Match 2: England 2 - 1 Switzerland on soccernet.com
In the 2nd significant match, England took on Euro 08 co-hosts Switzerland.
For me, this match is significant because of the wonder of the expectations Fabio Capello is expected to fulfil as the new manager of England. Based on this match, it was a major coup for England to have one of the most successful managers in soccer history.
True, the scoreline does not reflect a thumping scoreline expected from the most-hyped national team in the world from this region, and the formation for the match certainly did not reflect anything new. Yet the performance was more convincing than it ever was in England's disastrous Euro 08 qualifying campaign.
There were many positives to be taken and that means that Capello's appointment will only bear fruit in time to come.
*****
Match 3: Saudi Arabia 2 - 0 Singapore on FAS website
It was no fault that expectations for my national team was high to the point we could have snatched a shock draw against the Saudis. Yet, there was also a reality check that we are simply not good enough yet.
We had three friendlies against Gulf teams before this match, winning the first but losing the next two. So, surely we could not beat the pick of the Gulf teams in Saudi Arabia, which was proven true last night.
However, I do not deny we have come a long way progressing as a true footballing nation in recent times. The next match against Lebanon on home soil on March 26 should give us a clue as to where we exactly stand as I feel we are more on a par with them as compared to the Saudis.
~akim~
In the 2nd significant match, England took on Euro 08 co-hosts Switzerland.
For me, this match is significant because of the wonder of the expectations Fabio Capello is expected to fulfil as the new manager of England. Based on this match, it was a major coup for England to have one of the most successful managers in soccer history.
True, the scoreline does not reflect a thumping scoreline expected from the most-hyped national team in the world from this region, and the formation for the match certainly did not reflect anything new. Yet the performance was more convincing than it ever was in England's disastrous Euro 08 qualifying campaign.
There were many positives to be taken and that means that Capello's appointment will only bear fruit in time to come.
Match 3: Saudi Arabia 2 - 0 Singapore on FAS website
It was no fault that expectations for my national team was high to the point we could have snatched a shock draw against the Saudis. Yet, there was also a reality check that we are simply not good enough yet.
We had three friendlies against Gulf teams before this match, winning the first but losing the next two. So, surely we could not beat the pick of the Gulf teams in Saudi Arabia, which was proven true last night.
However, I do not deny we have come a long way progressing as a true footballing nation in recent times. The next match against Lebanon on home soil on March 26 should give us a clue as to where we exactly stand as I feel we are more on a par with them as compared to the Saudis.
~akim~
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