Jason Thomas
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
THERE was no denying the look on their faces when they walked into the room.
They took their time getting there, but when the trio arrived at the post-match Press conference last night, it was smiles all around.
Kwon Oh-son had just created history after becoming the first coach to lead Brunei to the semi-finals of the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT), and the South Korean shared his delight with his assistant Hj Mohd Rosanan Abdullah Samak and the team's manager Hj Feisal Hj Eusoff.
Brunei beat Timor Leste 1-0 to book a place in the Last 4 of its own biennial tournament for the first time in four attempts last night with Kwon overseeing the previous two unsuccessful attempts in 2007 and 2005.
"We played a good game tonight (Monday night)," grinned Kwon at the Press conference at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
"Timor Leste were strong ... We had five players injured ... but we were patient," added the coach.
Queen's seminal "We Are The Champions" rang out the stadium after the match, a song that Hj Feisal felt did not fit the occasion.
"It's not over yet. We face Myanmar in Wednesday's semi-finals," insisted the manager.
"Of course, we feel proud to be in the semis. The teams in the HBT are all very strong," he added.
Md Aminuddin Zakwan Tahir netted the only goal in the 18th minute, and though Brunei had their chances, the second half belonged to Timor Leste.
Brunei seemed content to sit back and soak the pressure, but Hj Mohd Rosanan felt there was nothing wrong with that.
"I'm not saying we were defensive ... We only needed a draw to progress, we were just cautious," said ex-national player and 1999 Malaysia Cup winner.
Despite looking the better team in the second half, Timor Leste's coach Norio Tsukitate failed to find any positives from his team's performance.
"How do I look? Happy? No, I'm crying," he grimaced when asked how he felt about the defeat. "We didn't score, so how can I be happy? It doesn't matter how many chances we created, we didn't score.
"I don't think we played better in the second half. We just switched some players about and that confused the Brunei side," added the Japanese.The Brunei Times
06 March 2012
Brunei in HBT semis
Jason Thomas
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
AFTER 10 long years the wait has finally ended Brunei are in the semi-finals of the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT).
The Sultanate started the biennial tournament in 2002, and after failing to qualify past the group stage during the inaugural edition and again in 2005 and 2007, the pressure was on this year's team to deliver.
Tied on points with Timor Leste but edging them in the standings on goal difference, Brunei only needed a draw against them last night.
Md Aminuddin Zakwan Tahir made sure they went one better, his goal in the 18th minute ensuring Brunei would make it through at the expense of the visitors with a 1-0 result at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
They face Myanmar in tomorrow's semi-finals at the same venue, where another historic win will put them though to Friday's final against either Vietnam or Indonesia.
Captain Md Najib Hj Tarif underlined his importance to the team with the cross from the left which found Md Aminuddin Zakwan in the box, his close-range flick of the boot enough to give Brunei a lead they would valiantly defend until the final whistle.
The home of Brunei football, the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium was filled to the rafters for the epic match with the Royal Brunei Police Force even having to deny spectators entry.
The hosts were winning the midfield battle in the first half, and despite playing without suspended striker Adi Said, were encouragingly able to create chances.
But as expected, Timor Leste's superior physique and build handed them the edge in a defence marshalled by the lanky Raul Dias Monteiro Isac.
Though Brunei did well to press their opponents in the second half, their midfield started to crumble and they surrendered their superiority in possession with tired legs contributing to several astray passes.
Shotstopper Md Fakhrul Zulhazmi Yussof was tested three times in the space of as many minutes around the hour-mark, his toughest test of the tie.
Playing as the lone striker, Ak Md Abd Halim Pg Hj Hassan was guilty for missing at least two genuine goal-scoring opportunities as the half wore down.
Timor Leste were getting increasingly desperate, evident by goalkeeper Emerson Carlos Cesario's decision to head up the field for a corner in the 84th minute which he easily won but was off the mark.
Midfielder Md Hendra Azam Md Idris was sent on late in the game to shore up the five-man Brunei midfield, the experienced playmaker showing no signs of the ankle injury that he picked up during the side's 2-1 loss to Vietnam last week.
With Md Hendra and Adi set to feature again tomorrow, Myanmar better be warned.The Brunei Times
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
AFTER 10 long years the wait has finally ended Brunei are in the semi-finals of the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT).
The Sultanate started the biennial tournament in 2002, and after failing to qualify past the group stage during the inaugural edition and again in 2005 and 2007, the pressure was on this year's team to deliver.
Tied on points with Timor Leste but edging them in the standings on goal difference, Brunei only needed a draw against them last night.
Md Aminuddin Zakwan Tahir made sure they went one better, his goal in the 18th minute ensuring Brunei would make it through at the expense of the visitors with a 1-0 result at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
They face Myanmar in tomorrow's semi-finals at the same venue, where another historic win will put them though to Friday's final against either Vietnam or Indonesia.
Captain Md Najib Hj Tarif underlined his importance to the team with the cross from the left which found Md Aminuddin Zakwan in the box, his close-range flick of the boot enough to give Brunei a lead they would valiantly defend until the final whistle.
The home of Brunei football, the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium was filled to the rafters for the epic match with the Royal Brunei Police Force even having to deny spectators entry.
The hosts were winning the midfield battle in the first half, and despite playing without suspended striker Adi Said, were encouragingly able to create chances.
But as expected, Timor Leste's superior physique and build handed them the edge in a defence marshalled by the lanky Raul Dias Monteiro Isac.
Though Brunei did well to press their opponents in the second half, their midfield started to crumble and they surrendered their superiority in possession with tired legs contributing to several astray passes.
Shotstopper Md Fakhrul Zulhazmi Yussof was tested three times in the space of as many minutes around the hour-mark, his toughest test of the tie.
Playing as the lone striker, Ak Md Abd Halim Pg Hj Hassan was guilty for missing at least two genuine goal-scoring opportunities as the half wore down.
Timor Leste were getting increasingly desperate, evident by goalkeeper Emerson Carlos Cesario's decision to head up the field for a corner in the 84th minute which he easily won but was off the mark.
Midfielder Md Hendra Azam Md Idris was sent on late in the game to shore up the five-man Brunei midfield, the experienced playmaker showing no signs of the ankle injury that he picked up during the side's 2-1 loss to Vietnam last week.
With Md Hendra and Adi set to feature again tomorrow, Myanmar better be warned.The Brunei Times
04 March 2012
Sea of yellow sinks M'sia
Jason Thomas
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Sunday, March 4, 2012
HJ FEISAL Hj Eusoff felt the heavens were kind to Brunei last night.
Brunei's 3-0 win over Malaysia in last night's Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT) game was their second victory in the competition, and a result which helps them stay in contention for a place in Wednesday's semi-finals.
"Without God I don't think we would have won the game. God was with us tonight (Saturday)," said Brunei's team manager at the post-match Press conference at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
"The supporters were also amazing from the beginning until the end. The players really enjoyed playing with the supporters behind them.
"I hope the supporters will turn out in full force again for our last game against Timor Leste on Monday and wear yellow!
"I also appreciate all the support we got from His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Deputy Sultan, His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik and other members of the royal family (who were watching the game).
"The players worked very hard and they deserved to win tonight (Saturday). They were able to score those three goals because they were very confident and settled into the game ... Had a lot of touches," he added.
Despite Malaysia's Muhammad Hadin Azman shown his second yellow card four minutes before the break, Brunei were unable to capitalise on their numerical advantage.
Hj Mohd Rosanan Abdullah Samak didn't think it mattered.
"We didn't play defensively (in the second half). We didn't need a goal what was important is that we were confident holding the ball," said the team's assistant coach.
"It doesn't matter whether it's four goals or five ... It's still three points," insisted the ex-national player.
Last night's defeat leaves Malaysia with just one point from three games and out of the running for a place in the last four, and their head coach felt the crowd at the 25,000-seat stadium which was filled to capacity was Malaysia's downfall.
With eight players promoted to the Under-23 team (Harimau Muda A), who are playing in the Singapore League, Malaysia brought a team of Under-19 players to Brunei and they looked the part. "I'm disappointed but what can I do?" said Ismail Ibrahim.
"Playing against the home team and this kind of crowd ... The pressure was on us. My players are not used to playing in this kind of big stadium. There must have been 25,000 or 30,000 people here tonight (Saturday).
"In the second half we tried to stay compact in the middle (but) Brunei played well."The Brunei Times
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Sunday, March 4, 2012
HJ FEISAL Hj Eusoff felt the heavens were kind to Brunei last night.
Brunei's 3-0 win over Malaysia in last night's Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT) game was their second victory in the competition, and a result which helps them stay in contention for a place in Wednesday's semi-finals.
"Without God I don't think we would have won the game. God was with us tonight (Saturday)," said Brunei's team manager at the post-match Press conference at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
"The supporters were also amazing from the beginning until the end. The players really enjoyed playing with the supporters behind them.
"I hope the supporters will turn out in full force again for our last game against Timor Leste on Monday and wear yellow!
"I also appreciate all the support we got from His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Deputy Sultan, His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik and other members of the royal family (who were watching the game).
"The players worked very hard and they deserved to win tonight (Saturday). They were able to score those three goals because they were very confident and settled into the game ... Had a lot of touches," he added.
Despite Malaysia's Muhammad Hadin Azman shown his second yellow card four minutes before the break, Brunei were unable to capitalise on their numerical advantage.
Hj Mohd Rosanan Abdullah Samak didn't think it mattered.
"We didn't play defensively (in the second half). We didn't need a goal what was important is that we were confident holding the ball," said the team's assistant coach.
"It doesn't matter whether it's four goals or five ... It's still three points," insisted the ex-national player.
Last night's defeat leaves Malaysia with just one point from three games and out of the running for a place in the last four, and their head coach felt the crowd at the 25,000-seat stadium which was filled to capacity was Malaysia's downfall.
With eight players promoted to the Under-23 team (Harimau Muda A), who are playing in the Singapore League, Malaysia brought a team of Under-19 players to Brunei and they looked the part. "I'm disappointed but what can I do?" said Ismail Ibrahim.
"Playing against the home team and this kind of crowd ... The pressure was on us. My players are not used to playing in this kind of big stadium. There must have been 25,000 or 30,000 people here tonight (Saturday).
"In the second half we tried to stay compact in the middle (but) Brunei played well."The Brunei Times
Brunei bully Malaysia
Jason Thomas
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Sunday, March 4, 2012
-Royal support for Team Brunei
THREE goals inside the first 20 minutes paved the way for a crucial 3-0 win for Brunei over Malaysia in last night's Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT) match.
The victory, which was their second in three games, puts them tied for second in Group B with Timor Leste making for tomorrow's final group stage game between the two sides all the more enticing.
Brunei lead Timor Leste on goal difference and will only need a draw to progress to the semi-finals for the first time, and after last night's composed display, they can definitely get the job done.
Present to watch Brunei's victory last night were His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Deputy Sultan, and His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik.
The 3-0 scoreline must be a surprise to table toppers Vietnam, who Malaysia held to a 0-0 draw during their opener last Saturday. With just one point from three games, Malaysia only have pride left to play for when they take on Cambodia in their final game tomorrow.
The Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas was filled to the brim last night, and the strong home support helped Brunei stamp their mark on the match early on the first goal handing them a grip on the game they wouldn't relinquish until the final whistle.
Adi Said's glancing header after a cross from captain Md Najib Hj Tarif gave Brunei a deserved lead in the eighth minute, and piling on the pressure, the hosts would double their lead 10 minutes later through Md Aminuddin Zakwan Tahir.
Malaysia's defence was in sixes and sevens during another one of Brunei's surging runs forward, and failing to clear their lines, Md Aminuddin didn't need a second invite to pull the trigger from outside the box.
With momentum on their side, Brunei pushed forward in search of a killer third goal.
It took them only seconds to find it.
Adi and Md Aminuddin played some deft one-twos leading to the box, and Jay Han Gan was unlucky to see a shot deflected off him and into the net sparking a Mexican wave which was to be a re-occurring display on the night.
Malaysia's team to the HBT are filled with Under-19 players and they have yet to find their flow failing to string passes together and looking inept during set-pieces.
Their misery was compounded when Muhammad Hadin Azman was sent to an early shower in the 41st minute after Thai referee Mongkolchai Pechsri felt the forward dived when tackled in the box by Ak Md Abd Halim Pg Hj Hassan.
With Brunei continuing to control the game in the second half, a Malaysian comeback never looked likely.
Malaysia found it hard to penetrate Brunei's back-line which was led by a lanky Reduan Hj Petara.
The centre-back playing in place of midfielder Md Hendra Azam Md Idris, who picked up an ankle injury during Brunei's 2-1 loss to Vietnam on Wednesday was also a force to be reckoned with during set-pieces, evident by his three headers which were saved in the second half, which was marked with restraint on Brunei's part.The Brunei Times
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Sunday, March 4, 2012
-Royal support for Team Brunei
THREE goals inside the first 20 minutes paved the way for a crucial 3-0 win for Brunei over Malaysia in last night's Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT) match.
The victory, which was their second in three games, puts them tied for second in Group B with Timor Leste making for tomorrow's final group stage game between the two sides all the more enticing.
Brunei lead Timor Leste on goal difference and will only need a draw to progress to the semi-finals for the first time, and after last night's composed display, they can definitely get the job done.
Present to watch Brunei's victory last night were His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Deputy Sultan, and His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik.
The 3-0 scoreline must be a surprise to table toppers Vietnam, who Malaysia held to a 0-0 draw during their opener last Saturday. With just one point from three games, Malaysia only have pride left to play for when they take on Cambodia in their final game tomorrow.
The Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas was filled to the brim last night, and the strong home support helped Brunei stamp their mark on the match early on the first goal handing them a grip on the game they wouldn't relinquish until the final whistle.
Adi Said's glancing header after a cross from captain Md Najib Hj Tarif gave Brunei a deserved lead in the eighth minute, and piling on the pressure, the hosts would double their lead 10 minutes later through Md Aminuddin Zakwan Tahir.
Malaysia's defence was in sixes and sevens during another one of Brunei's surging runs forward, and failing to clear their lines, Md Aminuddin didn't need a second invite to pull the trigger from outside the box.
With momentum on their side, Brunei pushed forward in search of a killer third goal.
It took them only seconds to find it.
Adi and Md Aminuddin played some deft one-twos leading to the box, and Jay Han Gan was unlucky to see a shot deflected off him and into the net sparking a Mexican wave which was to be a re-occurring display on the night.
Malaysia's team to the HBT are filled with Under-19 players and they have yet to find their flow failing to string passes together and looking inept during set-pieces.
Their misery was compounded when Muhammad Hadin Azman was sent to an early shower in the 41st minute after Thai referee Mongkolchai Pechsri felt the forward dived when tackled in the box by Ak Md Abd Halim Pg Hj Hassan.
With Brunei continuing to control the game in the second half, a Malaysian comeback never looked likely.
Malaysia found it hard to penetrate Brunei's back-line which was led by a lanky Reduan Hj Petara.
The centre-back playing in place of midfielder Md Hendra Azam Md Idris, who picked up an ankle injury during Brunei's 2-1 loss to Vietnam on Wednesday was also a force to be reckoned with during set-pieces, evident by his three headers which were saved in the second half, which was marked with restraint on Brunei's part.The Brunei Times
03 March 2012
End of Hendra's HBT campaign?
Jason Thomas
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Friday, March 2, 2012
MD HENDRA Azam Md Idris's Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT) campaign is at risk after the ankle injury he picked up during Wednesday's 2-1 Group B loss to Vietnam.
A key cog in Brunei's midfield, he was on the wrong end of a two-footed sliding tackle in the 21st minute and left the field at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas long before his side would let in a heart-wrenching injury time goal to tournament favourites Vietnam.
"I'm not sure if I can play in the tournament again," said the midfielder when met at last night's HBT welcoming dinner at The Centrepoint Hotel in Gadong.
"I still can't use my boots and I'm on painkillers at the moment. My foot got swollen and I couldn't continue wearing boots (after the tackle).
"Something's wrong with the tissue. My foot was really swollen this (Thursday) morning, but it has got better now. I'll try wearing boots again tomorrow (Friday).
"I think the chances of me playing (in the HBT) again are 50-50. But, of course, I want to play again we have to win our next game against Malaysia (on Saturday)," insisted Md Hendra.
His first serious injury, the 23-year-old Bruneian was unhappy with not only its timing but the referee's (the Philippines' Jovanie Villagracia) decision not to brandish a card for it.
"He (the Vietnamese player) totally didn't get the ball. He also didn't get a card ... I feel the referee was against us," said Md Hendra.
"I've never been injured before and I feel totally sad about all of this. I was out after just 20 minutes ... that's too early," he sighed.
One of the five players to represent the country at November's Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Jakarta, Md Hendra's absence from the national HBT team will no doubt be a big blow for the side.
However, striker Adi Said who along with Md Hendra, captain Mohd Najib Hj Tarif and defenders Md Azri Zahari and Reduan Hj Petara also saw action in Jakarta felt that the team would still function as a unit if Md Hendra could not feature during the biennial tournament again.
"We can still play as a team even if he isn't in the side, but of course, we hope he will recover in time to play again," said Adi, who sent the home crowd into a frenzy on Wednesday after stunning the Vietnamese side with a header in the fourth minute.
"I'm sad with the final result. It should have been a draw or a win. We had a lot of chances, but finishing was the problem.
"Our focus now is on our next two games against Malaysia and Timor Leste (on Monday). We must win them both,"he added.
The loss, which came courtesy of a Cao Xuan Thang header seconds before the final whistle after Phan Dinh Thang had equalised in the 53rd minute also didn't sit well with Md Azri.
"I'm sad we lost like that ... To a last-minute goal," said the defender.
"Md Hendra is a good midfielder with experience playing at the SEA Games and is an important part of the (national HBT) team," he added.The Brunei Times
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Friday, March 2, 2012
MD HENDRA Azam Md Idris's Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT) campaign is at risk after the ankle injury he picked up during Wednesday's 2-1 Group B loss to Vietnam.
A key cog in Brunei's midfield, he was on the wrong end of a two-footed sliding tackle in the 21st minute and left the field at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas long before his side would let in a heart-wrenching injury time goal to tournament favourites Vietnam.
"I'm not sure if I can play in the tournament again," said the midfielder when met at last night's HBT welcoming dinner at The Centrepoint Hotel in Gadong.
"I still can't use my boots and I'm on painkillers at the moment. My foot got swollen and I couldn't continue wearing boots (after the tackle).
"Something's wrong with the tissue. My foot was really swollen this (Thursday) morning, but it has got better now. I'll try wearing boots again tomorrow (Friday).
"I think the chances of me playing (in the HBT) again are 50-50. But, of course, I want to play again we have to win our next game against Malaysia (on Saturday)," insisted Md Hendra.
His first serious injury, the 23-year-old Bruneian was unhappy with not only its timing but the referee's (the Philippines' Jovanie Villagracia) decision not to brandish a card for it.
"He (the Vietnamese player) totally didn't get the ball. He also didn't get a card ... I feel the referee was against us," said Md Hendra.
"I've never been injured before and I feel totally sad about all of this. I was out after just 20 minutes ... that's too early," he sighed.
One of the five players to represent the country at November's Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Jakarta, Md Hendra's absence from the national HBT team will no doubt be a big blow for the side.
However, striker Adi Said who along with Md Hendra, captain Mohd Najib Hj Tarif and defenders Md Azri Zahari and Reduan Hj Petara also saw action in Jakarta felt that the team would still function as a unit if Md Hendra could not feature during the biennial tournament again.
"We can still play as a team even if he isn't in the side, but of course, we hope he will recover in time to play again," said Adi, who sent the home crowd into a frenzy on Wednesday after stunning the Vietnamese side with a header in the fourth minute.
"I'm sad with the final result. It should have been a draw or a win. We had a lot of chances, but finishing was the problem.
"Our focus now is on our next two games against Malaysia and Timor Leste (on Monday). We must win them both,"he added.
The loss, which came courtesy of a Cao Xuan Thang header seconds before the final whistle after Phan Dinh Thang had equalised in the 53rd minute also didn't sit well with Md Azri.
"I'm sad we lost like that ... To a last-minute goal," said the defender.
"Md Hendra is a good midfielder with experience playing at the SEA Games and is an important part of the (national HBT) team," he added.The Brunei Times
01 March 2012
Wasteful Brunei gave the game away
Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Thursday, March 1, 2012
BRUNEI should have had it in the bag but were too wasteful and have only themselves to blame.
The Sultanate crumbled in the last minute of the game and succumbed to a 2-1 loss to Vietnam in Group B of the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT) last night at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
"We had a few good chances but failed to convert. Should we have scored then it would have been a different story. Our players were just not focused and left their player open for a free header in the final play," said Hj Feisal Hj Eusoff, the Brunei team manager, in a post-match press conference.
"It was a 50-50 game and I believe we could have won it. Now we can only look forward and become a better team," he added.
One factor that changed the game was the injury to midfielder Md Hendra Azam Md Idris in the 21st minute after a malicious tackle by one of the Vietnamese players.
The team manager felt that the officiating of the match could have been better.
"We are sad about the judgement of the referee because there was no card given whatsoever when our player picked up a serious injury from the tackle," said Hj Feisal.
"It became a problem because he is one of our senior players. We thought that the referee's decisions at times were bad and some times failed to have the game under control.
"Fouls were even given when the tackle is clean and it distracted the mentality of the players in a way," he said.
The loss may be heartbreaking but assistant coach Hj Md Rosanan Abdullah Samak can seek refuge in the team's performance yesterday.
"I thought we played a good game but we had a slip up just at the end. I thought the stamina of the team was alright as well," said Hj Md Rosanan.
"There are still areas that require improvement in our game especially with the focus and concentration. It is important that we do it for the whole 90 minutes," he added.
The Brunei Times
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Thursday, March 1, 2012
BRUNEI should have had it in the bag but were too wasteful and have only themselves to blame.
The Sultanate crumbled in the last minute of the game and succumbed to a 2-1 loss to Vietnam in Group B of the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT) last night at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
"We had a few good chances but failed to convert. Should we have scored then it would have been a different story. Our players were just not focused and left their player open for a free header in the final play," said Hj Feisal Hj Eusoff, the Brunei team manager, in a post-match press conference.
"It was a 50-50 game and I believe we could have won it. Now we can only look forward and become a better team," he added.
One factor that changed the game was the injury to midfielder Md Hendra Azam Md Idris in the 21st minute after a malicious tackle by one of the Vietnamese players.
The team manager felt that the officiating of the match could have been better.
"We are sad about the judgement of the referee because there was no card given whatsoever when our player picked up a serious injury from the tackle," said Hj Feisal.
"It became a problem because he is one of our senior players. We thought that the referee's decisions at times were bad and some times failed to have the game under control.
"Fouls were even given when the tackle is clean and it distracted the mentality of the players in a way," he said.
The loss may be heartbreaking but assistant coach Hj Md Rosanan Abdullah Samak can seek refuge in the team's performance yesterday.
"I thought we played a good game but we had a slip up just at the end. I thought the stamina of the team was alright as well," said Hj Md Rosanan.
"There are still areas that require improvement in our game especially with the focus and concentration. It is important that we do it for the whole 90 minutes," he added.
The Brunei Times
Heartbreak for Brunei
Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Vietnam triumph with final minute goal
IT WAS total heartbreak for Brunei after Vietnam came away with all three points following a goal late into injury time for a 2-1 victory in Group B of the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT) last night at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
On a day celebrating the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries, Cao Xuan Thang broke the hearts of all Brunei football fans by heading home a Nguyen Van Manh corner kick in the final minute of the match.
Present to watch the game was His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office.
Also in attendance were Their Royal Highnesses Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah, the Honorary President of the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) and Prince 'Abdul Malik.
The victory also boosts the pre-tournament favourites' chances on making it into the next round with seven points from three games while Brunei only have three points to their name after two outings.
Brunei came out the better team and were focused, going on the attack early.
Hitman Adi Said got the home crowd into a frenzy early after he stunned the Vietnamese side with a goal by heading in a corner from captain Md Najib Hj Tarif in the fourth minute.
They could have doubled their lead just minutes later but a cross by Abd Mu'iz Sisa from the left failed to connect with any of the Bruneian players.
Vietnam almost levelled in the 18th minute after Van Manh had beaten Brunei goal keeper Md Fakhrul Zulhazmi Yussof with his freekick but saw his effort bounce off the post.
It was a blow for the hosts when Md Hendra Azam Md Idris was stretchered off the field in the 21st minute after a strong challenge by Vietnam.
Md Shafie Hj Md Effendy was called in to take over the duties of the midfielder.
The match was physical with the whistle getting blown often, preventing both teams from gaining momentum.
Vietnam came close to equalising in the 36th minute after Xuan Thang whipped in a cross just for Md Azwan Ali Rahman to deflect it towards his own goal but Md Fakhrul was at the right place at the right time to make the save.
Vietnam came out a different side after the break and were playing at a fast pace.
It paid off in the 53rd minute after poor defending by the Bruneian backline saw Phan Dinh Thang equalise from inside the box.
A small Vietnamese crowd started getting behind their team and Brunei found themselves struggling to cope with their opponents' crosses.
Brunei could have easily gone back in front but were wasteful as they had three shot opportunities in the span of three minutes.
Adi should have put Brunei ahead in the 73rd minute but saw his shot cleared off the line by a Vietnamese defender.
Md Azwan had the second attempt but his effort was denied by the post.
Adi had another golden opportunity in the 75th minute but failed to convert in a one-on-one situation against Vietnam keeper Le Van Nghia.
The home team were also fortunate to not lose Md Azri Zahari on a rough tackle on Xuan Thang in the 88th minute.
The match was heading for a draw before Xuan Thang made the Sultanate pay the price.
"We had an inexperienced team out in the first half and they were going for the long ball. We didn't get many chances but we managed to make several changes in the second half for good passing and control to create more chances," said Pham Nhu Thuan, the assistant coach of Vietnam, in a post-match press conference.
"We now have seven points from three games and I believe that we have a good chance on making it into the semi-finals," he added.
The Brunei Times
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Vietnam triumph with final minute goal
IT WAS total heartbreak for Brunei after Vietnam came away with all three points following a goal late into injury time for a 2-1 victory in Group B of the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT) last night at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
On a day celebrating the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries, Cao Xuan Thang broke the hearts of all Brunei football fans by heading home a Nguyen Van Manh corner kick in the final minute of the match.
Present to watch the game was His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office.
Also in attendance were Their Royal Highnesses Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah, the Honorary President of the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) and Prince 'Abdul Malik.
The victory also boosts the pre-tournament favourites' chances on making it into the next round with seven points from three games while Brunei only have three points to their name after two outings.
Brunei came out the better team and were focused, going on the attack early.
Hitman Adi Said got the home crowd into a frenzy early after he stunned the Vietnamese side with a goal by heading in a corner from captain Md Najib Hj Tarif in the fourth minute.
They could have doubled their lead just minutes later but a cross by Abd Mu'iz Sisa from the left failed to connect with any of the Bruneian players.
Vietnam almost levelled in the 18th minute after Van Manh had beaten Brunei goal keeper Md Fakhrul Zulhazmi Yussof with his freekick but saw his effort bounce off the post.
It was a blow for the hosts when Md Hendra Azam Md Idris was stretchered off the field in the 21st minute after a strong challenge by Vietnam.
Md Shafie Hj Md Effendy was called in to take over the duties of the midfielder.
The match was physical with the whistle getting blown often, preventing both teams from gaining momentum.
Vietnam came close to equalising in the 36th minute after Xuan Thang whipped in a cross just for Md Azwan Ali Rahman to deflect it towards his own goal but Md Fakhrul was at the right place at the right time to make the save.
Vietnam came out a different side after the break and were playing at a fast pace.
It paid off in the 53rd minute after poor defending by the Bruneian backline saw Phan Dinh Thang equalise from inside the box.
A small Vietnamese crowd started getting behind their team and Brunei found themselves struggling to cope with their opponents' crosses.
Brunei could have easily gone back in front but were wasteful as they had three shot opportunities in the span of three minutes.
Adi should have put Brunei ahead in the 73rd minute but saw his shot cleared off the line by a Vietnamese defender.
Md Azwan had the second attempt but his effort was denied by the post.
Adi had another golden opportunity in the 75th minute but failed to convert in a one-on-one situation against Vietnam keeper Le Van Nghia.
The home team were also fortunate to not lose Md Azri Zahari on a rough tackle on Xuan Thang in the 88th minute.
The match was heading for a draw before Xuan Thang made the Sultanate pay the price.
"We had an inexperienced team out in the first half and they were going for the long ball. We didn't get many chances but we managed to make several changes in the second half for good passing and control to create more chances," said Pham Nhu Thuan, the assistant coach of Vietnam, in a post-match press conference.
"We now have seven points from three games and I believe that we have a good chance on making it into the semi-finals," he added.
The Brunei Times
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