Asian Friendly Matches Part 7 [R]

Outsider's point of view.

1. The sheikhs need the glamour.
2. Isn't not like they can't afford it.

And I should have added a :d at the end of my previous reply.

 

I just think they're doing it all wrong in SA. We acknowledge they have huge amount of $$$. And we know that in SA their NT is probably at an all time low in terms of popularity (i'm guessing here). Why not spend all that cash on youth development, grassroots academies etc etc. Instead of getting overpaid coaches, overspending on friendlies etc. For short-term results that aren't even coming.

 

More like the WAFF Championship I think.

 

They should be unstoppable by then....very dangerous!

 

The reason why they're splashing $$ for a stupid friendly is not to get ready for ACQ or WAFF. You guys need to understand that football is huge in SA and the country is a dictatorship. The ruling family has been splashing cash in the past couple of years to keep the country happy (because of the Arab Spring situation). The failures of the NT will need a 'bandaid solution' for the time being and an Argentina friendly will keep football fans busy for at least a while.

 

I hope you're being sarcastic.
I have watched all the impt Saudi games over the past couple of years and they haven't disappointed me one bit and have managed to lose almost all of em. I can give you a half dozen teams in the ME that are more dangerous than SA. Kuwait, Syria, Jordan, Iraq etc... are all better than the Saudis.

 

Why all this talk about Saudi Arabia?
Well...might as well offer my input while we're at it. I think its a very good and prestigious friendly for them to gradually build a new competitive team. They have to play a SERIES of matches though.
I wonder if Saudi will participate in WAFF, but they'd be very stupid not to. Ideal tournament for them in terms of re-building.

They've been going down hill ever since 2007.
1. Failure to qualify for 2010 WCQ (which off course Iran did not either, but at least we've improved)
2. Horrendous Asia cup 2011 campaign, loosing all their games.
3. Failure to even qualify for the last round of WCQ, finishing below Oman. Barely any better than Thailand.

They really are at an all time low. If they dont step it up, the next disappointment would be to fail to qualify for Asian cup 2015

So any friendly for them is good, especially if its a prestigious team like Argentina.
Beyond what I just said, I doubt if SA should become the focus of discussion. Now they are simply too uninteresting

Lets move on.
Iran and Japan should organize a friendly this year (or 2013). There were rumors such an exhibition would take place mid August but I believe Japan is playing Venezuela Aug 15? Correct me if Im wrong.

 

Yes Japan is playing Venezuela on August 15 however:

The JFA are trying to organise a game for May 23 (with the euro-contingent as well). I think Iran would be an ideal opponent to play for this preparation before playing Oman and Iraq at home in the WCQ.

 

Also:
15 August 2012
Singapore vs Hong Kong
(Venue: Singapore)

 

http://www.hkfa.com/includes_files/board_details.php?news_id=9458

HKFA ANNOUNCES FIXTURES AGAINST SINGAPORE

Hong Kong will host Singapore on Friday, 1 June as they look to build on their winning start under head coach Ernie Merrick.

The international friendly, at Hong Kong Stadium, kickoff time 8:00pm, will be Hong Kong’s second under Merrick after they scored an emphatic 5-1 victory over Chinese Taipei at Mongkok Stadium on 29 February.

They will also play a return fixture in Singapore on 15 August in what will be their first away match with Merrick in charge.

FAS needs to clarify what is happening on 15 Aug.

 

27.05 Uzbekistan - Oman cancelled

 

17.4 UAE - Iran

 

1.5 Iran - Iraq

 

Tentative schedules for the Philippines:

June 2 Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur
June 5, 8, 12 are open dates to be hosted in the Philippines, with Vietnam, Thaliand, Indonesia, Hongkong and the Chinese U-23 team all being mentioned as possibilities. Because of the current tense relations between the Philippines and China, I highly doubt the Chinese will accept the invitation unless they resolve the current standoff in the Scarborough Shoal diplomatically and decide to reestablish peaceful relations by staging a game between them.

 

UAE-Iran is allegedly cancelled. Ahmadinejad visited Abu Moussa.. an island that UAE believes is being occupied by Iran (which historically isn't true). But regardless, friendly has been called off for now

 

It's really sad when a tiny island doesn't want to play Iran . At this point Carlos is probably regretting becoming the coach of Iran .