RI, Thailand expect rough going in semifinal
RI, Thailand expect rough going in semifinal
Associated Press, Bacolod City
National soccer coach Peter Withe is taking two things as a
given for Friday's semifinal against Thailand, which is seeking
its seventh straight Games gold.
First, that it will be a rough-and-ready physical encounter.
And, second, that Vietnam will await in the final.
"We'll just have to see who faces Vietnam (in the final),"
Withe was quoted as saying by The Associated Press of Vietnam's
match against Malaysia.
Vietnam take on Malaysia.
The biennial event has been dominated by Thailand over the
past decade. It has also grabbed a clutch of regional tournament
wins when they were coached by Withe.
As far as opposing coaches go, not many have the kind of
knowledge the former England striker has on the Thais.
He led Thailand for five years until he was fired in late
2003, and nurtured more than half of current coach Chanvit
Palajivin's side here in the southern Philippine city.
And Withe feels the inside knowledge could play into
Indonesia's favor.
"There are many players there that I've coached," said Withe.
"There are about 14 or 15 players here that I brought into the
side."
But he will be without first-team players Agus Indra
Kurniawan, Mahyadi Panggabean and Ledi Utomo for the match, who
are all suspended.
Phalajivin said Indonesia approach matches "like a rugby
game," a statement which clearly flustered Withe.
"It's a contact sport, but I don't go out there telling my
players to foul," said Withe.
Vietnam meanwhile, goes into the semifinals well-rested.
Coach Alfred Riedl had one early scare when defender Nguyen
Minh Duc went down with a rib injury in a group match against
Laos, but there are no other fitness worries or suspensions,
making them clear odds-on favorites with at least one regional
betting house in Singapore.
Malaysia though, feels differently.
"We just have to make sure we take responsibility on the
pitch," said defender Ronny Harun. "And stick to the game plan
set out."
The gold-medal and bronze-medal playoff matches are Sunday.