PS. Coach is thinking of arranging a get-together lunch on the 31st of dec, so try and keep that day free.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Contacts
Hi guys, i realize i don't have the consolidated list of contacts for the team.
To make things easier, leave your name, preferred email add, msn and hp no. under the comments section. thanks!
AUG Semi Finals: Malaysia 1-0 Singapore
Roared on by the vociferous home crowd, Malaysia qualified for the finals by beating Singapore 1-0 in a highly competitive game between the causeway rivals.
With the Singapore back line sitting deep, the Malaysians found it difficult to create any notable openings and the pressure soon started to grow on their players. Passes and the all important first touch went astray. As anticipated by Coach Arasu, the volatile home crowd started to turn on the Malaysians.
Thriving in an atmosphere akin to a high-profile S-League game, we played with great self-belief and took the game to the Malaysians. Unlike previous games, we were able to keep the ball very well and this allowed us to bring our forwards into play. The Malaysians were struggling to contain the rampaging Ram as his long shots had the keeper scrambling on a couple of occasions.
However in the 42nd min, Malaysia took the lead against the run of play when a header from the Malaysian captain was parried by Kevin into the path of a lurking Malaysian who made no mistake from 6 yards out.
Though we suffered a major psychological blow by conceding a goal just 3mins before half time, the players picked up from where they left off and continued playing with great purpose and confidence. Alas, an equalizer did not come as Malaysia hung on for a 1-0 victory.
After the game, Coach Arasu praised the players, and said that this was the best performance he has experienced as coach of a Singapore team at the AUG. The Malaysian officials were also impressed as they had expected their team to steamroll us by at least 4 goals. We might have lost, but it was a performance to be proud of.
Man of the Match: Ram
Lineup: Kevin, Jerome, Chris, Gerald, Jerry (Aaron), Fabian, Zhiwei, Andy (Jonathan), Pramod (Vincent), Khai, Ram
With the Singapore back line sitting deep, the Malaysians found it difficult to create any notable openings and the pressure soon started to grow on their players. Passes and the all important first touch went astray. As anticipated by Coach Arasu, the volatile home crowd started to turn on the Malaysians.
Thriving in an atmosphere akin to a high-profile S-League game, we played with great self-belief and took the game to the Malaysians. Unlike previous games, we were able to keep the ball very well and this allowed us to bring our forwards into play. The Malaysians were struggling to contain the rampaging Ram as his long shots had the keeper scrambling on a couple of occasions.
However in the 42nd min, Malaysia took the lead against the run of play when a header from the Malaysian captain was parried by Kevin into the path of a lurking Malaysian who made no mistake from 6 yards out.
Though we suffered a major psychological blow by conceding a goal just 3mins before half time, the players picked up from where they left off and continued playing with great purpose and confidence. Alas, an equalizer did not come as Malaysia hung on for a 1-0 victory.
After the game, Coach Arasu praised the players, and said that this was the best performance he has experienced as coach of a Singapore team at the AUG. The Malaysian officials were also impressed as they had expected their team to steamroll us by at least 4 goals. We might have lost, but it was a performance to be proud of.
Man of the Match: Ram
Lineup: Kevin, Jerome, Chris, Gerald, Jerry (Aaron), Fabian, Zhiwei, Andy (Jonathan), Pramod (Vincent), Khai, Ram
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Singapore Through To Semis
Indonesia 1-0 Singapore
With qualification in our own hands, the Singapore team put in a fantastic team effort to limit the Indonesians to a solitary goal.
The goal came early in the 1st half via a wicked in-swinging free-kick that eluded both the defence and Kevin. The Indonesians threatened to run riot with their right winger, no. 9, causing the Singaporeans all sorts of problems with his pace and trickery. To contain the right sided threat, the coach shifted Fabian to left mid, thus nullifying their threat and allowing Singapore to go into half-time 1-0 down.
With qualification already assured, the Indonesians rested some key players in the 2nd half and slowed down the pace of the game. What followed was a phase after phase of long, accurate diagonal balls from the Indons behind our full backs. This was dealth with magnificantly by the tirelessly covering midfielders and the positional excellence of Gary 'Jerome' Neville and Joleon 'Chris' Lescott.
With the midfield tiring, Ram and Zul were brought on to great effect, holding on to precious possession in the attacking third and providing some much needed muscle and speed. Final score, 1-0 to Indonesia, setting up a meeting with our Causeway rivals Malaysia on 18 Dec, 8.30pm at the Maybank Stadium.
Man of the Match - Khai
Play of the Day - Kevin's save in the 2nd half from a Indon header that was flying into the bottom corner of the net
Lineup - Kevin, J. Neville, C. Lescott, Gerald, Jerry, Steven Lam Fuhang (King Yau), Zhiwei, Fabian T, Pramod, Andy (Ram-butt Shanker), Khai (Zul)
With qualification in our own hands, the Singapore team put in a fantastic team effort to limit the Indonesians to a solitary goal.
The goal came early in the 1st half via a wicked in-swinging free-kick that eluded both the defence and Kevin. The Indonesians threatened to run riot with their right winger, no. 9, causing the Singaporeans all sorts of problems with his pace and trickery. To contain the right sided threat, the coach shifted Fabian to left mid, thus nullifying their threat and allowing Singapore to go into half-time 1-0 down.
With qualification already assured, the Indonesians rested some key players in the 2nd half and slowed down the pace of the game. What followed was a phase after phase of long, accurate diagonal balls from the Indons behind our full backs. This was dealth with magnificantly by the tirelessly covering midfielders and the positional excellence of Gary 'Jerome' Neville and Joleon 'Chris' Lescott.
With the midfield tiring, Ram and Zul were brought on to great effect, holding on to precious possession in the attacking third and providing some much needed muscle and speed. Final score, 1-0 to Indonesia, setting up a meeting with our Causeway rivals Malaysia on 18 Dec, 8.30pm at the Maybank Stadium.
Man of the Match - Khai
Play of the Day - Kevin's save in the 2nd half from a Indon header that was flying into the bottom corner of the net
Lineup - Kevin, J. Neville, C. Lescott, Gerald, Jerry, Steven Lam Fuhang (King Yau), Zhiwei, Fabian T, Pramod, Andy (Ram-butt Shanker), Khai (Zul)
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Singapore 1-1 Vietnam
In a high paced encounter between group underdogs Singapore and the tireless Vietnamese, both teams were left to share the spoils as a crowd of approximately 50,000 (I exaggerate slightly) bore witness to a hard fought match at the Petronas Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.
With lightning pace and endless energy, the Vietamese dominated possession and weaved through the midfield with nifty passes and intelligent runs throughout the first half. This led to several scoring opportunities which the strikers wastefully failed to capitalise on.
The Singapore boys, apparently less adept to the high tempo game as their counterparts, were left breathless and constantly on the defence. In spite of this, the physical presence and robust nature of the boys from south of the causeway led to several scoring opportunities from set pieces and high lofted balls. In one such incident, Ram Shanker connected with a curling ball from the right to put the ball into the net, only to have the goal disallowed pursuant to a dubious offside call by the assistant referee.
In the closing stages of the first half, a failed cross from the right by the Vietnamese was not cleared sufficiently to safety. A resulting shot from distance found the back of the Singapore net - first blood by the Viets.
The second half saw a more mature display by the Singapore boys. In spite of injury to Jerry, the team held firm to pursue a more attacking strategy. Another couple of substitutions and a tactical reshuffle saw Gerald spearheading the attack, with only 3 defenders holding fort at the back. This proved to be a truly wise gamble.
Substitute Khai, bursting with energy, tore down the right flank and sent a low hard cross into the box. With defenders lunging in for the challenge, Gerald fought off the stubborn Vietnamese to connect sweetly into the near post.
With the scores level at 1-1 in the 86th minute, the Vietnamese hopes for a semifinal place were cast a severe blow. Late attempts at the Singapore fortress proved futile, as the game ended all square.
Man of the Match: Gerald
Save of the Day: Last ditch tackle by Jerome in the 6 yard box to foil what would have been a sure lead to the Vietnamese
Toyota Play of the Day: Jonathan's glorious diving/kneeling/acrobatic headers (or lack thereof) which excited all 50,000 at the Petronas Stadium, including opposing Indonesian players
With lightning pace and endless energy, the Vietamese dominated possession and weaved through the midfield with nifty passes and intelligent runs throughout the first half. This led to several scoring opportunities which the strikers wastefully failed to capitalise on.
The Singapore boys, apparently less adept to the high tempo game as their counterparts, were left breathless and constantly on the defence. In spite of this, the physical presence and robust nature of the boys from south of the causeway led to several scoring opportunities from set pieces and high lofted balls. In one such incident, Ram Shanker connected with a curling ball from the right to put the ball into the net, only to have the goal disallowed pursuant to a dubious offside call by the assistant referee.
In the closing stages of the first half, a failed cross from the right by the Vietnamese was not cleared sufficiently to safety. A resulting shot from distance found the back of the Singapore net - first blood by the Viets.
The second half saw a more mature display by the Singapore boys. In spite of injury to Jerry, the team held firm to pursue a more attacking strategy. Another couple of substitutions and a tactical reshuffle saw Gerald spearheading the attack, with only 3 defenders holding fort at the back. This proved to be a truly wise gamble.
Substitute Khai, bursting with energy, tore down the right flank and sent a low hard cross into the box. With defenders lunging in for the challenge, Gerald fought off the stubborn Vietnamese to connect sweetly into the near post.
With the scores level at 1-1 in the 86th minute, the Vietnamese hopes for a semifinal place were cast a severe blow. Late attempts at the Singapore fortress proved futile, as the game ended all square.
Man of the Match: Gerald
Save of the Day: Last ditch tackle by Jerome in the 6 yard box to foil what would have been a sure lead to the Vietnamese
Toyota Play of the Day: Jonathan's glorious diving/kneeling/acrobatic headers (or lack thereof) which excited all 50,000 at the Petronas Stadium, including opposing Indonesian players
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Departure Details (Update)
Location - NUS SRC (area near the shower area and carpark)
Time - 8am
Attire - White AUG polo tee, minimum berms and shoes.
List of essential items:
Match attire
- red and white top
- navy blue and black shorts
- black and red socks
Training
- white vonda jersey
- red top (the one with 'Singapore' at the back)
- a white and dark blue top (preferably without our uni names clearly visible)
- black shorts and socks (we will be training at least once a day for the duration of our tournament. We will also be doing laundry, so dont overpack)
- swimwear
- Bib
Footwear
- running shoes
- boots
- slippers
Others (you may choose to buy these items in KL)
- Personal medication (no team doctor)
- Washing powder/detergent (if u intend to do your own laundry)
---------------------
As mentioned by Mr Chiang, Vietnam and Brunei have pulled out of the tournament, making it 3 teams per group now. Statistically speaking, this is a fantastic opportunity for us to make it to the semis - something past contingents have never achieved. Many of us will probably not play for the national team, so lets use this chance to create a legacy and to win something for ourselves and our country.
Have a good rest, go for a short run (coach), and drink more water (sam).
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Packing List
As requested by tirelessly handsome SMU midfielder Jonathan, a packing list has been enthusiastically prepared by yours truly in impromptu fashion. Do note that this list is neither exhaustive nor entirely compulsory. If you have the ability to use (or re-use) your gear efficiently, it is entirely permitted to bring a minimal amount of equipment for the camp; conversely, no one will by unduly discriminated against for bringing additional personal effects to suit your needs.
On a serious note, Coach has emphasized that punctuality is of utmost important for this camp. DO NOT REPORT LATE, and DO NOT BE LATE FOR ANY GIVEN TIMINGS DURING THE CAMP. This is the baseline for discipline for the camp as well as during the AUG, and shall be the way we operate from hereon.
As promised, the list comprises:
(1) Jerseys
At least
-1 Red
-1 Blue
-1 White
(2) Shorts
At least
-1 dark coloured for games
-1 suitable for swimming
(3) Socks
As you deem sufficient
(4) Soccer gear
-Shinpads
-Boots
-Gloves
(5) Training Gear
-Running shoes
(6) Underwear
At least
-1 thong to prevent those unsightly VPL situations
(7) Toiletries
-Glasses/ contact lenses/ contact lens equipment
-Shampoo/ Soap/ Facial Wash
-Towel
-Personal medication
Especially for Pramod and Aaron
-Shaving kit
(8) Sleeping Gear
We should be sleeping on mats, so feel free to bring pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, bolsters and teddy bears as necessary
(9) Money
As necessary for meals
(10) Signals
-HP charger
(11) Other Clothes
-To attend briefing at NUS
-To sleep in
(11) Others
-Small notebook and stationary to write encouraging and emotional notes to each other and put in each other's pigeon holes so we can flirt with each other and express our gay desires in uninhibited fashion just like in one of those secondary school camps. (Additional uses include taking notes and for tactical discussions)
-Tissue Paper
-Plastic Bags
-Slippers
-High heel shoes
-ET stick and blade
-Porn
-Wei Hao
-3 cans of Heineken
On a serious note, Coach has emphasized that punctuality is of utmost important for this camp. DO NOT REPORT LATE, and DO NOT BE LATE FOR ANY GIVEN TIMINGS DURING THE CAMP. This is the baseline for discipline for the camp as well as during the AUG, and shall be the way we operate from hereon.
As promised, the list comprises:
(1) Jerseys
At least
-1 Red
-1 Blue
-1 White
(2) Shorts
At least
-1 dark coloured for games
-1 suitable for swimming
(3) Socks
As you deem sufficient
(4) Soccer gear
-Shinpads
-Boots
-Gloves
(5) Training Gear
-Running shoes
(6) Underwear
At least
-1 thong to prevent those unsightly VPL situations
(7) Toiletries
-Glasses/ contact lenses/ contact lens equipment
-Shampoo/ Soap/ Facial Wash
-Towel
-Personal medication
Especially for Pramod and Aaron
-Shaving kit
(8) Sleeping Gear
We should be sleeping on mats, so feel free to bring pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, bolsters and teddy bears as necessary
(9) Money
As necessary for meals
(10) Signals
-HP charger
(11) Other Clothes
-To attend briefing at NUS
-To sleep in
(11) Others
-Small notebook and stationary to write encouraging and emotional notes to each other and put in each other's pigeon holes so we can flirt with each other and express our gay desires in uninhibited fashion just like in one of those secondary school camps. (Additional uses include taking notes and for tactical discussions)
-Tissue Paper
-Plastic Bags
-Slippers
-High heel shoes
-ET stick and blade
-Porn
-Wei Hao
-3 cans of Heineken
Monday, December 1, 2008
AUG Squad
The 20 players selected are:
1) Wei yang (SMU)
2) Kevin ( NTU)
3) Jerry (SMU)
4) Gerald (NUS)
5) Chris kang (NUS)
6) Aaron ( NTU)
7) Jerome (SIM)
8) Andy (NUS)
9) Pramod (SMU)
10) Zhi Wei ( NTU)
11) Fuhang (NTU)
12) Ram (SIM)
13) Fabian ( NUS)
14) Vincent (NUS)
15) Anand (NUS)
16) Jonathan (SMU)
17) Sudi (NUS)
18) King Yau (SMU)
19) Zul (NTU)
20) Khai (NTU)
Overseas Notification
Hi guys
This is a somewhat lame-ass post, what with the more instructive and inspiring entries that have preceded this one.
But for your own convenience and as a kindly reminder, do visit www.ns.sg or call the Mindef Hotline (1800 367 6767) to submit an overseas notification report.
9-21st December 2008, Malaysia.
Cheers
Chris
This is a somewhat lame-ass post, what with the more instructive and inspiring entries that have preceded this one.
But for your own convenience and as a kindly reminder, do visit www.ns.sg or call the Mindef Hotline (1800 367 6767) to submit an overseas notification report.
9-21st December 2008, Malaysia.
Cheers
Chris
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