Thursday, November 06, 2008
Kedah Host Brazilian Visitors
Wednesday November 5, 2008
Canaries ready to stretch wings against Brazil Selection
By LOGANATH VELOO
GEORGE TOWN: Malaysian treble champions Kedah realise it will be a tall order for them to upset a star-studded Brazil Selection in Alor Star on Friday.
The Brazilians, parading several former internationals, will take on the Canaries at the Darulaman Stadium for their final match in the South-East Asia Tour of Hope.
Among the notable stars in Brazil’s squad are 1994 World Cup winner Paulo Sergio, Giovanni, Ze Carlos, Emerson and Silvao.
The Brazilians are touring the region to raise funds for the relief and rebuilding of projects for the victims of Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar.
Prior to the Malaysian stopover, the South American selection side were unbeaten in their four matches on the Tour — a 4-0 win and a 1-1 draw against Myanmar, a 2-0 victory against Vietnam; and overcoming a Thai Selection 4-1.
Although the home side can expect strong support from a 30,000 bumper crowd for the match, Kedah coach Mohd Azraai Khor is realistic about his team’s chances.
“It will be good exposure for the Kedah players as it is not often that we get a chance to play high-profile and formidable opponents,” said Mohd Azraai yesterday.
“My main concern is not how to beat the Brazilians, but rather how to stop them from scoring.
“Whatever the result, I want my players to utilise the experience as a learning process.”
The coach also intends to use the match to test out his four new signings — strikers Mohd Azrul Ahmad and Farizal Rozali (both from Penang), and midfielders Sharulnizam Mustapha (Perak) and Mohd Afif Amiruddin (Police).
But Kedah will be without first choice goalkeeper Mohd Helmi Eliza and schemer Mohd Khyril Muhymeen, who are both away on national duty.
Added Azraai: “Although we are at the preparation stage and the Super League start is two months away, it is a good opportunity to see how well the new players blend into the team.
“Everything looks positive in training, but the coaches will only get a clearer picture when the players are tested in high-pressure conditions.”
Canaries ready to stretch wings against Brazil Selection
By LOGANATH VELOO
GEORGE TOWN: Malaysian treble champions Kedah realise it will be a tall order for them to upset a star-studded Brazil Selection in Alor Star on Friday.
The Brazilians, parading several former internationals, will take on the Canaries at the Darulaman Stadium for their final match in the South-East Asia Tour of Hope.
Among the notable stars in Brazil’s squad are 1994 World Cup winner Paulo Sergio, Giovanni, Ze Carlos, Emerson and Silvao.
The Brazilians are touring the region to raise funds for the relief and rebuilding of projects for the victims of Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar.
Prior to the Malaysian stopover, the South American selection side were unbeaten in their four matches on the Tour — a 4-0 win and a 1-1 draw against Myanmar, a 2-0 victory against Vietnam; and overcoming a Thai Selection 4-1.
Although the home side can expect strong support from a 30,000 bumper crowd for the match, Kedah coach Mohd Azraai Khor is realistic about his team’s chances.
“It will be good exposure for the Kedah players as it is not often that we get a chance to play high-profile and formidable opponents,” said Mohd Azraai yesterday.
“My main concern is not how to beat the Brazilians, but rather how to stop them from scoring.
“Whatever the result, I want my players to utilise the experience as a learning process.”
The coach also intends to use the match to test out his four new signings — strikers Mohd Azrul Ahmad and Farizal Rozali (both from Penang), and midfielders Sharulnizam Mustapha (Perak) and Mohd Afif Amiruddin (Police).
But Kedah will be without first choice goalkeeper Mohd Helmi Eliza and schemer Mohd Khyril Muhymeen, who are both away on national duty.
Added Azraai: “Although we are at the preparation stage and the Super League start is two months away, it is a good opportunity to see how well the new players blend into the team.
“Everything looks positive in training, but the coaches will only get a clearer picture when the players are tested in high-pressure conditions.”
# posted by Me @ 5:13 AM 
