I think Mixu didn't want to risk playing with more than 1 attack minded player (James Ha and later Alex Akande). He was clearly very worried about Iran's speedy counter attack.
So far its a draw and two losses for Mixu Paatalainen's reign as Hong Kong coach and he really needs results. What do you guys think of Mixu's current performance as head coach so far?
Agree that sample size as too small: - First match against Taiwan was unimpressive, but then again he had no time to practice or get familiarized with players on their offseason - Second match against Cambodia, again, as I have said, this is just the 7th match in just 18 months; rusty players all around - Third match against Iran, I would argue he is too conservative, but we see the difference having more games makes; players are more in form and the coach knows what to expect Having said all this, I expect much better in October and this bodes well leading up to the Dec EAFF matches, where I think we have a good chance of picking up 1-2 wins.
The schedule is out for Senior Challenge Shield. Eastern Longlions vs KC Southern District is the best tie of the first round matches.
For the first time in 10 years, the Final will not be held at Hong Kong Stadium. For the first time in 14 years, the Final will be held at Mong Kok Stadium.
According to Offside.hk's twitter, these are the following players who are in the process of obtaining their Hong Kong passport: Sean Tse (R&F HK) Diego Moreira Eli (Eastern Long Lions) Clement Benhaddouche (Kitchee SC) Shu Kitamura (Happy Valley AA) Toby Phillip Down (Tai Po FC) Robert Stamp (Kitchee SC) Mark Swainston (Kitchee SC) Barak Braunstain (Kitchee SC) Beto Fronza (KC Southern)
For Benhaddouche, Kitamura, Down, Stamp, and Braunstan, can they even acquire HK passports without working here for 7 years? I thought that was a problem that even locally born and raised players like Jack Sealy, Andy Russell, and Jaimes McKee faced before? Swainston - thought he decided to pledge allegiance to the Philippines? Fronza - not good enough to make the NT squad anyways. Tse, Eli - welcome additions, will likely make the 23 man squad next round. Good thing is that Tse is only 27
I'm pretty certain that Mixu will have to name his preliminary squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying match against Iraq (away) and a home friendly match against Malaysia at some point this month. Anyways, which players deserve to get a call-up for the national team?
Like I said before, Giovane. We need his physique, skills and experience in attack. Our attack is too lightweight and inexperienced.
I want to see Leung Nok Hang start instead of Helio. Russell and Helio together are way too slow and can easily be exploited just like against Cambodia. They were only saved in the Iran game because we played 9 defensive minded players.
You don't have to work here for seven years. You just need to have seven years of continuous residence. It could be the case that they've been eligible for a while but never exercised the right to apply for a Hong Kong passport because they didn't need to in order to be counted as local players under the old rules. However, with potential national team and Asian competition appearances in play, this may have changed their calculation. Helio hasn't been the same since he returned from the injury he suffered in North Korea. It's not just that he's slow in getting back, he's slow to react to plays as well. https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=2352925081625476 Just watch the highlights from the Yuen Long match above. He was at fault on both goals. While Helio could still be a useful back up, Festus Baise's international career should be over. Too old, too slow, too unreliable when needed.
Are you concerned about the lack of experienced, abled CB's if Festus retires and Helio is not fit to start? Who should get the nod to partner Andy Russell? (I am personally a big fan of NH Leung)
If not Leung, I don't see who else it will be. If you go down the list, you'll see a lot of guys who aren't good enough to be starters.
As you may know, the HKFA has announced that they are set to play a home friendly match against Malaysia next month and tickets are up for sale now. In addition, they will be naming their preliminary squad list to face Iraq and Malaysia soon according to Mingpao.
2019-20 HKJC Charity Shield between Wofoo Tai Po and Kitchee postponed due to unrest in the area surrounding Mongkok Stadium.
Preliminary squad for October: _________________________________________________________________________________ In other news, R&F's application to become a full member of the HKFA was soundly rejected. 5 clubs voted in favour, 16 against and 1 abstained.
If I were to pick 4 strikers for the final squad based upon the preliminary list, I would opt for Chan Kwong-Ho, James Ha, Sandro and Giovane as my personal picks for the national team.
Is Wong Wai still without a team? This is seriously affecting his career as he is supposed to be in his prime at age 26. And of course, the HKNT sorely lacks an attacking midfielder like him.
I would pick Lam Kar-Wai ahead of Wong Wai for now. At least Lam is playing competitively right now. No way would I pick a player who is not playing regularly when there are others available.
I agree. But it seems like Mixu is intent on pushing out the old guard, save for a few exceptions. Is it blasphemous to say I would rather start Wong Wai than Ju Yingzhi? Despite playing, Ju has been terrible for the HKNT.
Macau is now refusing to come to Hong Kong to play the annual Interport Cup. HKFA said it will negotiate with Macau FA again to resolve the matter.
According to Kitchee SC's Facebook page, Yuto Nakamura will rejoin Tai Po FC on loan from the club. Here's hoping that Nakamura will be able to find his form during his loan period. In other news, Dai Wai-Tsun netted his first goal for the Wolverhampton Wanderers U23 side against Carlisle United according to SCMP.