KUALA LUMPUR (2 Dec 2012) – Below are the quotes from the post-match Press Conference for the match between Singapore and Laos.
Radojko Avramovic – Singapore chief coach
“It is good to qualify for the next round. Loas were playing as I had expected by pushing all their players up to pressure us. They were really good in the early first half.
But we still managed to come back (from two goals down) because we were well-prepared for this game. A few of the players were struggling due lack of fitness.
Mohamad Shaiful Esah Naim and Mohammad Khairul Amri Kamal are injured, so we will have to see whether they can be fielded for the semi-finals.
When Mohamad Shaiful came in, it changed the tempo of the game and it opened the chances for us to get back into the match. His ball delivery was important.
We have to recover fast and prepare well against the Philippines.”
Kokichi Kimura – Loas chief coach
“It was a fast game but my players never give up. We had to change the tactics somewhat as Singapore has several tall players.
In the first ten minutes, I had to change the goalkeeper as he had fractured his ankle after colliding with an opponent. He is just 18 years old and he has gained quite an experience to play this level of football.
Keoviengpheth Lithideth is just 22 years of age which means that he will have a good future ahead.
Overall it was quite a good tournament for us where we certainly need more experience to play at this level. It was not easy.
For the next Suzuki Cup, we will come back with a new approach with a team. Everybody learned something in this tournament.
I have to give praise to players like Soukaphone Vonggchiengkham, Khampheng Sayavutthi and Keoviengpheth for their hard work and their role in the team.
