Wednesday, October 19, 2011

It could be murder

Tough luck on Cambodia in the football draw made today for the upcoming SEA Games 2011 in Jakarta, Indonesia. They drew the short-end of the straw and were placed in the toughest possible group, Group A, alongside Thailand, Singapore, current holders Malaysia and hosts Indonesia. The matches start on 3 November, Cambodia open up with a game against the hosts on 9 November, with the main SEA Games competition beginning on 11 November. The only consolation is that they didn't draw Vietnam but it's scant as they were in by far the easier group, alongwith Myanmar, Laos, Philippines, Timor Leste and Brunei. Now if Cambodia had been drawn in that group, they could've conceivably progressed, with a lot of good fortune and refereeing decisions going their way, but as it is, they have no chance. They'll be lucky to get a point in fact. It could be murder. The SEA Games is played at U-23 level and Cambodia have been warming up for it with the BIDC Cup against U-19 national teams. Lining up against the U-23 sides of these four countries will be a different kettle of fish as they are far more experienced and rated a higher standard. I await the final squad selection of coach Lee Tae-Hoon with interest.
Cambodia's SEA Games fixtures:
9 Nov Indonesia v Cambodia : 11 Nov Singapore v Cambodia : 13 Nov Thailand v Cambodia : 15 Nov Malaysia v Cambodia. All matches at the 88,000 capacity Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

it's a tough situation for our squad. hmmm i can't do anything but wish them do well.

Sophak said...

I do not think Malaysia and Singapore are much far from our reach, but the question is abt Lee's capability in guiding his squad.

jonny said...

Is Cambodia U23 playing a friendly against Laos U23 today ?

http://www.spbo.com/bf_en.htm

Anonymous said...

what u see as murder i see as an opportunity for the U23 to test themselves against the best in the region... when u join a competition u want to complete against the best,,, just hope the players can learn from each of these games and improve themselves...sometimes feel the cambodian players are weak in the mind, and lack fighting spirtit,,,maybe the FFC should engage a psychologist for the team.. and I was also surprise the players all only had 1 pair of boots... each player in singapore had 2 pairs - firm ground and soft ground... if they had that they might score more goals in the BIDC Cup..and most hardly know about the science of the boots and tights,,,they just monkey see monkey do without knowing the facts...

Andy Brouwer said...

No friendly v Laos - mistake on the fixture list.

Anon 4:11PM...Every match is an opportunity for the Cambodian team as they play very few matches against international competition. This is a constant failing of the FFC to arrange enough suitable matches. All experience is good, though if managed and coached in the right way, can further enhance the experience. I don't believe the Cambodian team has that at the moment and fear the opportunity may be wasted, with the players learning little of value from the competition. It's all about who is in charge and what they bring to the table.
Andy