Singapore Gunning For Revenge (30/07/2011)
By Eddie dos Passos/HKHA
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Iran vs Singapore |
Singapore Gunning For Revenge
Iran vs Singapore
Half-time: 0-1
Full-time: 1-4
By Eddie dos Passos/HKHA
Singapore has a chance to avenge their preliminary round defeat when they meet 3rd Men’s Junior AHF Cup finalist China at King’s Park.
Singapore coach Solomon Cassojee has been pushing his players to win all the games to ensure they take on the Chinese in their backyard.
However, the South African coach was worried that his side may lack the professionalism attitude his opponent (China) had in abundance.
“I am not happy and again it’s in the ball control and it was getting us into trouble and if we are not careful in the approach and execution of our game plan our match against China might turn into a cricket score.”
“We may have controlled most of the game against Iran but our attacking threes were poor, starting from the baseline to the attacking 25s.”
“Wasted! Wasted! Wasted!” he said angrily. “Tomorrow (final) will be a completely different tussle.”
“We need to play 30 to 40% better than our previous games. We have to go all out in intensity against the Chinese,” he said.
Iran coach Esfandyar Safaei admitted defeat was always there against the multi talented Singaporeans.
“We always knew the game was beyond us as we were playing against Singapore who is a good team. We had a battle plan to fend them off but they were overwhelmingly the better side”.
He praised his boys who had followed his directions to try and limit Singapore in their attacking options but felt the match was beyond them.
“We were good and the boys did well in blocking Singapore and limiting them but Singapore beat us purely with their individual stick work and not with team tactics,” said Safaei.
With Iran finishing in the top four they have guaranteed themselves into Iranian hockey history as they will have to play qualifiers for next year’s Asian Junior Championships and try to qualify for the 2013 Junior World Cup.
“Now that we are in the semis we are on the beginning of the journey towards international hockey.”
“This defeat (to Singapore) has changed nothing, we are not sad but are inspired as we know what lies ahead and that can only encourage us to do well for the future of Iranian sport. We can only get better,” he said.
Singapore took its time in opening its account as they found its way hard pressed against Iran’s stubborn defense, held in check by the physically superior Iranians.
Deep into stoppage time and seconds away from the break saw Singapore’s Silas Abdul Razak Noor Shah fire in from close range, much to the relief for all those in the Singapore camp.
But the joys and jubilation was short lived when Iran were awarded a controversial stroke in the 51st minute after Korean umpire Jang Jung Min had adjudged Ong Samudra Pang Chian for an infringement when clearing the ball with his glove.
Despite Singapore opposition the stroke action continued with Iran’s captain Mohammad Karimi putting it away for an equalizer.
However, Iran’s joy soon turned to despair when just as fast Singapore responded with two field goals of their own, through Enrico Elifh Abdul Lathif Marican in the 56th minute and a superbly taken Nur Ashriq Ferdaus Zul’Kepli goal (63rd).
Within seconds from the final whistle Singapore added another goal to show they meant business, this time Mohammed Sabri Yuhari, the provider with his penalty corner.