Hosts take on Myanmar in a tough opener

May 19, 2014 - 01:30:49 | Mohamed Niyaz
Maldives and Myanmar coach posing for a photo after the pre match press conference/ (MS Photo: Shimaaz Ali

The long wait is almost over. A 10-day football fiesta is about to begin with a riot of national colours - yes, depending on how far Maldives progress in search of glory.

They take on Myanmar in the opener. The two countries may not have met each other in recent times in a competition but respective club sides have come to know each other in the last couple of seasons through AFC Cup.

Maldives will most probably have the same line-up as in Laos friendly, except, may be, Arif recalled into the fold. He will be stationed in front of the defence. His heading and tireless box-to-box running is essential for Maldives survival.

Ashfaq will lead the line with Fasir and Niyaz on either flank. For Niyaz, though, if he has recovered from the injury sustained in the friendly.

Umair will likely get the nod to man the central midfield in view of his better attacking instincts and the-almost-telepathic understanding with Ashfaq.

But he will need to improve his game a lot. Laos’ game was forgetful night for him. His combination with Ashfaq was marred by his inability to pick out his captain. Most of his threaded passes were either mistimed or under-hit. The partnership that had between them 88 goals last season was nowhere near its true billing.

Where can they win the game

Maldives at home can be a difficult proposition to deal with. South Korea will know it. Their main strength lies upfront, both Fasir and Ashfaq can be a constant source of threat if they get proper services from the midfield duo of Umair and Shamveel.

But what kind of midfield will turn up on the day? This is a question fraught with fear. They were overrun in the Loas match, with nobody to pull the strings from the centre of the park. Passing was mediocre; ball was kicked from defence to forward with no end product.

If Maldives are going to make huge impact in the game, midfielders will need to find some semblance of control in the centre and dictate the play to strikers’ liking. It is going to be a tough task though, given the unquestionable swiftness and physicality of Myanmar players. Their quick turns and short passes can be a huge threat.

Where can they lose it

Though Maldives have indisputable talent upfront defence can be dodgy. They can collapse under sustained pressure, upon waves of unrelenting attracts. They can be vulnerable to set-pieces; nerves can freeze their reaction to pockets of danger.

It is important they rise to the occasion, barricade defence well and not make rash challenges. They will have to be extra vigilant not to get caught out when opposition surges forward. If the attack is fast and relentless, they will have to throw bodies in numbers at the attacks, close down quickly if that is what it takes to foil the danger. Don’t give too much time and space to be exploited.

Akram's slow reaction to Laos’ equalizer typifies some of Maldives defending. It calls for high diligence. SAFF championship failures against India should be kept in mind, the avoidable mistakes that led to the eliminations.

What to expect

Myanmar claims they did not get enough time to prepare, the same can be said of Maldives. Maldives is worse off; even league was postponed for unavoidable reasons. So what can we expect?

Both the coaches may be cautious in the tactical approach, as this being the first game; neither will want to concede the ground too early in the game. If Maldives supporters raise the decibel level and generate an intimidating atmosphere, as we saw in 2008, the chances are Maldives can throw up few surprises.

However, a tournament with group fixtures as cluttered as this – three games in five days – it can be tremendously exhausting. The team that hold up in the energy-sapping conditions and play without fear, and is adventurous going forward, will most likely win.

While a win for Maldives is in the realm of possibilities the sky high expectations also need a reality check. We should not have misplaced notions of other team's standard.

Name

Comment

Send Now
Comments
PUSO AZKALS on May 19
Like 1
Dislike 0
Good day..., We are here in the Middle Est., where we can find the link to watch the LIVE matches? Thank you.....Maldives
Ahan on May 20
Like 0
Dislike 1
I believe AFC will livestream from their official youtube channel for the Challenge Cup 2014

Headlines