A new stadium, a clash between the region's two most successful football sides - if ever there was a reason to watch live sport here, tonight's Singapore-Thailand clash is it.
A bumper National Stadium crowd is expected for the repeat showdown of the 2012 Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup finalists and both coaches have promised that fans will be in for a treat.
Lions chief Bernd Stange and his Thailand counterpart Kiatisuk Senamuang have vowed to stand by their attacking philosophies for their Group B opener.
In other words, look out for full-backs bombing down the flanks, midfielders making runs into the box and roving forwards in the final third.
Central midfielder Hariss Harun - arguably Singapore's most important player - has to be at his all-action best to snuff out Thai creative sparks such as Chanathip Songkrasin, dubbed the Thai Lionel Messi for his silky dribbles.
The bulk of the Thai squad have come from the sides that won SEA Games gold last year and went to the final four at this year's Asian Games and Kiatisuk will rely on the same game plan - fast, attacking players who often swop positions to get their opponents out of sync and create space for off-the-ball runs.
Attacks are usually initiated by deep-lying playmaker Charyl Chappuis, who was born in Switzerland and played for them up to the Under-20 level.
The focal point up front is 1.8m-tall striker Adisak Kraisorn, whose lanky frame does not deter him from drifting wide to create two-versus-one openings for his pacey wingers.
'They will try to tire us by moving the ball around quickly,' noted 23-year-old Hariss, who won the Malaysian Super League with Johor Darul Takzim this year.
'Once they see a gap at the back, they pounce with speed, which is what we have to look out for.'
Judging by recent friendlies, including a 4-2 win over Cambodia last week, Singapore's full-backs have been caught out by counter-attacks as they fail to drop back in time. It is something the Thais hope to exploit.
'We have seen videos and know where Singapore can be a bit weak, maybe deep down their own flanks,' said former striker Kiatisuk, a three-time AFF Cup winner.
The Lions defence - fronted by the long-time centre-back pairing of Safuwan Baharudin and Baihakki Khaizan - have been particularly porous this year, conceding 15 goals in nine matches.
But the Lions have speed to burn at the other end, notably 22-year-old Sahil Suhaimi, who is likely to spearhead a three-pronged front line alongside Khairul Amri and Faris Ramli.
Kiatisuk said: 'Singapore have a very fast and dynamic attack like us - if our defenders are not careful, we will get punished.
'But they should worry about my young, exciting team too.'
His opposing rival was just as feisty. Stange said: 'We will attack like in our recent matches but when you face a good team like Thailand, it has to be done right.
'If we find the balance between attack and playing safe, we will win.'
nsanjay@sph.com.sg
No comments:
Post a Comment