SEVERE CONDITIONS MAY AFFECT AUSTRALIA’S SEMIFINAL HOPES

The Aussies have two points from two drawn games against Thailand and Singapore and need to defeat Cambodia, who already out of the running, to claim their semifinal berth.

Thailand and Singapore, who have four points each, will slug it out for the other spot in the semis.

One of the pre-tournament favourites, Australia were expected to be in a better position at this stage but they have not been able to produce their performance to date and the reason is obvious; the extreme heat
and humidity, which has surpassed 94% here.

“We have just come in from the winter and the boys are taking some time to acclimatize. We arrived two days before the tournament, and that’s why it will take a little longer. As they get used to the conditions, their performance will improve,” said assistant coach
Alistair Edwards today.

He added that in both matches, the players improved as the conditions cooled.

The team is hoping to make the final stages where they believe the players will deliver their best.

“At this stage, we have to make sure the players are well hydrated and prepared for Cambodia.”

Australia realized that Cambodia, despite losing their matches against Thailand (3-0) and Singapore (3-1) have proven to be a tough team to beat.

They gave both their opponents a difficult time and even led Singapore.

But the sacking of a player in the first game and a dislocated shoulder suffered by their reserve goalkeeper blew their chances.

Australia face Cambodia at 3.30pm (local time) tomorrow afternoon at the Thong Nhat Stadium and unless they overcome the severe heat, Singapore could be the ones celebrating instead tomorrow.

The Lions have four points but are second in the group behind the Thais on an inferior goal difference.

Should Australia pick up full points tomorrow, they will have five points in total and secure a place in the semis.

This means Singapore has no option but to defeat Thailand to advance.

So a surprise result in the Cambodia-Australia game will be met with cheers from the Singapore camp.

FIXTURES and RESULTS

4 August 2009
Thanh Long Centre –
AUSTRALIA 1 SINGAPORE 1/ MYANMAR 3 TIMOR LESTE 0

Thong Nhat Stadium –
CAMBODIA 0 THAILAND 3/ MALAYSIA 0 VIETNAM 2

6 August 2009
Thanh Long Centre –
TIMOR LESTE 1 MALAYSIA 7/ SINGAPORE 3 CAMBODIA 1

Thong Nhat Stadium –
THAILAND 1 AUSTRALIA 1/ VIETNAM 3 MYANMAR 1

8 August 2009
Thanh Long Centre –
Cambodia vs Australia (1530)/ Malaysia vs Myanmar (1745)

Thong Nhat Stadium –
Thailand vs Singapore (1530)/ Vietnam vs Timor Leste (1745)

10 August 2009
Thong Nhat Stadium –
Semi-finals 1 – Winner A vs Runner up B (1515)
Semi-finals 2 – Winner B vs Runner up A (1745)

12 August 2009
Thong Nhat Stadium –
3rd / 4th Placing – Loser SF1 vs Loser SF2 (1530)

Final – Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2 (1745)