NST Online: Sports
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| Football / Sea Games: Kim Swee set to wield the axe Posted: 08 Nov 2011 04:09 PM PST 2011/11/09 Malaysia's Saarani Ahmad Fakri (front) battles for the ball with Singapore's Mohammad Afiq Yunos at Gelora Bung Karno in Jakarta on Monday. The teams drew 0-0. Kim Swee insists even a draw against the Thais, widely seen as the favourites in this tournament, would suffice in keeping the defending champions' hopes of making the semi-finals alive. What is certain is that Kim Swee is going to make a few changes after several players put in disappointing performances in the 0-0 draw with Singapore.
"They failed to create openings for the strikers, so don't be surprised when I make a few changes. "The defence played well especially Muslim (Ahmad) who was really outstanding. It is one less thing for me to worry about.
The changes Kim Swee could make include dropping striker A. Thamil Arasu, midfielders K. Gurusamy, Abdul Shukor Jusoh and Ahmad Fakri Saarani. As Thailand will be playing their first match of the competition, the need for fresh legs could not be more acute.
Mahalli Jasuli will be restored to the right-back position to allow Fandi Othman to switch to the left flank in an almost all-new midfield combination. Kim Swee's disappointment with Gurusamy is especially evident after failing to take control of midfield. "I don't know what is the problem with him. Maybe it is due to a lack of international competitive action. I've given a lot people chances in friendly matches but it is totally different when it comes to big matches. "He is one of the more senior players after being in the 2009 squad and should be leading the team here. His performance was just unacceptable," added Kim Swee. Meanwhile, Thailand are itching to avenge their 2-1 defeat to Malaysia in 2009 which consigned them to an early exit with midfielder Sujarit Jantakol hoping to shake off a slight ankle injury to play. "I desperately want to play in this match because in the previous Sea Games in Laos, I was in the squad that lost to Malaysia which saw us knocked out," Sujarit told the Bangkok Post. TODAY -- Group A: Malaysia v Thailand (5pm), Cambodia v Singapore (8pm, both matches at Gelora Bung Karno); Group B: Myanmar v Brunei (5pm), Vietnam v Timor Leste (8pm, both matches at Lebak Bulus Stadium) Full content generated by Get Full RSS. |
| EPL: Bothroyd - City will be champions Posted: 08 Nov 2011 03:53 PM PST LONDON: Jay Bothroyd has no doubt QPR were beaten by this season's Premier League champions at Loftus Road. Rangers could hold their heads up high after the 3-2 defeat to Manchester City. They were the first side to go in front against the Sky Blues this term and then they had the character to fight back after City had turned the match on its head. Even following Yaya Toure's winner, the hosts came within a whisker of snatching a point when Heidar Helguson struck the bar.
"They are definitely the best side," he said. "They have the best players. "But it is more than just ability. 'They have an abundance of that but names alone don't make a great team. It is the work ethic as well.
"They have been in top form all season. They hammered Manchester United, are scoring goals pretty freely and generally, they keep it tight at the back. "There were plenty who doubted Roberto Mancini during the early weeks of his reign. However, there are few dissenting voices now."
It is fair to assume that, after a lethargic start, in which City could have easily fallen more than one goal behind, Mancini was impressed with what followed. Edin Dzeko scored for the sixth time in four appearances -- taking his overall tally for the season to 13 -- and Yaya Toure sealed victory with a towering header. Once again it was David Silva who caught the eye though. His dart on to Dzeko's low cross before driving home City's second immediately after the break was the stuff of genius. Yet the staggering thing is Silva cannot be guaranteed a start when Spain take on England at Wembley on Saturday. With Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas already adorning his team, Vicente del Bosque has an embarrassment of riches. Yet stand-in City skipper Micah Richards acknowledges Silva is a supreme talent. "From the end of last season, David has really been unbelievable for us. He is one of my favourite players," said Richards. "When he first signed people were not sure he could play in the Premier League but he makes everything look so easy. I just stand and admire him sometimes because the stuff he does is amazing. "It just comes so natural to him. I am happy for him that he is doing well and hopefully he will get a chance for Spain." -- Daily Mail Full content generated by Get Full RSS. |
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