the bench at their clubs (The closest to a non-starter I can think of is Therdsak, and I think he is managed carefully due to his age). There is already a quota in place (although I believe 7 is too high), and another applied should teams play in AFC competitions. SRS has already pointed out that Chonburi started all Thai XIs in their FA Cup semi and Final matches.

In Korea, there used to be concerns that most imports were forwards, and that the NT suffered from a lack of goal-scoring because of this. Their league goal-scoring charts were dominated by foreigners. I don't think this is the case here. It seems to me that positionally, there is a good balance of imports here, with goalkeepers, defenders, and midfield also covered. Although foreigners were first and second this season, The only other non-Thai to have won the Thai League Golden Boot was Ney Fabiano, 4 years ago. In fact, it should be pointed out that on a night when Thailand needed a victory (and therefore goals), the top 3 TPL Thai scorers were either on the bench or not in the squad.

I don't think you could argue that foreigners in the TPL affected the team, unless you feel that they've lowered the standard below regular Thai levels.

I would perhaps argue that not enough Thais are getting abroad and exposing themselves to different styles and levels of football.
 

[charade_2010]

Thais paid penalty for nervous finish: Robson

JAKARTA: Thailand coach Bryan Robson felt that his side let their nerves get the better of them as they bowed out of the AFF Suzuki Cup on Tuesday after conceding two late penalties in a 2-1 loss to Indonesia in their final Group A game.

Needing a win to advance to the semi-finals, the Thais controlled much of the play and took a deserved lead through Suree Sukha's volley midway through the second half.

But they were unable to maintain the initiative and collapsed in the closing minutes as Bambang Pamungkas converted twice from the spot to send the three-time champions crashing out of the tournament.

"Overall I thought we played quite well tonight but after we scored the goal, we seemed to panic a bit and gave the ball away a bit too much," said Robson.

"If we got the penalty in the first half, when we were playing better and we were putting them under a lot of pressure, it might have been a different game.

"For me, the turning point was when we scored and our possession was not so good as it was previous to that and we didn't play very well."

The former England captain felt aggrieved that his side were not awarded a penalty in the first half while they were well on top when Suree Sukha went down in the box but was instead booked for diving.

The penalties instead went to the Indonesians when Christian Gonzales appeared to be fouled in the 81st minute and Panupong Wongsa handled Bambang's goal-bound shot a minute from time.

"I think that the officials haven't been very kind to us in this competition," he lamented.

"In the first half, there was a blatant foul on Suree but the referee didn't seem to see it and gave him a yellow card instead. In the second half, the ball hit the post, went across the box and their player went down but he managed to see a foul this time.

"And then right at the end, when a player blasts a ball at you from two yards out and it hits you on the arm, it's beyond me how that can be a penalty and you can get sent off as well. I thought that just summed the referee up."

Meanwhile, Indonesia coach Alfred Riedl expressed surprise at the powers of recovery shown by his side, who were on the back foot for much of the game but came on strong at the end.

"I thought that today, we were playing in third gear a little bit but their goal woke us up. I was surprised that we had so much power in the end and we got the result we wanted in the end," the Austrian said.

"If you take the game over 90 minutes, a draw would have been a fair result because the Thais tried hard to score. In the first half, they were not dangerous but in the second half they created a lot more chances because they had to take a risk.

"They finally scored a goal but after that we played more offensive and we took more chances. That was what resulted in the two penalties, which were both quite clear."

[Vinnie]

Thailand stunned by late Indonesia penalties

JAKARTA : Thai football sunk into the abyss last night when the national side's Suzuki Cup campaign ended in the first round after a 2-1 defeat against Indonesia.

Bambang Pamungkas converted two late penalties in the final nine minutes as Indonesia came from behind to send the three-time champions crashing out in the group stage of the Southeast Asian championship for the first time since 2004.

Thailand appeared to be on course for a win they needed to progress when Suree Sukha fired them ahead in the 68th minute at Gelora Bung Karno stadium.

Panupong Wongsa conceded the penalties in the 81st and 88th minute. He was booked on both occasions and was sent off.

In the other Group A game, Malaysia hammered Laos 5-1 to join Indonesia in the semi-finals.

Indonesia had seven points, Malaysia four, Thailand three and Loas one.

Once dubbed "Brazil of Southeast Asia", Thailand are no longer the region's football powerhouses.

The Kingdom's U23 team, who were eight-time defending champions, were eliminated in the first round of the 2009 SEA Games in Laos.

Also, the U23 sqaud could only manage a scoreless draw with Maldives at last month's Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.

"We played very well in this match but we were unlucky," said Thailand coach Bryan Robson after last night's defeat.

"We should have got a penalty in the first half. The referee should not have awarded the two penalties."

The Englishman said his players were tired following a long domestic season.

Asked about his future with the Thai national side, Robson said: "I still have a contract with the Thai FA. It depends on Thai FA president Worawi (Makudi) to consider.

"But if the Thai media think that I am not good enough, then I will consider what to do."

Despite securing top spot in the group before the match, Indonesia coach Alfred Riedl opted to make only three changes to the side that beat Laos 6-0 while Robson made four changes.

Cheered on by the crowd of 65,000, the Indonesians showed plenty of attacking intent early on but the first half quickly descended into a physical battle.

Thai midfielder Rangsan Vivatchaichok fired a 25-metre free-kick straight at the wall in the fifth minute.

Indonesia goalkeeper Markus Harison Rihihina bravely came out to save at the feet of Datsakorn Thonglao in the 15th minute.

The Thais nearly took the lead in the 51st minute when Datsakorn's attempt was cleared off the line.

Robson sent veteran Therdsak Chaiman on to replace Datsakorn in the 67th minute and moments later they went in front when Kirati Keawsombut knocked the ball down into the box for Suree, who volleyed into the top right corner.

But Indonesia came to life after falling behind and were awarded a penalty after Christian Gonzales was bundled over in the box by Panupong.

Bambang made no mistake from the spot in the 81st minute. Two minutes from time, Panupong handled Bambang's goal-bound attempt and was shown the red card for a second bookable offence.

The striker was on target again from the spot to seal Thailand's demise.

Who wrote this hyperbolic, vomit-inducing rubbish?

"Thai football sunk into the abyss" At least the author didn't go too over the top!

"...the U23 squad could only manage a scoreless draw with Maldives at the Asian Games..."
They also progressed farther than any other SEA nation and gave the eventual winers Japan their toughest match of the tournament.

Let's have a bit of perspective.
The team lost because of two late penalties.
A team that is physically f*cked, in poor form, and, presumably, fairly low in morale, by and large outplayed a host nation that had scored 11 in their previous two matches, and was roared on by 70,000 of the most volatile and partisan fans in the world.

I may agree with the author that Thai football has fallen into an abyss (one cannot sink into an abyss) when the national team is comprehensively outplayed by Laos, Malaysia or Indonesia. But that hasn't been the case here. You still come away with the feeling that a fully fit, fully motivated and fully prepared Thailand could destroy any of these sides.

[wolfman]

Who wrote this hyperbolic, vomit-inducing rubbish?

Tor Chittinand, today's Bangkok Post.

[Vinnie]

Should have known.

[jakartacasual]

vinnie - hence robbo's quote about the thai media who are of course someone's puppet...