Singapore Under 23 Vs Australia

[Amethyst]

Singapore U-23 versus Australia

Bishan Stadium 1/7/07 5:30PM

In what was billed as an international friendly match was neither friendly nor a true match as Australia and Singapore U-23 battled it out at Bishan Stadium. Tempers flared on both sides in the second half of the 70 minute glorified scrimmage, which surely would have elicited yellow cards in a more formal affair. Singapore U-23 held out for a 0-0 draw much to the frustration of the Australians.

Baihakki Khaizan led the boys in red in a 4-4-2 while Archie Thompson captained Australia which switched in and out of a 4-4-2 and a 4-5-1 with American citizen Bruce Djite as the lone striker. Under Raddy’s watchful eye Singapore’s gifted youngsters employed typical Singapore longball tactics along the flanks, leading to many chances. Chalk it up to nerves, but Singapore’s attackers were unable to settle the ball in the box or blast the ball at the goalkeeper. The speedy Juma’at Jantan caused the most trouble along the left flank as his evaded the bigger but more immobile Australian defenders. The best chance for Singapore came in the 11’ when Juma’at forced the Australian goalkeeper to make an acrobatic save. Singapore dropped back often to defend and a very vocal and organized backline prevented Australia from really challenging Hassan Sunny. Unlike Lionel Lewis Hassan Sunny was positioned well to make the save and initiate the attack from punting the ball.

At halftime, Singapore made four substitutions while Australia only switched its goalkeepers. The substitutes never missed a beat as Fazrul Nawaz was feisty in defense and quick on the ball, but he could not finish. Some questionable tackles from behind led to some scrappy play on both sides. Singapore seemingly fouled Bruce Djite in the box but the Singaporean official refused to call a penalty. The Australians were astonished at the referee’s willingness to call fouls against them when the smaller Singaporeans hit the ground. “They are just children,” one Australian defender taunted. They will need to get used to playing against smaller opponents in the AFC. Singapore’s best opportunity came on a 1v1 chance. Perhaps the young lions are learning from Indra Sahdan as the attacker could not control the ball and bundled the shot straight into the keeper. Singapore’s backline can be credited with maintaining the draw. While considerably less athletic than the Australian attackers, they should be praised for making the smart tackles out of bounds to stop plays.

Match status: Full Time

Score:

Singapore U23 - 0

-

Australia - 0

-

Cautions

Singapore U23

-

Australia

-

Expulsions

Singapore U23

-

Australia

-

Match Officials

Referee: P Pandian (Singapore)

Asst Referee 1: John Chia (Singapore)

Asst Referee 2: Mohd Abdullah (Singapore)

Reserve Referee: Lim Kok Heng (Singapore)

Venue:

Bishan Stadium, Singapore

P.S Can the Aussie really beat Thailand ?

Any Prediction ?

[MiG16]

definitely!!

they played another game in Singapore... score was (Aussie) 3: 0 (Spore)

go aussie aussie!!

PS. what are the odds of these games being broadcast live on TV in Manila???

[Amethyst]

yeah the first match was 3-0

but they drew 0-0 agaisnt the kids lol

[MiG16]

Aussies are nice like that....dont wanna make the kids cry

so Tytus...you taking me to the Thai vs Aussie match?

my guess is it wont be on TV in Manila...but if anyone knows it might be...lemme know!!

[Amethyst]

I think they will show the match live on ESPN/Starsports

[lambous]

It was australia's under 23 team who drew 0-0 who drew with singapore not the senior team. BTW Bruce Djite is not an American citizen, he was born in America but has lived in Australia as an australian citizen since he was a child.

[Amethyst]

I think Australia and Thailand will qualify for next round

[MiG16]

theres no doubt about Australia qualifying! I think they will win the title