Monday, December 9, 2013

U-23s crash again

Cambodia v Indonesia, back row, LtoR: Yaty, PM Udom, Soksana, Sovan, Thierry, Sothearath. Front: Khemrin, Suhana, Pancharong, Samoeun, Chhoeun. Pic by Sovanna Kem/NagaWorld - click to enlarge
The Cambodia U-23s crashed to their second SEA Games defeat in as many games in Yangon this afternoon, though the circumstances left a bitter taste in the mouth for many. A battling performance restored pride after the 3-0 defeat to Myanmar in the opening fixture and the only goal of the game, scored by Indonesia in the 53rd minute, shouldn't have been allowed, judging from multiple television replays. The goalscorer was in an offside position as he ran clear of Sok Sovan and fired a low drive under Sou Yaty, which the keeper got a hand to but couldn't keep out. Despite loud Cambodian protests the goal stood. Without any real threat or punch in attack, a comeback from Cambodia looked unlikely and that's how it proved, as a mediocre Indonesian side ran out winners by that single goal. Chhin Chhoeun had Cambodia's best chance in the first-half but blazed over and that was about it. Too many of Cambodia's players looked ill-equipped to cope with the demands of international football, and though supporters will obviously decry the match officials and curse their luck, Cambodia were simply not good enough. Phnom Penh Crown keeper Yaty was again the stand-out player, whilst Bin Thierry donned the captain's armband once again, for the final 27 minutes and Crown's third player in the line-up, Sos Suhana, had a quiet game and was replaced on 81 minutes. Cambodia's third group game will be against Timor Leste on Thursday evening. The Timorese have lost both their matches by a 3-1 scoreline to Thailand and Myanmar.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

for the offside goal, can it be complained later proving the video clip and reverse the result?

Andy Brouwer said...

No, this cannot happen in football. Thank goodness. We do not want this. Its bad enough having goal-line technology! We don't want to get to the stage where the game is stopped and judges watching a TV screen make a decision to agree or over-rule the referee. Lets keep football free from these intrusions, keep football as its always been played. Injustices and all.

Anonymous said...

Cambodia well and truly outplayed - the scoreline flatters. Indonesia missed lots of chances - but will struggle to advance out of the group. Another blinder from coach Lee! His losing streak continues. Bring on Timor Leste!

Anonymous said...

In your opinion, who is better? cambodia or east timor?

Andy Brouwer said...

Anon, difficult to say at U23 level. At senior level I would say Timor are stronger with their influx of foreigners. However at U-23 it might be a bit more level-pegging. I haven't seen the 2 Timor games, so that also makes it a tough call. The problem is that Cambodia are goal-shy, so beating any team will be hard. I think Timor might just squeeze it 1-nil tonight. I hope I'm wrong.

Anonymous said...

What do you think is wrong with the team? do you think a new coach will help change things?

By the way, Do you have any news regarding the new C-League 2014 japanese team Albirex Niigata? (such as tryouts session and player application?)
Thanks a lot !

Vann

Anonymous said...

I don't believe it, he's done it again, 3 from 3! Coach Lee was right to focus on the SEA Games. Do you think he can make it 4 vs Thailand Andy?

Andy Brouwer said...

No news on Albirex Niigata. They had some try-outs but that's all I know.

Yes a new national coach would help in my opinion, as long as its the right coach and he's given the opportunity to change things from top to bottom. We literally have to rip everything up and start from scratch. If we do, don't expect anything from the national team for a few years.

Yes, I expect Thailand to beat Cam U-23s in the final SEA Games match. Even if we play out of our skin, our defence won't hold them and our attack won't score goals. It doesn't take a genius to work that one out.