Jakarta Casual
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Rearranged friendlies
I mentioned yesterday a revised schedule for Indonesia and here are the dates.
27 May v Oman
6 June v Malaysia
11 June v Vietnam
No idea about venues yet. I guess much will depend on how embarrased the FA get when there are demonstrations next week against their inertia and inaction in face of potential FIFA sanctions all the while the head of the FA is doing porridge.
Woo woo. Malaysia and Vietnam. That will make a change.
Last January Indonesia drew 1-1 with Vietnam in the ASEAN Championships in Singapore while their last meeting with Malaysia also ended 1-1. This was in a Merdeka Cup game in 2006.
Of course this December sees the ASEAN Championships so they could all meet up again.
Little else you can do when the coffers are dry and people are busy covering their arses....
27 May v Oman
6 June v Malaysia
11 June v Vietnam
No idea about venues yet. I guess much will depend on how embarrased the FA get when there are demonstrations next week against their inertia and inaction in face of potential FIFA sanctions all the while the head of the FA is doing porridge.
Woo woo. Malaysia and Vietnam. That will make a change.
Last January Indonesia drew 1-1 with Vietnam in the ASEAN Championships in Singapore while their last meeting with Malaysia also ended 1-1. This was in a Merdeka Cup game in 2006.
Of course this December sees the ASEAN Championships so they could all meet up again.
Little else you can do when the coffers are dry and people are busy covering their arses....
Intercontinental Cup
Malaysia's inaugral Inter Continental Cup kicks off tomorrow after both Argentina and Ghana dropped out. They have been replaced by Chile and Togo.
The hosts take on Ireland at MBPJ Stadium while in the first game Nigeria play Iraq at the same venue.
The hosts take on Ireland at MBPJ Stadium while in the first game Nigeria play Iraq at the same venue.
Sengkang score shock horror!
Sengkang Punggol came from behind last night against mighty Tampines Rovers to earn a draw after 90' when Zdravko Simic equalised Sutee's 21' opener.
But the shock of scoring their third goal was all too much for them and they fell out of the Singapore Cup in the Preliminary round.
They lost 4-3 on penalties.
But the shock of scoring their third goal was all too much for them and they fell out of the Singapore Cup in the Preliminary round.
They lost 4-3 on penalties.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Match fixing
Match fixing has been in the news recently as authorities in Malaysia have been investigating a few clubs there. I look at the disgrace that sees players 'throw' matches in this week's ESPN column.
Out with New Zealand and Tajikistan
Indonesia's previously announced friendlies against the Kiwis and Tajikistan have been pulled and been replaced with games against Malaysia and Vietnam.
I read that in today's paper. The FIFA website still has the old fixtures.
Oman are coming next week and play in 26 May
I read that in today's paper. The FIFA website still has the old fixtures.
Oman are coming next week and play in 26 May
Singapore squad for World Cup Qualifiers
Goalkeepers
Lionel Lewis (Home United) Hassan Sunny (Tampines Rovers) Jasper Chan (Young Lions)
Defenders
Baihakki Khaizan (Geylang United) Precious Emuejeraye (Gombak United) Sevki Sha'ban (Gombak United) Juma'at Jantan (Home United) Daniel Bennett (SAFFC) Shaiful Esah (SAFFC)Shariff Abdul Samat (Tampines Rovers) Afiq Yunos (Young Lions) Ismail Yunos (Young Lions)Mohamed Noh Rahman (Geylang United)
Midfielders
Shahril Ishak (Home United) Shi Jiayi (Home United) John Wilkinson (SAFFC) Muhammad Ridhuan Muhamad (Tampines Rovers) Fahrudin Mustafic (Tampines Rovers) Hariss Harun (Young Lions) Isa Halim (Young Lions)
Forwards
Fazrul Nawaz (Geylang United) Indra Sahdan Daud (Home United) Aleksandar Duric (SAFFC)Khairul Amri (Young Lions)
Lionel Lewis (Home United) Hassan Sunny (Tampines Rovers) Jasper Chan (Young Lions)
Defenders
Baihakki Khaizan (Geylang United) Precious Emuejeraye (Gombak United) Sevki Sha'ban (Gombak United) Juma'at Jantan (Home United) Daniel Bennett (SAFFC) Shaiful Esah (SAFFC)Shariff Abdul Samat (Tampines Rovers) Afiq Yunos (Young Lions) Ismail Yunos (Young Lions)Mohamed Noh Rahman (Geylang United)
Midfielders
Shahril Ishak (Home United) Shi Jiayi (Home United) John Wilkinson (SAFFC) Muhammad Ridhuan Muhamad (Tampines Rovers) Fahrudin Mustafic (Tampines Rovers) Hariss Harun (Young Lions) Isa Halim (Young Lions)
Forwards
Fazrul Nawaz (Geylang United) Indra Sahdan Daud (Home United) Aleksandar Duric (SAFFC)Khairul Amri (Young Lions)
Monday, May 12, 2008
Last gasp action at Yishun
With Choi Young Min giving the Super Reds an 89th minute lead earlier this evening you would imagine the fans would have been celebrating a last minute triumph in the Singapore Cup against Geylang United.
But Singapore has been specializing in last minute goals this season and this tie was no exception. Rastislav Belicak equalised on 90' and the game went into extra time.
Choi got the winner on 101'.
But Singapore has been specializing in last minute goals this season and this tie was no exception. Rastislav Belicak equalised on 90' and the game went into extra time.
Choi got the winner on 101'.
Bayern ticket prices
The prices for the prestige friendly between Indonesia and Bayern Munchen have been set as follows:
150,000
100,000
50,000
25,000
Next Wednesday's game is live on TV here but I have no idea when the kick off is.
150,000
100,000
50,000
25,000
Next Wednesday's game is live on TV here but I have no idea when the kick off is.
Students triumph
For the second consecutive game in the Singapore Cup a Thai side overcame SLeague opponents. This time Bangkok University comfortably brushed aside Albirex Niigata 4-1 at Jurong East stadium.
With Tobacco Monopoly beating Gombak the night before it means both Thai sides have had winning starts but their test will come when they play the big boys in the cup
With Tobacco Monopoly beating Gombak the night before it means both Thai sides have had winning starts but their test will come when they play the big boys in the cup
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Casmir interested in Indonesia again?
Reports locally have Agu Casmir, a naturalised Singaporean, in contract negotiations with Premier Liga side Persebaya Surabaya.
Casmir of course has some history with Indonesia.
Casmir of course has some history with Indonesia.
Singapore Cup update
Friday, May 09, 2008
Comfortable for SAF
SAF eased through to the next round of the Singapore Cup beating Balestier Khalsa 2-0 at their Warriors Arena. That means they are unbeaten at home for a very long time indeed.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Thai woes in Champions League
KTB last night lost 8-1 to Japanese side Kashima Antlers in their 5th game of the group stages of this season's Champions League. The Bankers have conceded 24 goals but remarkably are not bottom thanks to their solitary 9-1 defeat of Nam Dinh.
Chonburi were as ever cheered on by a fanatical crowd at the Supachalasi Stadium in Bangkok but fell to two second half goals against Gamba Osaka.
The Thai teams of course were never going to win the trophy but Chonburi at least can hold their head high.
Druryfire asks some questions about the Thais' future in this competition in his Thai Football blog.
Chonburi were as ever cheered on by a fanatical crowd at the Supachalasi Stadium in Bangkok but fell to two second half goals against Gamba Osaka.
The Thai teams of course were never going to win the trophy but Chonburi at least can hold their head high.
Druryfire asks some questions about the Thais' future in this competition in his Thai Football blog.
Malaysia announce squad
Malaysia have announced their Under 23 squad for the up coming Inter Continental Cup they are hosting.
Goalkeepers: Mohd Nasril Nourdin (Perak), Syed Adney Syed Hussein (UPB-MyTeam), Mohd Farizal Marlias (Shahzan Muda).
Defenders: Norhafiza Zamani Misbah (Pahang), Ahmad Azlan Zainal, S. Subramaniam (Perak), Mohd Nasriq Baharom (Selangor), Chun Keng Hong (Penang), Mohd Aidil Zafuan (Negeri Sembilan), Zairul Fitree Ishak (Kelantan), Mohd Daudso Jamaluddin, Sumardi Hajalan (Johor FC).
Midfielders: Mohd Shukor Adan, Safiq Rahim, Mohd Asraruddin Putra (Selangor), Azi Shahril Azmi (Perak), Mohd Khyril Muhymeen, Badrol Bakhtiar (Kedah), S. Kunalan, Shahurain Abu Samah (Negeri Sembilan), Mohd Bunyamin Umar, Mohd Zamri Chin (UPB-MyTeam).
Strikers: Mohd Safee Sali, Mohd Amirulhadi Zainal (Selangor), Mohd Zaquan Adha (Negeri Sembilan), Norsharul Idlan Talaha (UPB-MyTeam), Mohd Ashaari Shamsuddin (Terangganu).
Goalkeepers: Mohd Nasril Nourdin (Perak), Syed Adney Syed Hussein (UPB-MyTeam), Mohd Farizal Marlias (Shahzan Muda).
Defenders: Norhafiza Zamani Misbah (Pahang), Ahmad Azlan Zainal, S. Subramaniam (Perak), Mohd Nasriq Baharom (Selangor), Chun Keng Hong (Penang), Mohd Aidil Zafuan (Negeri Sembilan), Zairul Fitree Ishak (Kelantan), Mohd Daudso Jamaluddin, Sumardi Hajalan (Johor FC).
Midfielders: Mohd Shukor Adan, Safiq Rahim, Mohd Asraruddin Putra (Selangor), Azi Shahril Azmi (Perak), Mohd Khyril Muhymeen, Badrol Bakhtiar (Kedah), S. Kunalan, Shahurain Abu Samah (Negeri Sembilan), Mohd Bunyamin Umar, Mohd Zamri Chin (UPB-MyTeam).
Strikers: Mohd Safee Sali, Mohd Amirulhadi Zainal (Selangor), Mohd Zaquan Adha (Negeri Sembilan), Norsharul Idlan Talaha (UPB-MyTeam), Mohd Ashaari Shamsuddin (Terangganu).
Home back to winning ways
In last night's Singapore Cup tie Dalian Shide surprisingly took the lead against a recently put of sorts Home United but the Protectors fought back and how.
A five minute hat trick from Indra Sahdan plus a fourth on the hour mark and the obligitory Ludovick contribution saw Home run out 5-1 winners.
A five minute hat trick from Indra Sahdan plus a fourth on the hour mark and the obligitory Ludovick contribution saw Home run out 5-1 winners.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
The SLeague experience
I've just had my first column added to the SLeague website. In it I talk about the match experience in Singapore and fried chicken!
Check it out here
Check it out here
More bad news for Arsenal fans
With Flamini gone and Hleb runoured to be on his way it probably couldn't get much worse for Arsene Wenger. Adebayor isn't happy and Cesc is always being linked to Spain. Now comes news that Emmanuel Eboue is happy at the club and wants to stay.
The lot of an Arsenal fan ain't a happy one.
The lot of an Arsenal fan ain't a happy one.
Another English season ends
So we come to the final week of a long old season, a season which for me ended in the North West with defeats at Old Trafford, twice, and Anfield. But, for once, this post isn’t going to be about our shortcomings.
I’m delighted to see Stoke City back in the big time. They used to be regular opponents of the Arsenal and indeed my earliest footballing memories were of Stoke as a big team. Two famous FA Cup semi finals against the Arsenal, beating Chelsea in the League Cup final in 1972 for their first and only honour, beating us 5-0. Banks, Pejic, Greenhoff, John Ritchie, those Potteries legends are still familiar to me even though we’re talking nearly 40 years ago!
They won’t last long in the Premier League so strong is the lure of the dollar there but I hope they give it a good go.
The season they won the cup was also the first season Derby County won the title. The Rams were to win it again three years later and even beat Real Madrid 5-1 in a famous night at the old Baseball Ground with Charlie George getting a hat trick. Derby of course today are no more than bit players and they go down in the record books at the worst ever team in Premier League history.
Still they have proud memories and traditions and a support that has put other clubs to shame. I remember seeing them in the old third division and they were still drawing 12,000 + back then. Now they go down to come back up they hope.
They had their own legends back then, the likes of Kevin Hector, Colin Boulton, Colin Todd, Roy McFarland. Where are their modern counterparts eh? Surely not every talented footballer is at home playing computer games? It can’t be that simple surely?
My first few seasons as a football fan saw Everton, Arsenal, Derby, Liverpool then Leeds become champions. Celtic and Rangers then, as now, dominated Scotland but in England, to me, it was far more exciting. Every year someone different.
Despite living in North London a while it wasn’t till I moved Aldershot way that I started going to games regular. Of course we have just seen the Shots rejoin the league 16years after they folded mid season. I was at their last couple of games and recall meeting, briefly, George Berry who also, if I remember correctly, played for Stoke the last time they played Arsenal in a league game.
I cut my terrace teeth on the East Bank at Aldershot and saw my first terrace violence there. Games against Watford and Crystal Palace got pretty tasty as did Swindon and Northampton in later years. Of course three of those teams went on to play in the Premier League while the Shots went out of business.
The football romantic in me hopes Hull City join Stoke in the Premier League. Hull is one of the largest cities in Europe to have never boasted a top tier football club. A friend of mine was a big Hull fan. He also lived in Berlin during the time of the Berlin wall. He used to go to every Hertha game, home and away, traveling on the only roads in and out of the former DDR. I was impressed by his selfless devotion and have ever looked out for Tigers results since then.
While the rest of the country, nay the world, gears up for this weekend’s title decider I care not whether Chelsea or Manchester United win it. Part of me would like the Blues to win it just to shut their moronic support up. ‘Bring back the special one’ indeed. But really I don’t care.
Other stories this season have given me more delight. Aldershot and Stoke’s resurrection prime examples. The likes of Barnsley, Cardiff, West Brom and Portsmouth reaching the FA Cup semi finals.
As we enter the close season the papers, bereft of copy, will take to making it up. Will Hleb follow Flamini out the Arsenal door? Don’t care either way. This team has been together three years and won nothing, breaking up isn’t hard to do, believe me. Get rid of the losers and bring in some winners.
As we wait for August to come round there is plenty to keep the Asian football fan busy. World Cup Qualifiers, Champions League, AFC Cup for starters. Liga Super in Indonesia, Malaysian Cup, SLeague plus their respective cup competitions. Football goes on but is the Asian football fan really interested? Perhaps they will just wait for European Championships to start.
I’m delighted to see Stoke City back in the big time. They used to be regular opponents of the Arsenal and indeed my earliest footballing memories were of Stoke as a big team. Two famous FA Cup semi finals against the Arsenal, beating Chelsea in the League Cup final in 1972 for their first and only honour, beating us 5-0. Banks, Pejic, Greenhoff, John Ritchie, those Potteries legends are still familiar to me even though we’re talking nearly 40 years ago!
They won’t last long in the Premier League so strong is the lure of the dollar there but I hope they give it a good go.
The season they won the cup was also the first season Derby County won the title. The Rams were to win it again three years later and even beat Real Madrid 5-1 in a famous night at the old Baseball Ground with Charlie George getting a hat trick. Derby of course today are no more than bit players and they go down in the record books at the worst ever team in Premier League history.
Still they have proud memories and traditions and a support that has put other clubs to shame. I remember seeing them in the old third division and they were still drawing 12,000 + back then. Now they go down to come back up they hope.
They had their own legends back then, the likes of Kevin Hector, Colin Boulton, Colin Todd, Roy McFarland. Where are their modern counterparts eh? Surely not every talented footballer is at home playing computer games? It can’t be that simple surely?
My first few seasons as a football fan saw Everton, Arsenal, Derby, Liverpool then Leeds become champions. Celtic and Rangers then, as now, dominated Scotland but in England, to me, it was far more exciting. Every year someone different.
Despite living in North London a while it wasn’t till I moved Aldershot way that I started going to games regular. Of course we have just seen the Shots rejoin the league 16years after they folded mid season. I was at their last couple of games and recall meeting, briefly, George Berry who also, if I remember correctly, played for Stoke the last time they played Arsenal in a league game.
I cut my terrace teeth on the East Bank at Aldershot and saw my first terrace violence there. Games against Watford and Crystal Palace got pretty tasty as did Swindon and Northampton in later years. Of course three of those teams went on to play in the Premier League while the Shots went out of business.
The football romantic in me hopes Hull City join Stoke in the Premier League. Hull is one of the largest cities in Europe to have never boasted a top tier football club. A friend of mine was a big Hull fan. He also lived in Berlin during the time of the Berlin wall. He used to go to every Hertha game, home and away, traveling on the only roads in and out of the former DDR. I was impressed by his selfless devotion and have ever looked out for Tigers results since then.
While the rest of the country, nay the world, gears up for this weekend’s title decider I care not whether Chelsea or Manchester United win it. Part of me would like the Blues to win it just to shut their moronic support up. ‘Bring back the special one’ indeed. But really I don’t care.
Other stories this season have given me more delight. Aldershot and Stoke’s resurrection prime examples. The likes of Barnsley, Cardiff, West Brom and Portsmouth reaching the FA Cup semi finals.
As we enter the close season the papers, bereft of copy, will take to making it up. Will Hleb follow Flamini out the Arsenal door? Don’t care either way. This team has been together three years and won nothing, breaking up isn’t hard to do, believe me. Get rid of the losers and bring in some winners.
As we wait for August to come round there is plenty to keep the Asian football fan busy. World Cup Qualifiers, Champions League, AFC Cup for starters. Liga Super in Indonesia, Malaysian Cup, SLeague plus their respective cup competitions. Football goes on but is the Asian football fan really interested? Perhaps they will just wait for European Championships to start.
Nervey days in Malaysia
Ah bless the FAM. They may be quick to invite the likes of Chelsea or Manchester United to come and visit but when it comes to their own league they act with a great deal of tardiness.
With the Super League and Premier League finished there is still no suggestion as to who will get promoted or who will get relegated.
Various suggestions are doing the rounds including a straight two up two down. But one story has it that the Super League will be increased to 14 clubs from the current 13. In this scenario just one club could be relegated, Sarawak who finished bottom.
But the Super may be expanded to 16 clubs in which case as well as KL Plus and Kuala Muda who finished second and first respectively, third placed Kelantan would go up and there would be no relegation.
Penang, who finished second bottom of the Super League aren't worried. Coach Mohamad Bakar says “we received a written statement sometime ago from the FAM stating that only the bottom side go down. Until being told otherwise, I stand by the belief that Penang will remain in the Super League.”
All this probably won't be decided until the FAM have their next gob fest 17th May. Till then nothing to do but twiddle their thumbs.
The obvious question, one would think, is why wasn't this sorted either pre season or at least before the end of the season?
With the Super League and Premier League finished there is still no suggestion as to who will get promoted or who will get relegated.
Various suggestions are doing the rounds including a straight two up two down. But one story has it that the Super League will be increased to 14 clubs from the current 13. In this scenario just one club could be relegated, Sarawak who finished bottom.
But the Super may be expanded to 16 clubs in which case as well as KL Plus and Kuala Muda who finished second and first respectively, third placed Kelantan would go up and there would be no relegation.
Penang, who finished second bottom of the Super League aren't worried. Coach Mohamad Bakar says “we received a written statement sometime ago from the FAM stating that only the bottom side go down. Until being told otherwise, I stand by the belief that Penang will remain in the Super League.”
All this probably won't be decided until the FAM have their next gob fest 17th May. Till then nothing to do but twiddle their thumbs.
The obvious question, one would think, is why wasn't this sorted either pre season or at least before the end of the season?
