9 Men Down, 1 Up Front

The Singapore Lions is one of the two teams in the MSL with a 100% record, with Pahang being the other one. The Lions have scored 2 goals and conceded none. The reason behind their zero-goals-conceded? Getting your 9 outfield players into your half (with the exception of your striker) every time the opposition builds up an attack. The opponents may have a huge chunk of the possession, but they end up losing the game.

If you guys have been following the last two matches of the Lions, you would have realised that they did the same thing to ATM and Selangor. ATM did manage to breach the Singaporean defence, but their finishing let them down while Selangor only managed to launch attacks via long-range free-kicks. The playing style employed by the Lions may be effective in neutralising attacking threats but it leads to a very boring game of football. Apart from that, they are pure opportunists. Both their goals this season is a result of some slack defending. Once they've scored, they will hold the ball even though there is more than an hour to play. I feel really frustrated when our local teams struggle against Lions (last season as well).

From what I have seen in the 2 games which featured the Lions, I have deduced a few points.

• Get a dedicated man-marker for Shahril Ishak. He is the Lions' main man. Subdue him and their attack is impotent.
• Stop launching excessive crosses into the Lions' penalty area. Both their central defenders (Baihakki Khaizan & Safuwan Baharuddin) are very good in the air. Penetrate through the flanks as their full-backs are not quick and prone to commit reckless challenges. 
• Their keeper, Izwan Mahbud is good shot-stopper. The opposing forwards must be alert to nick the rebounds.
• Mark Baihakki tightly while defending corners. ( Please..Tolonglah.. place two men on either posts)

The Lions' is not an invincible team. They can be given a rough ride throughout the season and with the possiblity of them falling apart. Tapi, pasukan tempatan kena bermain dengan penuh semangat. Selangor seemed to be deflated and demotivated last Saturday. Take Harimau Muda as an example. Look how they play although the pitches are on par with paddy fields. Our local teams can do it. They just need to get their act right.

MAJULAH BOLASEPAK UNTUK NEGARA

Written by: Vinod Nair