Southeast Asian football players abroad in report (mid August-September 2011)

This is a weekly post devoted to following up on all the overseas-based footballers who have played for the Southeast Asian nations.

By Eric Noveanto

Philippines

Jerry Lucena (AGF) played the whole game on their 5-2 win against Blokhus FC in the Danish Landspokal. They remain mid-table with nine points with their next scheduled Superliga match against Midtjylland coming in September 13.

Stephan Schrock (SpVgg Greuther Furth) played one half in their 2-0 loss in their club friendly against VfR Aalen on September 2. next match on September 10 against MSV Duisburg, the current leaders of the German second division.

Neil Etheridge (Fulham) got in some much needed playing time for the Fulham Reserves in their match against the Bolton Reserves, winning 7-0 at Motspur Park and made some dynamic saves. The next schedule on September 11 against Blackburn Rovers.

Ray Jonsson (Grindavik) the Iceland-based left back did not play until next official match on September 12 against Stjarnan.

Paul Mulders (ADO Den Haag) did not play for his team until next match is scheduled on September 11 against RKC Waalwijk.

Rob Gier (Ascot United) did not play due to break in English competition for International match until next match is scheduled on September 7 against the Oxford City.

Indonesia

Yericho Christiantoko did not play due to injured while Alfin Tuasalamony played a full 90 minutes game and Yandi Sofyan Munawar was substituted after 57 minutes for CS Vise in their 2-0 win over Sint-Niklaas in the Belgian Second Division.

Malaysia

Mohd Fadhli Mohd Shas, Wan Zack Haikal Wan Noor and Mohd Irfan Fazail failed to make their first appearance for their new Slovakian team FC ViOn Zlate Moravce after being unused substitute players in a goaless draw against FK Senica.

World Cup qualifier round-up : Thailand cruised by the huge victory over Oman while Indonesia and Singapore suffered home defeat by of two goals margin

The Thais became the sole representative of Southeast Asia who won on the advanced of the third round of World Cup qualifier.

By Eric Noveanto

Thailand 3-0 Oman

Teerasil Dangda again showed his class as a key player from Thailand, after scored one goal in the game against Australia, this time he was instrumental in the great victory of Oman 3-0 by scored one goal and one assist.The Thais coach Winfried Schaefer has proven his promise to played more attacking against Oman, this can be seen from Thailand's superiority over Oman in the first half by leading 2-0 at the scoreline.

Soleb Sompong opened the scoreboard after 35 minutes to Thailand continued the assist from Teerasil Dangda, and then six minutes later Dangda doubled the score 2-0 for the Thais. Oman seeks to develop the game in the second half but strong defence from Thailand often thwart their efforts to equalized the score, they even conceded when Rashid Al Farshi scored an own goal in a one minute into added time.

Indonesia 0-2 Bahrain

Indonesia performed poorly in this match, the players look confused to comply with instructions from their coach Wim Rijsbergen. Even the beginning of the first half, the team Garuda defence dominated by Bahrain directly from the header and long-range shot by Fouzi Aaish and Ismaeel Latif but Markus Horison still sprightly escorted the Indonesian goalkeeper.

Indonesia finally conceded before the first half ended with him Sayed Dhiya Saeed Ebrahim easily scored the ball in front of goalkeeper Markus Horison without without difficulty after standing without escort. In the second half Indonesia plyed more attacking, but team Garuda forgot to focus on their defence, resulting in Bahrain able to double the score after 73 minutes through a counterattack. Ismaeel Abdullatif who escaped from the off-side trap successfully broke into the penalty box Indonesia alone, calmly, the player back numbered 11 beaten the goalkeeper Markus Horison. 

 The match was halted for about 20 minutes after  running 77 minutes, due to firecrackers from some supporters of Indonesia which have been regarded as disturbing the game, but referee Lee Min Hu finally continue the match. But the score 2-0 to Bahrain remained unchanged when the whistle sounded ending the game.

Singapore 0-2 Iraq

Singapore failed to surprise the 2007 Asian Cup champions Iraq, played in front of their supporters the Lions briefly appeared confident early in the first round. Lionel Lewis and colleagues were able to offset the game from Iraq.

However in the second half, the Lions failed to return to give their best performances as in the first round. After 50 minutes, Al-Wakrah striker Alaa Abdul Zahra had given Iraq a lead following a goalless first-half at the Jalan Besar Stadium, this goal made drop the fighting spirits of the Singapore players. With the result that Iraq skipper Younus Mahmood sealed the 2-0 victory for Iraq over Singapore.

Wim Rijsbergen : Indonesia will play attacking football against Bahrain

Three points in the game will be absolute for the Garuda team to streamline their steps to qualify for next round.

By Eric Noveanto

After defeated by Iran, three points became the main target of Indonesian national team. For that, the team Garuda will play attacking and aggressive football against Bahrain. Related to that, Indonesian national team coach Wim Rijsbergen instructed to his players play more attacking in the game later and prevent the Bahrain players get a corner kick or free kick near the goalkeeper of Indonesia.

"We will look to attack in the game later because this is our home game. We also have to prevent them from getting a corner kick or free kick near our penalty box, " he said.

Indonesia national team has competed in three games in three different countries in ten days. Of course, the players do not have enough time to restore their physical fitness.

"Of course there will be a problem when you travel. But it's not a problem for professional players, " he continued.

Wim insists that it is not a problem for the professional player. The Dutch coach also said that Iran, Bahrain, and Qatar are also doing the same.

"Iran, Qatar and Bahrain also do the same. It is an obligation for professional players. "

"The important thing is the players must have a readiness of mentality. If their mentality are ready, then their physically will be also ready. If they think they are ready, then their physically will be ready by itself, " he said.

Team Garuda will continue their struggle in the third round of World Cup qualifier in Group E against Bahrain at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Tuesday, September 6.

Zico complained about condition of the artificial turf at the Stadium of Singapore

The Brazil legend states that the artificial turf used at Jalan Besar Stadium is not fit for World Cup qualifiers matches.


By Eric Noveanto

Iraq national team coach who is also Brazilian legend, Zico, criticized the condition of the artificial turf at Jalan Besar Stadium field in Singapore on the sidelines before a game between Singapore against Iraq in World Cup qualifier September 6.

Shortly after trying artificial turf from the stadium to be used on the upcoming match, the impression given by Zico was not too positive. According to Zico, who used artificial turf at Jalan Besar Stadium, it is not feasible to World Cup qualifier matches. In fact, with a slightly cynical tone, he said the field is only appropriate for school-level football.

"I do not like the ground, and grass. In my opinion, a good match only occurs in natural grass," complained 58-year-old man.

"Maybe for the level of schools, colleges, it does not matter. But not for the professional level. The game World Cup qualifier should be played on natural grass."

In addition, Zico also complained about the condition of recovery from his team ahead of this match. After losing 2-0 in the first game against the Jordan, the squad did not fully return Iraq to the best stamina.

"After the game, it is very difficult to be relaxed. The players felt exhausted and must go through a long flight. The journey was quite difficult, 30 hours from the Iraqi way. It's difficult for the players, they are not machines. Two games in four days. In present moment, for Iraq it is very burdensome, "added Zico.

Iraq will compete in Singapore in the second game in Group A. Both teams were defeated in their opening match in this group. Singapore defeated by China, while Iraq foundered in the hands of Jordan.

Debutants called up by Myanmar for the training squad ahead of Sea Games 2011

Some of young players who have made an impact in the Myanmar National League included in this training squad.

By Eric Noveanto

Myanmar have announced 45 players name into the training squad for the preparation of Sea Games 2011 which is held by the host nation Indonesia on November. The Myanmar Football Federation (MFF) have also included numerous young players who have made an impact in the Myanmar National League other than relying on several veterans who have played at the last two Sea Games.

MYANMAR TRAINING SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS – Kyaw Zin Htet (KBZ), Pyae Phyo Aung (Southern), Hein  Kyaw Thu (Okkthar), Aung Wai Phyo (Magway), Thiha Sithu (Ayawaddy)

DEFENDERS – Yan Aung Win (Yangon), Kyaw Kyaw Myo, Nyar Na Lwin, Aye San (KBZ); Aung Hein Kyaw, Min Ko Ko, Shwe Hlaing Win (Zeyar); Zaw Zaw Oo (Ayawaddy), Zaw Min Htun (Magway), Ye Zaw Htet Aung (YDNB), Yan Myo Aung (Southern), Moe Win (NPT)

MIDFIELDERS – Thet Naing, Ye Ko Oo, Aung Myint Aye (YDNB); David Htan, Yan Aung Kyaw, Kyi Lynn (Yangon); Zaw Lin Htet, Naing Soe Wai, Kyaw Ko Ko, Min Chit Thu (Zeyar), Zaw Lin, Pyae Phyo Oo (NPT); Thein Than Win, Kyaw Zeyar Win (KBZ); Chit Ko Ko Htwe (ZKP), Hein Zar Aung (Magway), Thu Htet Paing (Rakhapura), Min Min Thu (Ayawaddy)

STRIKERS – Mine Aik Naing, Khaing Zaw Htun, Soe Min Oo (KBZ), Soe Paing Thway, Ye Waiyan Soe, Soe Myat Thu (Zeyar), Kaung Si Thu (Yangon), Aung Myint Myat (Manawmyay), Sa Htet Naing Win (NPT), Min Min Htun (Ayawaddy)

Thailand announced training squad for Sea Games 2011

The Thais already started their domestic training camp last week.

By Eric Noveanto

Thailand have announced 33 names for training squad ahead of Sea Games 2011 next November. The team already begun their training last week, the Thais are targeting to get the gold medals at this tournament after bad achievement in last edition of Sea Games 2009 in Laos.

Prapon Pongpanich from Bangkok United have been appointed as the chief coach while Vithoon Kijmongkolsak will be the assistant.

THAILAND TRAINING SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS: Kawin Thammasatchanan (Muang Thong United), Ukrit Wongmeema (Buriram FC), Sompong Yod-Ard (Police United), Panupong Pichittham (Chainat FC)

DEFENDERS: Chalermsuk Kaewsuktae (Chainat FC), Thanapol Udomlarb (Bangkok FC), Sujarit Jantakul (Sriracha FC), Komkrit Camsokchuerk (Bangkok United), Seeket Madputeh (Pattaya United), Weerawut Kayem (Muang Thong United), Phonlawut Donjui (Bangkok United), Artit Daosawang (Suphanburi FC), Apichit Kamwang (BEC-Tero Sasana), Chalermikat Boonnet (Bangkok FC)

MIDFIELDERS: Natarid Thammarossopon (BEC-Tero Sasana), Surachet Ngamtip (Chainat FC), Chatchai Narkwijit (Chiang Rai United), Naruphol Ar-Romsawa (Muang Thong United), Phuritad Jarikanon (Chonburi FC), Attapong Nooprom (Sriracha FC), Kornprom Jaroonpong (Phuket FC), Anusorn Srichaluang (Army United), Issarapong Lilakorn (PTT Rayong FC), Piyachart Srimaruang (Siam Navy FC), Assaming Mae (Police United), Anuwat Noichernphan (Army United)

STRIKERS: Adisak Kraisorn (Buriram PEA), Chayanan Pombuppha (Police United), Chakrit Rawanprakone (Burriam FC), Ronnachai Rangsyo (BEC-Tero Sasana), Sittiphan Chumchoy (TTM-Phichit), Patchaya Narach (Bangkok United), Kroerkrit Thawikan (Sriracha FC)

Introducing : Five Southeast Asian's promising youngsters ready to play abroad

The following are names which are promising to play abroad based on their performance and also appraisal from the media nor Southeast Asian community.

By Eric Noveanto

1. Hariss Harun (Singapore)

Hariss Harun is the youngest ever football player to wear Singapore national team jersey, he is undoubtedly the future of Singapore football. Played as a combative midfielder and a playmaker, Hariss is the complete midfielder that every coach wishes he has on his team. His versatility is also one of his strengths as he has played at centre back, right back, attacking midfielder and when required, he has also played as a forward for his current team Courts Young Lions in previous seasons. Born November 19, 1990 is a natural born leader, his great charisma and influence to the team gave him the captain's armband at the youth age.

He secured a training stint at Barcelona academy, La Masia for a week after being the winner of Nike's Who's the next contest in August 2007. Hariss participated in three friendly games against players from Barca's youth academy, where he was selected captain for all the games. He returned a week later with the MVP award. On July 2010, with the help from Radojko Avramovic who is the head coach of Singapore national team, he underwent a unsuccessful 10-day trial with Chinese Super League (CSL) side Shanghai Shenghua. Hariss Harun has played for the Lions team since 2007 and appeared in 16 matches.

2. Kawin Thamsatchanan (Thailand)

Kawin Thamsatchanan was born in January 26, 1990 at Bangkok, Thailand. Started his junior career with Raj Pracha and also begun the senior career with a same team for one year before moving to Muangthong United in 2008. At his new team, Kawin's performances highly developed, he established into club's first team at age of 18 and became a key member of the club in the next year at age of only 19 and also helped the club secured Thai Premier League title twice in a row in 2009 and 2010.

In October 2010, former Manchester United legend and Thailand national team coach suggested Eric Steele, the Manchester United goalkeeping coach to take a look at Kawin. However, Kawin broke his wrist and the injury caused him to left out of action for months, as well as his glimpse of hope of taking trial at Manchester United faded away. He made a debut for his senior caps in 2010 against Singapore and has played in 7 matches in international matches for Thailand.

3. Syamsir Alam (Indonesia)

Syamsir Alam is nicknamed as Alexande Pato of Indonesia, born in West Sumatra, Indonesia, currently plays for Penarol in Uruguay on loan from SAD Indonesia, the youth team project of Indonesia which is competed in Uruguay, South America. Syamsir's talent firstly discovered by the Indonesian legend Ronny Pattinasaranny, when he came to visit in football academy Depok (SSB DEPOK), and he was amazed with the skill of Syamsir Allam then finally decided to take him to his football academy (SSB ASIOP).

Syamsir followed the World Cup U-11 Danone with Makassar FC representing Indonesia. He also had time to take the a trial along with junior teams from Netherlands, such as Vitesse Arnhem and Heerenveen, but unfortunately failed. Syamsir is a type of hard-working striker. In competition of Quinta Division U-17 Uruguay 2008, he became a top score of SAD Indonesia team by scored 15 goals from 29 games. He known to be very close with his coach Cesar Payovich.

4. Wan Zack Haikal Wan Noor (Malaysia)

Wan Zack Haikal Wan Noor was born January 28, 1991 in Kuala Lumpur. He attended a local school and later was chosen to join the Kuala Lumpur President Cup Team in 2005 at the age of 14. After playing two years for the Kuala Lumpur President Cup Team, He was later scouted by former Malaysia national team player, Reduan Abdullah and Reduan gave Wan Zack a one year contract with the newly created Felda United FC in 2007 at the age of 17 and became the youngest player who played as a midfielder in the team.

In 2008 Wan Zack left Felda United FC and joined Harimau Muda under Ong Kim Swee. He was part of the Harimau Muda team that won the 2009 Premier League. When Harimau Muda was split into two teams, Wan Zack was chosen to be in the A team. He and 25 other Harimau Muda A players were chosen by Azraai Khor to participate in a 8 months long, training camp in Zlate Moravce, Slovakia. The 20 years old man is currently on loan for 3 months from Harimau Muda A team to FC ViOn Zlate Moravce in Slovakia.

5. Nguyen Trong Hoang (Vietnam)

Nguyen Trong Hoang is widely considered by the Vietnamese press as one of the most promising talent in Vietnamese football at the moment. The attacking midfielder born April 14, 1989 in Nghe An Vietnam, he is currently playing for Song Lam Nghe An. He was given Le Cong Vinh's number 9 and considered to be Vinh's successor, since then the 22 years old man has become an important part of Song Lam Nghe An. His performance helped SLNA won third place in the 2009 V-League season and 2010 Vietnamese Cup title.

In 2007, Hoang was in Alfred Riedl's plan for the 2007 Southeast Asian Games. However he was left out because he had to take the final Exam for his high school study. Finally he made his debut of senior caps for Vietnam national team in 2008, appeared in 12 matches and scored 3 goals until now.

Philippines set up three friendly matches to prepare for Long Teng Cup

The Long Teng Cup will be held on September 26 to October 4 in Chinese Taipei.

By Eric Noveanto

The Philippines Football Federation (PFF) confirmed to send the Azkals team to be played in three friendly matches in preparation for Long Teng Cup which is held in Chinese Taipei on the end of this month. The Philippines national team will have a training camp in Bacolod City next week.

The Azkals team will take on Global FC (September 9), Central Philippine University (September 11) and a yet to be confirmed opponent on September 13.

“We expect hard training when we start our camp in Bacolod although we have already been training mornings and afternoons every day. Coach (Michael Weiss) would want us to be ready for the Long Teng Cup,” said winger Rogel Gener.

In this tournament, Philippines will play against Hongkong on September 30 before facing the host tournament Chinese Taipei on October 2, with their final round robin opponent Macau two days later.

Indonesia suffered a heavy defeat in Iran

Played at the Azadi Stadium Tehran, Indonesia defeated by the host Iran with the three goals margin.

By Eric Noveanto

Indonesia shown a good performance in the first half but unfortunately defeated by three goals margin from Iran in the second half. Iran were in control of the game especially in the second half. Not only controled the game, the team who is led by Carlos Queiroz were also more threatening team Garuda's defense.

Team Melli started the second half with showed more attacking football to Indonesia defense. It gave a results for Iran when Javad Nekounam scored the first goal after 43 minutes, after utilizing a free kick, a header from Osasuna midfielder was unable to reach the Indonesian goalkeeper Markus Horison. Team Garuda conceded their second goal after 74 minutes, once again from a header by Nekounam.

In the conditions of behind two goals from Iran, Indonesia national team coach Wim Rijsbergen made some substiotutions, this time it was Tony Sucipto and Okto Maniani incoming replaced Firman Utina and Hariono. Meanwhile, the Dutch-man decision to entered Bachdim so far not produced a good results, Persema player was unable to replace the role of Muhammad Ilham.

After 88 minutes, Indonesia conceded again for the third time by a beautiful goal from Andranik Teymourian who scored from the outside of the penalty box. Andranik goals as well as a final goal in this match. Indonesia will face Bahrain in Jakarta on September 6, while Iran will take on Qatar.

Singapore on a good form when unfortunately defeated by China

Alexsandar Duric gave a hope for the Lions in the first half but two goals in the second half by China ended their counterwork.

By Eric Noveanto

Played under their new coach Jose Antonio Camacho, China were struck when Singapore striker Aleksandar Duric gave the Lions lead after 33 minutes. But the match turned around in the second half after 69 minutes when Chinese side received a penalty who successfully completed by Zheng Zhi to get back on to level terms.

After equalized the match by 1-1, China increased the intensity of their attacking side. Changes in tactics made ​​by Camacho gave positive results, when the Chinese Super League player's of the year, Yu Hai scored the second goal for China into the goalkeeper  after 73 minutes, these goals became decisive victory for China.

Radojko Avramovic will need to lift the Lions and prepare for the next home match four days later against 2007 AFC Asian Cup winners Iraq while China's second match to take on away match Jordan on a same day.

Thailand went down by a late goal from Australia

Alex Brosque scored a late goal for Australia in the beginning of their team campaign in World Cup qualifier.

By Eric Noveanto

Teerasil Dangda's goal in the first half did not enough to secure a win for Thailand when Australia successfully came back after the break. The Socceroos substitute Alex Brosque scored a late winning goal for his team although have been shocked by the Thais good performance in this match.

Thailand's clinical striker Teerasil Dangda, silenced the majority of the spectators at the Suncorp Stadium by putting Thailand one up with his goal after 15 minutes made the score 1-0 for the Thais leading until the end of the first half.

The towering striker of Nagoya Grampus, Joshua Kennedy helped the Socceroos side by equalized the score 1-1 after 58 minutes. After conceded the Thais looked to be heading back to Bangkok with well earned draw, but second goal from Australia by Alex Brosque after 86 minutes have ended the Thais' hope to get at least one point from their trip at Brisbane.

Australia will be looking to build on their opening Group D victory when they travel to the Middle East to take on Saudi Arabia on Tuesday while the Thais also face Gulf opposition with the three-time Southeast Asia champions entertaining Oman on the same day.

Southeast Asia trio to keep up their confident ahead of 2014 World Cup qualifier

Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia are in the good phase to face their opponents in the third round of World Cup qualifier.

By Eric Noveanto

Southeast Asia will be represented by their trio powerhouse Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia in the campaign in the third round of World Cup qualifier. Thailand will face Australia in Brisbane, Singapore are visiting Kunming to play China, while Indonesia arrived in Tehran to take on Iran.

The trio are in the good terms before playing against each opponents, however Southeast Asian side will be tested in the respective matches where each of them will be looking for at least a draw playing away.

Singapore national team coach, Radojko Avramovic said, "“It is the opening game of the third round (of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers) and of course we would like to get a good result where ultimately it will determine our position in the group.

“But for me, I would just like the players to play their best and even if we do not get the result we wanted, I will still be satisfied."

On the other hand, Indonesian captain Bambang Pamungkas set eyes that his team can get a positive result when they play away in the Iran's home.

“Iran are a good team but we are not here to lose. We are here to at least win a point,” added Bambang.

“The best team at the end of the 90 minutes will win. We will work hard for the right result.”

Winfriend Schaefer, Thailand national team coach also explained that his side are in the good condition for their first match against Australia in Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

“Every player is in perfect condition. They know my tactics. The spirit of the team will help us get a result,” said the German. “At the moment, every player looks confident.”

Cambodia confirmed to play in BIDC Cup as the preparation for the Sea Games 2011

The tournament is sponsored by the Vietnam-based Bank for Investment and Development of Cambodia (BIDC).

By Eric Noveanto

Mekong Region Youth International Football Tournament for the BIDC Cup will be used by The Football Federation of Cambodia (FFC), as the preparation for the Sea Games 2011 which is hosted by Indonesia. The draw of this tournament have been held in this week, Cambodia as the host are placed in group B against Myanmar and Laos.

“It’s a big boost for football development in the Mekong belt, and its timing will also help the preparations for the SEA Games in November,” said General Sao Sokha, the president of the FFC.

“We started it in a small way, and now it has grown bigger,’’ said Nguyen Van Hien, the chief executive of BIDC.

“Our aim is to help development of football among young people in the Mekong region and, as a bank operating in three countries in the region; we are determined to support this effort.”

In the Group A is filled by Vietnam, Thailand and Chinese team Wuhan Hongxing FC.