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SINGAPORE'S 3 NIGHTMARES
Sat, Jun 27, 2009
The New Paper

THE 'WING WIZARD': SAEID AGHAEI NOJEHDEH

SAEID is Iran's winger to watch.

He bagged a brace in the game against Taiwan with a header from a free-kick and a scorcher from distance.

His overall performance stood out as well, with his passing and crossing looking impressive.

At 14, he even looks to have a good head on his young shoulders.

He told the media Iran's success so far, has been due to teamwork, not his own eyecatching performances.

In training yesterday at Victoria School, Saeid looked at ease with his team's fast one-touch passing and fluid attacking play, and was involved in many flowing moves.


THE GATEKEEPER: MEISAM LABBAF

IRAN'S goalkeeper kept a clean sheet in their only match so far against Taiwan (whom they beat 6-0 last weekend).

At training yesterday, Meisam always looked in command of his penalty area. Despite not being very tall, he came out to claim several high balls and crosses with great confidence.

He also had to rush off his line several times to clear balls played through behind his defence.

And he always beat the striker to the ball.

So if Singapore run out of options and try the long-ball tactic, Meisam will be ready for such a plan.

He also looks very assured with the ball at his feet, and his kicks go past the half-way line, which is a rarity for other AYG football teams seen so far in the first few games of the group stages, even South Korea.


THE 'NUISANCE': SIAVASH HAGHNAZARI

PLAYING as a striker, Siavash managed to score a goal in that 6-0 drubbing of Taiwan.

He also assisted in another two goals, and impressed with his movement and intelligence.

In training, he looked sharp and always looked to get on the end of balls played in and around the penalty area.

His positioning looks to be a real asset as he was always there to make a nuisance of himself for defenders.

He also tested the goalkeepers countless times with his shooting.

He will want to make a complete fool out of Singapore's key defender and captain Jeffrey Adam Lightfoot. He looks hungry for more goals.

Apart from this Iranian trio, the Cubs have to deal with a highly-spirited Iran team.

- Shea John Driscoll, newsroom intern


Tomorrow's games:

  • Iran v Singapore (5pm, Jalan Besar Stadium)

  • Thailand v China (7.30pm, Jalan Besar Stadium)

    Sunday's games:

  • South Korea v Laos (5pm, Jalan Besar Stadium)

  • Saudi Arabia v North Korea (7.30pm, Jalan Besar Stadium)

    Entrance fee for each day's games is $2 for gallery seating and $4 for grandstand seating. Prices not inclusive of $1 Sistic charge.

     

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