There's a lot of footage to take in - 45 minutes in all, over 3 parts - so rather than embed the videos or spread them out over several days, I'm going to just post the links to the youtube locations. Part 1 takes in the arrival, preparation and first leg highlights. Even though we got comprehensively beaten, our goal after a long period of maintaining possession was a positive sigh of what this team can produce - though the factors of a flat playing surface and an opposition playing style which eschews a hard press over collecting stray passes must also be considered.
Part 2 contains the end of the first leg, the post-match press conferences, discussions with the players about the game, and the first beginning of the highlights set from the second leg. Part 3 contains the remainder of the second leg, post-match press conference, and more player talk. I must say, the production values are excellent, and all credit must go to the volunteers who headed over there, but most importantly who've honed their skills over an extended period of time to get to this standard of work.
Showing posts with label Bangkok Glass. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bangkok Glass. Show all posts
Monday, 25 October 2010
Saturday, 9 October 2010
Second leg, South Melbourne 3 Bangkok Glass 3 - Aggregate score 4-6
Faced with a two goal deficit from the first leg, South went out with an unchanged starting lineup, and began the game brightly, gaining the upper hand in the territorial battle at least and winning free kicks in dangerous areas and the occasional corner. It seemed that rather than Bangkok Glass sitting back it was Hellas that was on top in general play.
De Nittis had a great chance on 19 minutes, but failed to hit the target from the penalty spot. A penalty shout was turned down on 24 minutes after a tense moment for the Thai defense. On 26 minutes, poor communication between Stefaan Sardelic and his defense saw the Glass Rabbits open the scoring against the run of play, leaving South a mountain to climb.
Gianni De Nittis made up for his earlier miss by finishing some good lead up work by Daniel Vasilevski on 30 minutes to level the match at 1-1, and reduce the aggregate margin once more to two goals. It was a match marred by several poor tackles from the Thai side, which mostly went unpunished. De Nittis was fouled in the box on 36 minutes and Fernando De Moraes stepped up and slotted home the penalty to give South the lead, and reduce the margin to one goal on aggregate.
Bangkok Glass stepped up after that setback however, and leveled the match on 40 minutes after taking advantage of slack defending. A late corner for South saw Recchia clatter into the opposition keeper and receive a yellow card, and the two sides head into half time locked at 2-2 for the game and the Glass Rabbits 5-3 up on aggregate.
De Nittis couldn't make the most of a difficult chance early in the second half, and Bangkok Glass sought to hit back with chances of their own. Fifteen minutes into the second half, the Glass Rabbits failed to capitalise on a good move which saw them get numbers into the box. De Nittis, played through by Jesse Krncevic, hit the ball to the keeper on 64 minutes.
After several minutes of mostly subdued play, De Nittis gave South another glimmer of hope with 16 minutes to go by heading in a goal over the keeper, setting the scene for a tense finish. Soon after the latest go ahead goal, Krncevic failed to get a shot on goal after the pass from Rhodri Payne came a little behind the returning striker. Rhodri Payne made an incredible run forward but the ball was cleared off the line from De Nittis shot. The need to send players forward eventually cost South however, with Bangkok leveling the game again, and putting the game out of reach with their superior finishing - though their third goal did come off a deflection. The game then petered out towards its close, with only the antics of the Bankgok players giving the game any sort of genuine interest, though for the wrong reasons.
It was a sterling effort by South over the two legs despite the result, as the team sought to attack their more credentialed opponents, though the Blues had every right to sit back and attempt to play a cautious counter attacking style. The superior conditioning of the Thai side was telling in the first leg, as was their goalscoring, demonstrating the difference in class between the two sides - one wonders what could have been had Joe Keenan been available, he being the best finisher in the side. The gamesmanship of the Thais was brought into question into several times by the commentary crew, particularly the feigning of injuries - something frowned upon in Australia, where physicality in football is celebrated (for better and worse). One could spin it positively though, by interpreting it as a measure of the credit that our boys had earned from their opponents, that they resorted to those tactics.
Looking to next year, there are a number of questions that have been thrown up, such as why do we still persist with short corners? The question of whether Sardelic has done enough to cement himself in the number one keeper spot is up in the air - after so many years of struggling to find a reasonable first choice keeper, and believing we'd found that player in Peter Zois, his defection to Oakleigh leaves us with a tough choice to make. Do we go with the youngster, very much still untested and inexperienced, but who has certainly paid his dues in the reserves for several years? Or do we go for the safer option of forking out big money to someone with a more established reputation?
Krncevic seems to have already slotted in nicely, while Gianni De Nittis seemed to find a bit of form - but how many times have we said that about him in the past few years? Though he did seems to be working well with Krncevic. The midfield created enough chances and more than held their own over stretches of the two matches, but defensively we still seem susceptible, especially conceding goals despite the opposition having few chances. The fight for defensive spots will be hot next year, with the arrival of Lukmon Anifaloyin meaning that someone is going to miss out.
As to whether the club seeks to participate again next season, my guess would be that it's pretty doubtful - the ability to not only get a capable group of players on the plane away from their work commitments on more than one occasion during the year, but also to deal with the fact that the latter stages, should we make them fall into the VPL off-season, means that preparation is never ideal. Logistically, for a volunteer run organisation, it's also a massive task, though they seemed to handle it rather well for the most part.
A massive thank you to the team providing the radio stream, commentator John Kyrou, special comments man George Kouroumalis, and tech guy Michael Dimoudis. The first leg presentation was good; the second leg presentation was great. Thanks also to Paul Zarogiannis for the camerawork, whose efforts will be seen hopefully in the coming week. Great job boys, we'll see you back in Melbourne soon.
De Nittis had a great chance on 19 minutes, but failed to hit the target from the penalty spot. A penalty shout was turned down on 24 minutes after a tense moment for the Thai defense. On 26 minutes, poor communication between Stefaan Sardelic and his defense saw the Glass Rabbits open the scoring against the run of play, leaving South a mountain to climb.
Gianni De Nittis made up for his earlier miss by finishing some good lead up work by Daniel Vasilevski on 30 minutes to level the match at 1-1, and reduce the aggregate margin once more to two goals. It was a match marred by several poor tackles from the Thai side, which mostly went unpunished. De Nittis was fouled in the box on 36 minutes and Fernando De Moraes stepped up and slotted home the penalty to give South the lead, and reduce the margin to one goal on aggregate.
Bangkok Glass stepped up after that setback however, and leveled the match on 40 minutes after taking advantage of slack defending. A late corner for South saw Recchia clatter into the opposition keeper and receive a yellow card, and the two sides head into half time locked at 2-2 for the game and the Glass Rabbits 5-3 up on aggregate.
De Nittis couldn't make the most of a difficult chance early in the second half, and Bangkok Glass sought to hit back with chances of their own. Fifteen minutes into the second half, the Glass Rabbits failed to capitalise on a good move which saw them get numbers into the box. De Nittis, played through by Jesse Krncevic, hit the ball to the keeper on 64 minutes.
After several minutes of mostly subdued play, De Nittis gave South another glimmer of hope with 16 minutes to go by heading in a goal over the keeper, setting the scene for a tense finish. Soon after the latest go ahead goal, Krncevic failed to get a shot on goal after the pass from Rhodri Payne came a little behind the returning striker. Rhodri Payne made an incredible run forward but the ball was cleared off the line from De Nittis shot. The need to send players forward eventually cost South however, with Bangkok leveling the game again, and putting the game out of reach with their superior finishing - though their third goal did come off a deflection. The game then petered out towards its close, with only the antics of the Bankgok players giving the game any sort of genuine interest, though for the wrong reasons.
It was a sterling effort by South over the two legs despite the result, as the team sought to attack their more credentialed opponents, though the Blues had every right to sit back and attempt to play a cautious counter attacking style. The superior conditioning of the Thai side was telling in the first leg, as was their goalscoring, demonstrating the difference in class between the two sides - one wonders what could have been had Joe Keenan been available, he being the best finisher in the side. The gamesmanship of the Thais was brought into question into several times by the commentary crew, particularly the feigning of injuries - something frowned upon in Australia, where physicality in football is celebrated (for better and worse). One could spin it positively though, by interpreting it as a measure of the credit that our boys had earned from their opponents, that they resorted to those tactics.
Looking to next year, there are a number of questions that have been thrown up, such as why do we still persist with short corners? The question of whether Sardelic has done enough to cement himself in the number one keeper spot is up in the air - after so many years of struggling to find a reasonable first choice keeper, and believing we'd found that player in Peter Zois, his defection to Oakleigh leaves us with a tough choice to make. Do we go with the youngster, very much still untested and inexperienced, but who has certainly paid his dues in the reserves for several years? Or do we go for the safer option of forking out big money to someone with a more established reputation?
Krncevic seems to have already slotted in nicely, while Gianni De Nittis seemed to find a bit of form - but how many times have we said that about him in the past few years? Though he did seems to be working well with Krncevic. The midfield created enough chances and more than held their own over stretches of the two matches, but defensively we still seem susceptible, especially conceding goals despite the opposition having few chances. The fight for defensive spots will be hot next year, with the arrival of Lukmon Anifaloyin meaning that someone is going to miss out.
As to whether the club seeks to participate again next season, my guess would be that it's pretty doubtful - the ability to not only get a capable group of players on the plane away from their work commitments on more than one occasion during the year, but also to deal with the fact that the latter stages, should we make them fall into the VPL off-season, means that preparation is never ideal. Logistically, for a volunteer run organisation, it's also a massive task, though they seemed to handle it rather well for the most part.
A massive thank you to the team providing the radio stream, commentator John Kyrou, special comments man George Kouroumalis, and tech guy Michael Dimoudis. The first leg presentation was good; the second leg presentation was great. Thanks also to Paul Zarogiannis for the camerawork, whose efforts will be seen hopefully in the coming week. Great job boys, we'll see you back in Melbourne soon.
Wednesday, 6 October 2010
Match report via S-League's official site
RHB Singapore Cup: South Melbourne skinned in second half
Bhaskaran Kunju
info@sleague.com
South Melbourne’s bid to progress further in the Singapore Cup faced a setback as they crashed 1-3 to Thai outfit Bangkok Glass in the first leg of their quarterfinal tie at Jalan Besar Stadium.
The Australian part-timers took the lead first through Daniel Vasilevski after just 20 minutes in a keenly-contested tie, but a second half fight back by the Glass Rabbits, spearheaded by Gbenga Samuel Ajayi, floored the Victorian Premier League side.
While South Melbourne had fatigue as well as a short preparation time working against them, it was the introduction of Ajayi just over 10 minutes after the restart that completely changed the course of the game.
Two assists and one goal from the super-sub turned the tie on its head and broke Hellas hearts, though the slim scoreline also leaves the prospect of a close second leg and much to take from an otherwise tight affair.
Eddie Krncevic, the South Melbourne coach, was unperturbed by the result, readily accepting the inherent gulf between the two teams.
“There’s a big difference between a professional team and a part-time team, you can see it,” said the former Australia international.
“I thought we did quite well considering that we have only been training for three and a half weeks. The first goal we scored for me was world class but we tired, you can see it.
“Once again, complete difference between professionalism and part-timers, we can see all our boys cramping up towards the end. But its a good experience.”
Krncevic however conceded that his team’s preparations for the game had not been ideal, though he refused to press on the disadvantages as excuses.
“We spent 16 hours (in flight and transit), not that it’s an excuse but it didn’t help. However it was a big difference, like I said, between being a professional outfit and part-timers,” added the former Belgian First Division top scorer.
“The conditions weren’t agreeable. Melbourne’s been cold for the last couple of months, obviously Bangkok is in similar conditions (to here) so it suits them,” he claimed.
“And obviously Bangkok were here at the tail end of their season, so they had more rhythm. They came with 26 players, we came with 15. To me I saw some positives and we’re going to prepare for 2011.
“When we were fresh we played okay, an example is the goal that we scored. There were some nice touches and a beautiful finish.
“And we tired 15 minutes before the end of the first half. Up until then we had the legs. It was very hot for us, we’re not used to the climate it’s obviously and advantage for Bangkok Glass. But I’m not taking anything away from Bangkok Glass.
“I thought the No.9 when he came on, he really changed the game for Bangkok Glass. No doubt.”
The No.9, Ajayi, was revealed by his coach, Carlos Roberto de Carvalho, to have been below a hundred percent fit prior to the game, which explained his exclusion from the starting lineup.
Apart from him, former S.League regular Sutee Suksomkit was also left on the bench, making only a five-minute cameo towards the end of the game.
Carvalho revealed that the Thailand international had been in treatment for the past three months for a knee injury, and was making his first return to action against South Melbourne.
The absence of the key players from the Bangkok starting eleven was evident in the stuttering start the team made, as nobody was able to establish control of the game until Vasilevski’s opener.
The midfielder, who also netted in the previous round against Gombak United, calmly finished off a neat one-two just inside the penalty box with a powerful left-footed shot that left Klisana Klunklin no chance at all.
The Thais’ only response was a series of long-range efforts, with Sarun Promkeaw coming the closest as his shot from outside the penalty area ten minutes from the break was acrobatically tipped over at full stretch by the young Stefaan Sardelic.
But Sarun would eventually open the scoring for Bangkok Glass right on the hour mark, and it was the lively Ajayi who was the architect.
The forward cleverly worked his way down the left flank and to the byline, before pulling back to the unmarked Sarun, who had to apply the simplest of finishes from just outside the six-yard box and with a clear view on goal.
The introduction of Ajayi, as well as the concession of the equaliser, clearly weighed heavily on the part-timers’ capabilities, as they were fully stretched in all departments.
Just ten minutes after the equaliser, Ajayi put his team in front himself after latching on to a through ball from Kunihiko Takizawa. His effort, though weak and aimed low at the near post, managed to deceive the inexperienced Sardelic.
But Sardelic could not be blamed for the third goal eight minutes from time, as this time Chatree Chimtale bravely dove on to the ball inches from the open goalmouth after Ajayi had powered his way past three defenders to chip into empty space inside the six-yard box.
Carvalho was a calm presence after his team’s shaky win, but accepted it was always going to be a difficult tie.
“It wasn’t going to be easy because both teams were a little bit tired,” said the former Brazil international.
“We had a team that knew how to win. But football is football, inside the field it’s not easy.
“I’m not surprised (with how South Melbourne started). Our team started well, but after that we lost concentration, that’s why they scored.
“After that we controlled the game, we got more possession of the ball and we had some chances. But we didn’t play so well in the first half, second half was okay, much better.”
The former Thailand national coach also let in on his team’s preparations for the second leg, as well as their expectations.
“Today we enjoy this win. Tomorrow we start to do (training). Tomorrow we have one friendly for players who did not play today or didn’t have enough time to play,” he said.
“We must respect the other team. Football is football inside the field. Today’s game is history. The second game will be another history.”
With the tie balanced at just a two-goal margin, Krncevic was also aware that the possibility of salvaging an aggregate win was a possibility.
“How we recover is very important now (for the next game),” said the 50-year-old.
“We’ll get the boys back into ice baths and hot spas. And hopefully feel a little better come Friday.
“So we’re not going to give up. We’re not saying we’re giving up. We’ll try to go out and win the game on Friday.”
Bhaskaran Kunju
info@sleague.com
South Melbourne’s bid to progress further in the Singapore Cup faced a setback as they crashed 1-3 to Thai outfit Bangkok Glass in the first leg of their quarterfinal tie at Jalan Besar Stadium.
The Australian part-timers took the lead first through Daniel Vasilevski after just 20 minutes in a keenly-contested tie, but a second half fight back by the Glass Rabbits, spearheaded by Gbenga Samuel Ajayi, floored the Victorian Premier League side.
While South Melbourne had fatigue as well as a short preparation time working against them, it was the introduction of Ajayi just over 10 minutes after the restart that completely changed the course of the game.
Two assists and one goal from the super-sub turned the tie on its head and broke Hellas hearts, though the slim scoreline also leaves the prospect of a close second leg and much to take from an otherwise tight affair.
Eddie Krncevic, the South Melbourne coach, was unperturbed by the result, readily accepting the inherent gulf between the two teams.
“There’s a big difference between a professional team and a part-time team, you can see it,” said the former Australia international.
“I thought we did quite well considering that we have only been training for three and a half weeks. The first goal we scored for me was world class but we tired, you can see it.
“Once again, complete difference between professionalism and part-timers, we can see all our boys cramping up towards the end. But its a good experience.”
Krncevic however conceded that his team’s preparations for the game had not been ideal, though he refused to press on the disadvantages as excuses.
“We spent 16 hours (in flight and transit), not that it’s an excuse but it didn’t help. However it was a big difference, like I said, between being a professional outfit and part-timers,” added the former Belgian First Division top scorer.
“The conditions weren’t agreeable. Melbourne’s been cold for the last couple of months, obviously Bangkok is in similar conditions (to here) so it suits them,” he claimed.
“And obviously Bangkok were here at the tail end of their season, so they had more rhythm. They came with 26 players, we came with 15. To me I saw some positives and we’re going to prepare for 2011.
“When we were fresh we played okay, an example is the goal that we scored. There were some nice touches and a beautiful finish.
“And we tired 15 minutes before the end of the first half. Up until then we had the legs. It was very hot for us, we’re not used to the climate it’s obviously and advantage for Bangkok Glass. But I’m not taking anything away from Bangkok Glass.
“I thought the No.9 when he came on, he really changed the game for Bangkok Glass. No doubt.”
The No.9, Ajayi, was revealed by his coach, Carlos Roberto de Carvalho, to have been below a hundred percent fit prior to the game, which explained his exclusion from the starting lineup.
Apart from him, former S.League regular Sutee Suksomkit was also left on the bench, making only a five-minute cameo towards the end of the game.
Carvalho revealed that the Thailand international had been in treatment for the past three months for a knee injury, and was making his first return to action against South Melbourne.
The absence of the key players from the Bangkok starting eleven was evident in the stuttering start the team made, as nobody was able to establish control of the game until Vasilevski’s opener.
The midfielder, who also netted in the previous round against Gombak United, calmly finished off a neat one-two just inside the penalty box with a powerful left-footed shot that left Klisana Klunklin no chance at all.
The Thais’ only response was a series of long-range efforts, with Sarun Promkeaw coming the closest as his shot from outside the penalty area ten minutes from the break was acrobatically tipped over at full stretch by the young Stefaan Sardelic.
But Sarun would eventually open the scoring for Bangkok Glass right on the hour mark, and it was the lively Ajayi who was the architect.
The forward cleverly worked his way down the left flank and to the byline, before pulling back to the unmarked Sarun, who had to apply the simplest of finishes from just outside the six-yard box and with a clear view on goal.
The introduction of Ajayi, as well as the concession of the equaliser, clearly weighed heavily on the part-timers’ capabilities, as they were fully stretched in all departments.
Just ten minutes after the equaliser, Ajayi put his team in front himself after latching on to a through ball from Kunihiko Takizawa. His effort, though weak and aimed low at the near post, managed to deceive the inexperienced Sardelic.
But Sardelic could not be blamed for the third goal eight minutes from time, as this time Chatree Chimtale bravely dove on to the ball inches from the open goalmouth after Ajayi had powered his way past three defenders to chip into empty space inside the six-yard box.
Carvalho was a calm presence after his team’s shaky win, but accepted it was always going to be a difficult tie.
“It wasn’t going to be easy because both teams were a little bit tired,” said the former Brazil international.
“We had a team that knew how to win. But football is football, inside the field it’s not easy.
“I’m not surprised (with how South Melbourne started). Our team started well, but after that we lost concentration, that’s why they scored.
“After that we controlled the game, we got more possession of the ball and we had some chances. But we didn’t play so well in the first half, second half was okay, much better.”
The former Thailand national coach also let in on his team’s preparations for the second leg, as well as their expectations.
“Today we enjoy this win. Tomorrow we start to do (training). Tomorrow we have one friendly for players who did not play today or didn’t have enough time to play,” he said.
“We must respect the other team. Football is football inside the field. Today’s game is history. The second game will be another history.”
With the tie balanced at just a two-goal margin, Krncevic was also aware that the possibility of salvaging an aggregate win was a possibility.
“How we recover is very important now (for the next game),” said the 50-year-old.
“We’ll get the boys back into ice baths and hot spas. And hopefully feel a little better come Friday.
“So we’re not going to give up. We’re not saying we’re giving up. We’ll try to go out and win the game on Friday.”
South on verge of exiting Singapore Cup
An early goal by Daniel Vasilevski has been overshadowed by a second half defensive collapse, seeing us go down 3-1 to Bangkok Glass in the first leg. A possible sending off that wasn't for the Glass Rabbits in the first half might have swung the game a different way, but you've got to deal with the hand you're dealt. Away goals don't count for double, but it's hard to see us coming back in the second leg - the professionalism and class of the Thai side, as well as the difference in playing depth and adjustment to the conditions, will likely to be too much of a hurdle in attempting to overcome a two goal deficit. And in truth, it probably should have been more. Still, one can hope that the side can adjust its tactics and turn this tie around - but it's long odds from here.
Friday, 1 October 2010
Squad for Singapore Cup tie against Bangkok Glass annnounced
You can check out the full article here. In short, some new faces that apparently Eddie Krncevic wants to use next year; in goals, relying on Stefaan Sardelic and under 21s keeper George Malliaras - I suppose the one upshot of Peter Zois cutting and running is that some of our younger boys get a go, including some other players from this year's championship winning under 21 squad - even if they don't play, I'm sure they'll find it a worthwhile experience. No Keenan, who is on duty at Adelaide United. And Joseph Youssef has quit the club due to 'work and personal commitments'. It's good to have Fernando in the squad this time.
Friday, 28 May 2010
Last of the Singapore posts... for now
Time to wrap this adventure up. South's opponent in the quarter finals later on this year will be Thai side Bangkok Glass, after they came from 3-1 down to defeat currently struggling Singapore heavyweight Singapore Armed Forces 5-3. The Glass Rabbits were last year's Singapore Cup runners up, so should be another tough contest. Allegedly the match will be played over two legs.
Here's another report on the game, also quite complimentary on our win, from The Electric New Paper. The official site also has their report up now as well. But as can be expected, nothing in The Age or Herald Sun - and they wonder why circulations are falling. I could give them the benefit if the doubt, and mention that they will have oodles of coverage on the World Cup - but so will every other news agency - but once more, the 'Melbourne papers that allegedly know Melbourne', actually know very little. I guess we'll have to wait for Goal Weekly publish a print version.
As noted previously, while interest amongst the rival VPL and A-League fan contingent has been mostly, cautiously positive in nature, there has been some negativity directed our way, again. From those who are still waiting for us to just die already, that's not much of a surprise. From those though who trumpet the impact and opportunity of Australia's move into Asia, to then complain that South has no place in an Asian competition, is a little harder to digest and comprehend - but it does admittedly do nice things for one's ego, that beaten down as we might be, we can still send the occasional shiver down an ignorant spine.
Here's another report on the game, also quite complimentary on our win, from The Electric New Paper. The official site also has their report up now as well. But as can be expected, nothing in The Age or Herald Sun - and they wonder why circulations are falling. I could give them the benefit if the doubt, and mention that they will have oodles of coverage on the World Cup - but so will every other news agency - but once more, the 'Melbourne papers that allegedly know Melbourne', actually know very little. I guess we'll have to wait for Goal Weekly publish a print version.
As noted previously, while interest amongst the rival VPL and A-League fan contingent has been mostly, cautiously positive in nature, there has been some negativity directed our way, again. From those who are still waiting for us to just die already, that's not much of a surprise. From those though who trumpet the impact and opportunity of Australia's move into Asia, to then complain that South has no place in an Asian competition, is a little harder to digest and comprehend - but it does admittedly do nice things for one's ego, that beaten down as we might be, we can still send the occasional shiver down an ignorant spine.
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