Hard work was the key says Urbanyi

Aug 28, 2012 - 09:36:59 | Ameen Faisal
Maldives defender Shifan trying to clear the ball before Syrian striker gets the ball (MSPhoto: goalnepal.com)

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Happy with the performance

Male', MALDIVES - Maldives National Coach, Istavan Urbanyi praised his boys for their hard work and commitment against Syria in the ongoing Nehru Cup. Maldives knocked out Syria yesterday by beating them 2-1. Ali Ashfaaq scored the opening goal from a superb header, from a free kick outside the penalty area in the 58th minute but Syria equalized just 10 minutes before the final whistle. Ahmed Rasheed scored the winner for Maldives in the 93rd minute after Ashfaaq crossed low into the penalty area.

Speaking after the match, Urbanyi who was sent off for dissent in the last minutes of the game, noted the hard work of his boys especially the new comers.

"Our team worked very hard. We have brought a new and young team and I am very happy them."

Ali Ashfaaq scored from a superb header, from a free kick outside the penalty area in the 58th minute but Syria equalized just 10 minutes before the final whistle. Ahmed Rasheed scored the winner for Maldives in the 93rd minute after Ashfaaq crossed low into the penalty area.

Speaking at the post match press conference, Urabanyi also questioned the referee's decision to award Syria the leveling goal.

"Syria's goal was a clear offside. People have to take responsibility for their decisions. Even India was awarded a penalty wrongly against us”.

"Weather conditions were better for Syria because they play a more physical game”.

Meanwhile Syrian assistant coach Anas Makhlouf blamed the pitch condition over their elimination from the cup, having a game in hand.

"We are very disappointed by the constant rain”.

“The weather conditions were really difficult and we couldn't play our game. The field was just very bad".

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Imma on Aug 28
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This was undoubtedly one of the best performances under Urbanyi's stewardship. I was particularly impressed by our movement off the ball in this match. Too many times we have seen players standing static while there was plenty of space to play the ball, but not this time. Bakaa was ever-impressive; I personally think that his move to Eagles has improved his game. At Eagles, he has a bigger responsibility in plugging up opposition attacks, and I think this has been reflected in his national team performances. I also owe an apology to Asadhulla, who I made fun of in the past. The boy has improved a lot over the past year, especially after his move to Maziya. He now looks extremely sharp and even has a nice turn of pace and a good touch. My only worry is Shifan at centre back. I don't think he is a natural defender, and he has shown that he his vulnerable to lapses in concentration every now and then.
footballmad on Aug 29
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Well done to the players, Urbanyi and the who,e team staff! Urbanyi's vision to bring in young players have paid well in this tournament so far. Please have relaxing few hours before the match. Believe in your ability to win score goals and win matches, and we can reach the final and more finals to come in futur tournaments!
udhuheymufeed on Aug 29
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Congratulations to all youngsters who have proved they were denied their rightful place in the team. It was real hard work from the players without preparing for the tournament. And Urbanyi have grown with the team and is trying for the results instead of fancy football which would take sometime to develop. But hard work will only get you so far.... but nothing is impossible.
yaya on Aug 29
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exactly imma. im not sure about shifan either. win agaisnt syria boost our player confidence. but then again cameroon (tho they are not official cameroon A - players) are the fav to win this cup even to this day. so this is gonna be REAL hard for us. thanks for syria game our team has mentally prepared for cameroon. i hope they keep it up untill the last minute and not make silly mistakes which might enable cameroon to thrash us like they did to nepal. i din expect much from this tournament after all the saff/challenge cup with urbanyi. my fingers crossed against cameroon. a win would be awesome tho unlikely. a draw would make us happy too. a loss by 1goal is okey too (remember just cuz we won agaisnt syria doesnt mean we all pro in a sudden)
Ahan on Aug 29
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Hey guys any news about Miraash who went to Barcelona youth camp???

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