News of Group A B C D

Joined : 13 Feb 2007 Posts : 1786

Group A

Australia

Arnold wants Aussies to show class
Jun 22, 2007
PA Sport

SYDNEY - Coach Graham Arnold is keen for Australia to show why they are one of the strong favourites to win the AFC Asian Cup this summer.

Despite making their first appearance in Asia’s showpiece tournament for the first time, many expect the Socceroos to be at the very least contesting the final come July 29 in Jakarta.

However, Arnold is keen for his players to demonstrate throughout the tournament that faith in his side is not misplaced.

"I want people to give us the favourites tag because we deserve it," he said.

“It seems they're talking about us being favourites and I want it to be a positive, not a negative.
"I want the players to go out there and really show that we're a very, very good side."

As well as the likes of Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Iran standing in between the Aussies and Asian Cup glory, another obstacle to overcome will be the severe conditions they will face.

Arnold’s men will play all their group games in Thailand as they face Oman, Iraq and the co-hosts, before potential trips to Vietnam and Malaysia for the knockout stages if they make it that far.

With temperatures not expected to drop below 30 degrees, and more importantly humidity rising to as much as 95%, the environment could prove as tough as any opponent they will face.

Arnold knows the importance of his players getting used to the extreme heat, something a two-week training camp in Singapore will prove vital towards achieving.

"The mornings are much hotter than the afternoons, so in the mornings it'll be getting them to get out in the heat even if they are just walking around and kicking the ball around," Arnold added.

"In the afternoon, around match-time, they'll be getting their two-hour training session to acclimatise to those conditions at that time of evening."

Arnold is also hoping to foster an excellent team spirit during the tournament, believing it will prove beneficial to Australia’s bid.

"I want the players to enjoy it and have fun and if they're doing that, they're going to enjoy the six weeks,” he said.

“It can't become a chore and a task otherwise you'll have problems off the field.

“Six weeks is a long time together and provided we make the final, we're going to need more than one captain.

“We're going to need the leadership group of five or six players to do a lot of work off the field to keep the team together.

"So we're going there to enjoy it, have fun off the field and enjoy the culture of Asia."

Meanwhile, Tim Cahill is hoping to create another piece of history when Australia open their campaign against Oman on July 8.

The Everton midfielder scored Australia's first ever World Cup goal in 2006 during the 3-1 win over Japan.

Having fully recovered from a broken bone in his foot, the 27-year-old now wants to repeat the feat in the Asian Cup.

"I'd love to be the first to score in Asia as well," Cahill said.

"It's the first time we've gone into a competition going in as favourites so it's a massive compliment.

"It's an opportunity for us to really keep this momentum flowing and to really have a good chance of getting some silverware."

Thailand

Chanvit pleased with Germany tour
Jun 21, 2007
PA Sport

BERLIN - Thailand coach Chanvit Pholchovin believes the warm-up matches in Germany will provide invaluable match practice ahead of the AFC Asian Cup.

The Thai team will play amateur side TSV Lennarts on Thursday night while they defeated Borussia Fulda 2-1 last week.

Chanvit is using the tour to give his players the chance to prove themselves before he makes his decision on his final 23-man squad.

And though they were unable to secure a game against one of the Bundesliga heavyweights, Chanvit is still hopeful that the games will help resolve weaknesses in the team.

"We haven't had a chance to play any top German teams," he said in the Bangkok Post. "It doesn't matter too much, although I would have preferred we played a top team to test our defensive set-up.

"We have to be careful with quick counter-attacks so that our defenders are not caught out of position."

Oman

Iraq

Few surprises for Iraq
Jun 18, 2007
PA Sport

BAGHDAD - New Iraq coach Jorvan Vieira has sprung few surprise after naming his 23-man squad for the upcoming Asian Cup campaign as veterans Emad Mohammed and Qusai Munir are left out of the initial party.

The experienced duo have been named as standby players for the continental showdown, where Iraq have been drawn in Group A alongside co-hosts Thailand, Oman and tournament newcomers Australia.

Brazilian Vieira replaced Akram Salman, who was sacked last month after Iraq’s early exit from the Gulf Cup last January in the UAE.

Iraq have already played out back-to-back draws against Jordan ahead of the tournament and will face Korea Republic on June 29 before facing a domestic K-League side two days later during their pre-tournament training camp.
Iraq squad for Asian Cup: Ahmed Ali, Noor Sabri, Mohammed Kassid; Haidar Abdulamir, Bassim Abbas, Jassim Hajji, Ali Hussein Rehema, Khaldoun Ibrahim, Haidar Abdulrazzaq, Jassim Gholam, Ali Abbas, Nabil Abbas; Nashat Akram, Saleh Sadir, Mahdi Karim, Haitham Kadhim, Ahmed Abd Ali, Karrar Jassim, Hawar Mulla Mohammad; Younis Mahmoud, Mohammed Nassir, Ahmed Mnajed, Loay Salah.

Reserves: Mohammed Ali Karim; Qusai Munir, Samer Saeid, Dara Mohammed, Farid Majid; Ala'a Abdulazahra, Imad Mohammed.

AMMAN – Iraq qualified is style for the WAFF Championship final after trouncing Syria 3-0 on Friday in the semi-finals at Amman International Stadium.

First half goals from Younes Mahmoud and Ahmed Mnajed and a late strike by substitute Saleh Sadir sealed the win for Iraq who will play the winners of the second semi-final between Jordan and Iran on Sunday.

The huge contingent of Iraqi fans who showed up at Amman International Stadium had to wait for only seven minutes for their side’s opening goal as a handball inside the Syrian area earned them a penalty which striker Younes Mahmoud duly dispatched.

Despite the early goal, the first half was largely disappointing and only came to life again in the 43rd minute when Iraq got their second as Ahmed Mnajed fired a powerful low shot into the bottom left corner of area Mosab Balhous’s goal.

Iraq nearly added a third goal in stoppage time when Younes Mahmoud cut in from the left flank and set up Nashat Akram with a neat pass only for the striker to see his effort come back off the right post.

The Syrians improved in the second half and could have pulled a goal back in the 58th minute when Al Karama midfielder Jihad Al Hussein broke clear with only the goalkeeper to beat but saw his effort saved by Noor Sabri.

Iraq coach Jorvan Vieira made several substitutions in the second half as, bringing on Karrar Jassim, Ali Abbas and Saleh Sadir and the changes paid dividends as Iraq made it 3-0 with only four minutes left on the clock.

Jassim, who came on in the 71st minute, saw his attempted pass to Sadir cut off by the Syrian defence but he gathered the loose ball and slipped it through at the second attempt to Sadir, who curled the ball past Mosab Balhous just three minutes after coming into the pitch.

Iraq are preparing for next month's AFC Asian Cup where they will be competing in Group A along with co-hosts Thailand, newcomers Australia and Oman.

Joined : 13 Feb 2007 Posts : 1347

Japan to host Cameroon (Group B)

TOKYO - Japan will host Cameroon in an international friendly in Oita on August 22 in their first outing after the Asian Cup.

The Japan under-22 side will also play Vietnam at the National Stadium in Tokyo on the same day in their opening match of the final round of Asian qualifiers for the 2008 Olympics.

Japan will take on Cameroon at 6:40 p.m. local time, while the Olympic qualifier between Japan and Vietnam will start at 8:30 p.m. local time.

Joined : 13 Feb 2007 Posts : 1347

UAE ease to victory over Malaysia (Group B)

PETALING JAYA – Gulf Cup champions UAE stepped up their preparations for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup with a resounding 3-1 victory over co-hosts Malaysia at the Stadium Petaling Jaya on Thursday.

Malaysia, who are co-hosting next month’s continental showpiece with Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, fell behind to Bruno Metsu’s side after nine minutes as Faisal Khalil slammed home a rebound from Nawas Mubarak’s initial effort.

Akmal Rizal Rakhli and Hairuddin Omar both missed chances in the first-half for Malaysia before substitute striker Ismail Matar doubled the UAE’s advantage eight minutes after the restart.

Matar, top-scorer as the UAE landed a maiden Gulf Cup crown under French coach Metsu in January, converted from close range before Mohamad Al Shihi capitalised on a defensive error to add a third eight minutes after the hour mark.

Eddy Helmi Manan’s second half introduction appeared to spark the home side into life as the midfielder opened up the UAE on several occasions with a string of defence splitting passes.

The home side finally grabbed a late consolation as Eddy crossed from the right and Akmal, who had missed to early chances, converted from close range.

“The result is not as important as how we played,” said UAE coach Metsu, who is hoping to guide his side out of Group B of the Asian Cup, which contains defending champions Japan, Qatar and co-hosts Vietnam.

“I told the players that they must forget the result as this match is only a preparation – the actual matches in the Asian Cup will be different.”

Joined : 13 Feb 2007 Posts : 1121

Group C

China

China drop Li Jinyu for Asian Cup

BEIJING - China head coach Zhu Guanghu has sprung a surprise by deciding to leave out striker Li Jinyu from his squad for next month’s Asian Cup finals.

Zhu revealed his final squad of 23 on Thursday, and while there were places for overseas-based players Zheng Zhi, Sun Jihai, Shao Jiayi and Dong Fangzhuo, the main talking point was the omission of Li, the leading scorer in Chinese professional football history.

”Li Jinyu is a talented striker,'”explained Zhu. “But he is not in good form and wouldn't be a real threat to our rivals in the Asian Cup.”

Li was the top scorer in the China Super League last season with 26 goals as he helped Shandong Luneng to run away with the title.

However the 30-year-old, who had a spell with French side AS Nancy in 1999, has been in indifferent form this year with only five goals in the league and three in the AFC Champions League, all of them against Vietnamese side Dong Tam Long An.

It was not enough to convince Zhu, who opted for Li’s Shandong teammate Han Peng, Manchester United prospect Dong, nimble Qingdao Zhongneng striker Qu Bo and the Dalian Shide pair of Zhu Ting and Wang Peng as his forwards.

Zhu, who took charge of the national team in 2005 after leading Shenzhen Jianlibao to the Chinese league title, has been under pressure from Chinese fans after seeing his side suffer defeats in recent friendlies against Thailand and the United States.

The China coach intends to fine-tune the squad following the return of Zheng Zhi - who recently completed a loan spell at Charlton Athletic - and Manchester City defender Sun Jihai. Neither player appeared in China’s recent friendlies.

While Zhu has no space in his squad for Li Jinyu, he has kept faith with midfielder Li Tie, who has is on the books of Sheffield United but has not appeared in the Premier League since suffering a broken leg three years ago.

“He helps the squad spirit even if he is only on the bench,'' said Zhu of his decision to include the 29-year-old. “He often shouts to encourage the team mates, keeping them focussed.”

Zhu also selected five players from the U-23 national team including Shandong midfielder Zhou Haibin and Shanghai Shenhua left winger Mao Jianqing, in an effort to spark his senior players, while former skipper Li Weifeng was included despite still recovering from injury.

China will play their Group C matches at the Asian Cup in Kuala Lumpur against Iran, Uzbekistan and co-hosts Malaysia.

China squad for Asian Cup: Li Leilei (Shandong Luneng), Yang Jun (Tianjin Teda); Du Wei (Shanghai Shenhua), Zhang Yaokun (Dalian Shide), Li Weifeng (Shanghai Shenhua), Sun Xiang (Shanghai Shenhua), Sun Jihai (Manchester City), Ji Mingyi (Dalian Shide), Cao Yang (Tianjin Teda), Zhang Shuai (Beijing Guoan); Li Tie (Sheffield United), Wang Dong (Changchun Yatai), Zhao Xuri (Dalian Shide), Shao Jiayi (Energie Cottbus), Zheng Zhi (Shandong Luneng), Zhou Haibin (Shandong Luneng), Mao Jianqing (Shanghai Shenhua), Zheng Bin (Wuhan Huanghelou); Han Peng (Shandong Luneng), Wang Peng (Dalian Shide), Qu Bo (Qingdao Zhongneng), Dong Fangzhuo (Manchester United), Zhu Ting (Dalian Shide).

Reserves: Chen Dong (Dalian Shide), Zong Lei (Changchun Yatai); Xu Yunlong (Beijing Guoan), Xin Feng (Shenzhen Kingway); Tao Wei (Beijing Guoan), Du Zhenyu (Changchun Yatai), Li Yan (Shaanxi Baorong).

Iran

Iran through to WAFF Championship semis

AMMAN - WAFF Championship holders Iran advanced to the semi-finals of this year's tournament after beating Palestine 2-0 in the final Group B match at Amman International stadium on Wednesday.

After a scoreless first half, Iran opened the scoring 10 minutes after the interval through Milad Midavoodi before Mehdi Rajabzadeh sealed the win four minutes before the end.

With the win Iran took top spot in the group ahead of Iraq on goal difference. They meet the runners-up of Group A in the semi-finals on Friday.

Iran controlled the majority of the play in the opening half but it was Palestine who had the better chances on Hassan Rodbarian’s goal.

Palestine should have opened the scoring after 19 minutes when striker Fahad Attal curled in an effort from the edge of the area that went into the side netting.

Palestine thought that they have opened the scoring five minutes before half time when Attal headed home a cross from Sulaiman Obaid but the effort was disallowed as Attal was in an offside position before scoring.

Iran, who included seven players from their Asian Cup squad, had a bright start in the second half and took the lead in the 55th minute when Midavoodi surged into the area before unleashing a powerful right foot shot past Palestine goalkeeper Ramzi Saleh.

With nothing to lose, Palestine poured forward in attack but were unable to find a way past Rodbarian

Instead it was the swift counter attacks led by Mehdi Rajabzadeh and Hossein Badamaki that offered the greater threat and the duo combined well to extend Iran’s lead in the 86th minute, as Rajabzadeh received a neat pass from Badamaki and got past three Palestinian defenders before beating Ramzi Saleh with a powerful drive into the top left corner of the net.

Malaysia

UAE ease to victory over Malaysia

PETALING JAYA – Gulf Cup champions UAE stepped up their preparations for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup with a resounding 3-1 victory over co-hosts Malaysia at the Stadium Petaling Jaya on Thursday.

Malaysia, who are co-hosting next month’s continental showpiece with Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, fell behind to Bruno Metsu’s side after nine minutes as Faisal Khalil slammed home a rebound from Nawas Mubarak’s initial effort.

Akmal Rizal Rakhli and Hairuddin Omar both missed chances in the first-half for Malaysia before substitute striker Ismail Matar doubled the UAE’s advantage eight minutes after the restart.

Matar, top-scorer as the UAE landed a maiden Gulf Cup crown under French coach Metsu in January, converted from close range before Mohamad Al Shihi capitalised on a defensive error to add a third eight minutes after the hour mark.

Eddy Helmi Manan’s second half introduction appeared to spark the home side into life as the midfielder opened up the UAE on several occasions with a string of defence splitting passes.

The home side finally grabbed a late consolation as Eddy crossed from the right and Akmal, who had missed to early chances, converted from close range.

“The result is not as important as how we played,” said UAE coach Metsu, who is hoping to guide his side out of Group B of the Asian Cup, which contains defending champions Japan, Qatar and co-hosts Vietnam.

“I told the players that they must forget the result as this match is only a preparation – the actual matches in the Asian Cup will be different.”

Uzbekistan

Seven foreign-based players in Uzbek squad

TASHKENT - Uzbekistan national coach Rauf Inileyev has included seven overseas-based players including Dynamo Kiev striker Maksim Shatskikh in his 23-man squad for the Asian Cup.

Joining Shatskikh in the Uzbekistan squad are defenders Vitaliy Denisov of Ukranian side Dnipro and Alexey Nikolaev of Kazakhstan’s Aktobe, midfielders Aziz Ibragimov of Slovakia’s Slovan Bratislava and Marat Bikmaev of Russian side Rubin Kazan, and forwards Ulugbek Bakaev of Tobol of Kazakhstan and Pavel Solomin of Saturn Moscow Oblast.

The majority of Inileyev’s squad are from the Uzbek league’s top two sides with reigning champions Pakhtakor supplying eight players including midfielder Server Djeparov and current leaders Neftchi providing three.

The team will depart for a training camp in Korea on June 29, two days after the Uzbek league takes a break at its midway point.

Uzbekistan are scheduled to meet Korea Republic in an international friendly in Seoul on July 2 before moving on to Kuala Lumpur, where they will take on Iran, China and co-hosts Malaysia in the Group C of the Asian Cup.

Their opening match is against Iran on July 11.

Uzbekistan squad for Asian Cup: Pavel Bugalo (Kuruvchi), Ignatiy Nesterov (Pakhtakor), Gayratjon Hasanov (Neftchi); Hayrulla Karimov (Mash’al), Botir Karaev (Mash’al), Asror Aliqulov (Pakthakor), Anzur Ismailov (Pakthakor), Alexey Nikolaev (Aktobe), Islom Innomov (Pakthakor), Vitaliy Denisov (Dnipro); Aziz Ibragimov (Slovan Bratislava), Azizbek Haydarov (Lokomotiv Tashkent), Server Djeparov (Pakthakor), Marat Bikmaev (Rubin Kazan), Hikmat Hashimov (Nasaf), Mansurjon Saidov (Neftchi), Timur Kapadze (Pakthakor), Ildar Magdeev (Pakthakor), Ikboljon Akramov (Neftchi); Pavel Solomin (Saturn Moscow Oblast), Ulugbek Bakaev (Tobol), Aleksandr Geynrikh (Pakhtakor), Maksim Shatskikh (Dynamo Kiev).

Reserves: Anvar Gafurov (Mash’al), Komoliddin Tadjiyev (Pakhtakor), Ilhomjon Suyunov (Pakhtakor); Victor Karpenko (Kuruvchi), Odil Ahmedov (Pakhatkor), Hamza Karimov (Mash’al), Jasur Khasanov (Kuruvchi).

Joined : 13 Feb 2007 Posts : 1347

Qatar formally submits Asian Cup 2011 bid (Group B)

KUALA LUMPUR – Qatar have become the first country to formally bid to host the Asian Cup in 2011, after submitting their documents to the Asian Football Confederation on Tuesday.

Member associations have until June 21 to formally put in their bids to stage Asia’s premier international football competition but the Middle Eastern nation got the jump on rivals India and Iran by putting in their application two days before the deadline.

Qatar Football Association general secretary Saud Al Mohannadi and technical director Dr. Athanasios Batsilas were at AFC House in Kuala Lumpur to hand over the bid documents to AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam.

Al Mohannadi believes that Qatar’s successful hosting of last December’s Asian Games should put them in a good position to host the Asian Cup for a second time four years from now.

“We successfully hosted the Asian Games in December last year which shows our abilities as a host of major international events. We hope that AFC Executive Committee will be satisfied with our bid and give us a chance to host the biggest Asian football event in four year’s time,” he said.

“We have been hosting top football events and our facilities are ready to host the event even today.”

Qatar, who previously hosted the Asian Cup in 1988, were not originally in the running to host the 2011 event, which was to have gone to a country from the AFC’s South and Central Asian region. However, the AFC executive committee decided at its meeting last November to open the door for West Asian countries to host the 2011 edition.

This year’s tournament, which takes place next month, is being co-hosted by Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

Joined : 13 Feb 2007 Posts : 1361

Group D
Indonesia VS Bahrain

Indonesia Announce Asian Cup Squad

Jun 19 2007 07:07

Indonesia coach Ivan Kolev has as expected been forced to leave key players Boaz Salossa and Saktiawan out of his Asian Cup squad.
Salossa was ruled out last month after the prolific striker broke his ankle in a 3-0 friendly victory over Hong Kong, sidelining the 21-year-old for four months.

Saktiawan was given until the last minute to prove his fitness but he also ultimately failed to make the 23-man list.

Co-hosts Indonesia start their Group D campaign against Bahrain in Jakarta on July 10, before taking on Saudi Arabia and Korea Republic.

Indonesia squad for AFC Asian Cup

Goalkeepers: Jendry Pitoy (Persipura), Marcus Horison (PSMS), Feri Rotinsulu (Sriwijaya FC)

Defenders: Supardi (PSMS), Ricardo Salampessy (Persipura), Firmansyah (Sriwijaya FC), Charis Yulianto (Sriwijaya FC), Hary Saputra (Persis), Maman Abdurrachman (PSIS), M Ridwan (PSIS), Erol Iba (Persik)

Midfielders: Ponaryo Astaman (Arema), Firman Utina (Persita), Mahyadi Panggabean (PSMS), Eka Ramdhani (Persib), Syamsul Chaerudin (PSM), Atep (Persija)

Forwards: Ismed Sofyan (Persija), Ellie Aiboy (Arema), Bambang Pamungkas (Persija), Budi Sudarsono (Persik), Zaenal Arief (Persib), Rahmat Rivai (Persiter)

Reserves: Achmad Kurniawan (Arema), Aris Budi Prasetyo (Persik), Bayu Sutha (Persib), Achmad Amiruddin (PSM), Achmad Jufriyanto (Persita), Legimin Raharjo (PSMS), Irsyad Aras (PSM)
Copyright (c) 2007 Press Association

Indonesia Impresses In Win Over Jamaica

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RELATED COVERAGE

UAE Score Three Against Malaysia
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Kewell Keen For Cup, Backs Viduka

Staff Writer
Jun 22 2007 06:58
Get more on: indonesia | jamaica | asiancup
Indonesia striker Bambang Pamungkas netted both of his side's goals on Thursday as the Asian Cup co-hosts geared up with a 2-1 friendly win over Jamaica.
The result though was tainted by injuries to skipper Ponaryo Astaman and right-back Ricardo Salampessy, both of whom had to be stretchered off and replaced in the first half.

Ponaryo suffered a minor ankle injury while Salampessy had minor concussion following a collision.

After the match, Indonesian head coach Ivan Kolev told reporters that Ponaryo's injury was not serious, but Salampessy is expected to miss their next friendly against Oman on Sunday.

Kolev said: "I am quite confident that Ponaryo will be able to play against Oman, but not Salampessy. Let's hope that he will be able to start comes the Asian Cup."

Indonesia exerted the early pressure against Bora Milutinovic'sJamaica side and Bambang almost opened scoring in the 11th minute when his header was cleared off the line and went close again five minutes later when his shot was blocked by goalkeeper Christopher Harvey.

After the restart, the hosts almost took the lead but left-back Muhammad Ridwan's 30-metre volley was again blocked by Harvey.

The home team's pressure finally paid off in the 58th minute when Ridwan made a long run down the left flank and passed to Budi Sudarsono, who sent a low cross into the goalmouth for Bambang to give Indonesia a 1-0 lead.

However, the Reggae Boyz levelled the score in the 72nd minute when Wory Wolfe launched a stunning shot from outside the box that ripped past goalkeeper Jendry Pitoy.

Kolev made a tactical change in the 75th minute, bringing on striker Zainal Arif to beef up the attack.

That moved paid off two minutes from time when Arif's free kick was headed out by a Jamaican defender towards Bambang just outside the box.

The Persija Jakarta striker went past one player before lashing a left-footed shot into the bottom corner of the net for the winning goal.

Budi almost extended the lead on the counter attack in the dying minutes when he was found unmarked with only the goalkeeper to beat but lost his balance, allowing Harvey to smother the ball.

Jamaican head coach Milutinovic felt that Indonesia could give a good account of themselves in the Asian Cup.

He said: "Indonesia are in a tough group but they have a good coach and a good group of players. They must remain optimistic. I have seen from the team that they are very well organised."
Copyright (c) 2007 Press Association

Joined : 13 Feb 2007 Posts : 1361

South Korea Vs Saudi Arabia
Viduka Team-Mate Wanted By South Korea

Staff Writer
May 30 2007 16:29
Get more on: southkorea
Middlesbrough striker Lee Dong-Gook has been recalled to the South Korea squad for the June 2 friendly meeting with Holland after over a year's absence.
The 28-year-old, who joined Gareth Southgate's Premiership outfit from K-League side Pohang Steelers at the start of the year, last featured for Korea against Angola in March 2006.

Lee featured for Korea at the 1998 World Cup but was omitted from the 2002 team and was ruled out of last year's tournament after suffering a cruciate knee-ligament injury in the K-League.

Reading midfielder Seol Ki-Hyeon had already been ruled out of the friendly after struggling with continuous pain in his ankle throughout the Premier League season.

The 28-year-old is also a doubt for July's Asian Cup after undergoing ankle surgery.

Korea will defiantly be without Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-Sung for the tournament, while Tottenham defender Lee Young-Pyo remains hopeful of recovering from surgery in time for the Asian Cup.

Lee, 29, has undergone surgery after suffering ligament damage to his left knee during the first leg of the UEFA Cup quarter-final against Sevilla on April 5, but has spoken of his confidence of featuring for Korea.

Former Kyoto Sanga and PSV Eindhoven midfielder Park is set to miss the tournament after undergoing potentially career saving knee surgery in America.

Pim Verbeek's Korea will face Bahrain, co-hosts Indonesia and Saudi Arabia in Group D of the Asian Cup which begins on July 8.

Korea Republic squad to face Holland on June 2: Kim Yong-Dae (Seongnam), Lee Woon-Jae (Suwon); Kim Chi-Gon (Seoul), Kang Min-Soo, Kim Jin-Kyu, Kim Chi-Woo (all Chunnam), Kim Sang-Sik (Seongnam), Song Chong-Gug (Suwon), Kim Dong-Jin (Zenit St Petersburg), Oh Beom-Seok (Pohang); Kim Doo-Hyeon, Son Dae-Ho (both Seongnam), Kim Nam-Il (Suwon), Kim Jung-Woo (Nagoya), Lee Ho (Zenit St Petersburg); Jo Jae-Jin (Shimizu), Lee Dong-Gook (Middlesbrough), Lee Chun-Soo, Woo Sung-Yong (both Ulsan), Yeom Ki-Hoon (Jeonbuk), Choi Sung-Kuk (Seongnam), Lee Geun-Ho (Daegu).
Copyright (c) 2007 Press Association

Korea Captain To Miss Asian Cup
Staff Writer
Jun 20 2007 07:22
Get more on: southkorea | asiancup
South Korea have suffered another setback in their bid for the 2007 AFC Asian Cup with the news skipper Kim Nam-Il is set to be ruled out of next month's showpiece tournament.
The Suwon Samsung Bluewings holding midfielder has been carrying a troublesome groin injury and has reportedly decided to undergo surgery to cure the problem, ruling him out of the competition which gets underway on July 7.

Suwon official Oh Geun-Young told the Korea Times: "We will set a date for Kim's surgery soon.

"We found that he had been playing in pain for quite some time and it would take at least a month before he can train again."

South Korea begin their Group D campaign on July 11 against Saudi Arabia before taking on Bahrain and co-hosts Indonesia, and the news is another blow to coach Pim Verbeek's plans having already lost English Premier League stars Park Ji-Sung, Seol Ki-Hyeon and Lee Young-Pyo to injury.

Nicknamed 'The Vacuum Cleaner', 30-year-old Kim has 75 caps to his name and his physical presence and cultured passing style will be sorely missed.

Kim was one of the stars of South Korea's surprise run to the World Cup semi-finals in 2002.

He also featured in the less spectacular 2006 campaign and was named captain by Verbeek in August last year.
Copyright (c) 2007 Press Association

Joined : 13 Feb 2007 Posts : 1347

Group B
UAE Score Three Against Malaysia

Gulf Cup champions United Arab Emirates stepped up their preparations for the upcoming Asian Cup with a resounding 3-1 victory over co-hosts Malaysia.
Malaysia, who will share next month's continental showpiece with Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, fell behind to Bruno Metsu's side after nine minutes as Faisal Khalil slammed home a rebound from Nawas Mubarak's initial effort.

Akmal Rizal Rakhli and Hairuddin Omar both missed chances in the first-half for Malaysia before substitute striker Ismail Matar doubled the UAE's advantage eight minutes after the restart.

Matar, top-scorer when the UAE landed a maiden Gulf Cup crown Metsu in January, converted from close range before Mohamad Al Shihi capitalised on a defensive error to add a third eight minuets after the hour mark.

Eddy Helmi Manan's second-half introduction appeared to spark the home side into life as the midfielder opened up the UAE on several occasions with a string of defence-splitting passes.
I told the players that they must forget the result as this match is only a preparation - the actual matches in the Asian Cup will be different.

The home side finally grabbed a late consolation as Eddy crossed from the right and Akmal, who had missed two early chances, converted from close range.

"The result is not as important as how we played," said UAE coach Metsu, who is hoping to guide his side out of Group B of the Asian Cup ahead of defending champions Japan, Qatar and Vietnam.

"I told the players that they must forget the result as this match is only a preparation - the actual matches in the Asian Cup will be different."

Joined : 13 Feb 2007 Posts : 1361

Group D

Indonesia
Bambang doubles up against Jamaica

JAKARTA – Indonesia star striker Bambang Pamungkas netted both of his side’s goals on Thursday as the Asian Cup co-hosts geared up for the tournament with a 2-1 win over Jamaica in an international friendly at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.

The good result though was tainted by injuries to Indonesia skipper Ponaryo Astaman and right back Ricardo Salampessy, both of whom had to be stretchered off and replaced in the first half.

Ponaryo suffered a minor ankle injury while Salampessy had a minor concussion following a collision.

After the match, Indonesian head coach Ivan Kolev told reporters that Ponaryo’s injury was not serious, but Salampessy is expected to miss their next friendly against Oman on Sunday.

“I am quite confident that Ponaryo will be able to play against Oman, but not Salampessy. Let’s hope that he will be able to start comes the Asian Cup,” said the Bulgarian.

Indonesia exerted the early pressure against Bora Milutinovic’s Jamaica side and Bambang almost opened scoring in the 11th minute when his header was cleared off the line by a Jamaican defender.

Bambang went close again five minutes later when his shot was blocked by keeper Christopher Harvey.

After the restart, the hosts almost took the lead when left back Muhammad Ridwan’s 30-metre volley was again blocked by Harvey.

But the home team’s pressure finally paid off in the 58th minute when Ridwan made a long run down the left flank and passed to forward Budi Sudarsono who sent a low cross into the goalmouth for Bambang to give Indonesia a 1-0 lead.

However, the Reggae Boyz levelled the score in the 72nd minute when Wory Wolfe launched a stunning shot from outside the box that ripped past goalkeeper Jendry Pitoy.

Kolev made a tactical change in the 75th minute, bringing on striker Zainal Arif to beef up the attack.

That moved paid off in the 88th minute when Arif’s free kick was headed out by a Jamaican defender towards Bambang just outside box. The Persija Jakarta striker went past one player before lashing a left-footed shot into the bottom corner of the net for the winning goal.

Budi Sudarsono almost extended the lead on the counter attack in the dying minutes when he was found unmarked with only the goalkeeper to beat but lost his balance, allowing Harvey to smother the ball.

Jamaican head coach Milutinovic felt that Indonesia could give a good account of themselves in the Asian Cup.

“Indonesia is in a tough group but they have a good coach and a good group of players. They must remain optimistic. What I see from the team today that they are very well organised,” he said.

No surprises for Indonesia
JAKARTA - Indonesia coach Ivan Kolev has as expected been forced to leave key players Boaz Salossa and Saktiawan out of his Asian Cup squad.

Salossa was ruled out last month after the prolific striker broke his ankle in a 3-0 friendly victory over Hong Kong, sidelining the 21-year-old for four months.

Saktiawan was given until the last minute to prove his fitness but he also ultimately failed to make the 23-man list.

Co-hosts Indonesia start their Group D campaign against Bahrain in Jakarta on July 10, before taking on Saudi Arabia and Korea Republic.
Indonesia squad for Asian Cup: Jendry Pitoy (Persipura), Marcus Horison (PSMS), Feri Rotinsulu (Sriwijaya FC); Supardi (PSMS), Ricardo Salampessy (Persipura), Firmansyah (Sriwijaya FC), Charis Yulianto (Sriwijaya FC), Hary Saputra (Persis), Maman Abdurrachman (PSIS), M Ridwan (PSIS), Erol Iba (Persik); Ponaryo Astaman (Arema), Firman Utina (Persita), Mahyadi Panggabean (PSMS), Eka Ramdhani (Persib), Syamsul Chaerudin (PSM), Atep (Persija); Ismed Sofyan (Persija), Ellie Aiboy (Arema), Bambang Pamungkas (Persija), Budi Sudarsono (Persik), Zaenal Arief (Persib), Rahmat Rivai (Persiter).

Reserves: Achmad Kurniawan (Arema), Aris Budi Prasetyo (Persik), Bayu Sutha (Persib), Achmad Amiruddin (PSM), Achmad Jufriyanto (Persita), Legimin Raharjo (PSMS), Irsyad Aras (PSM)

Korea

Kim blow for Korea
SUWON - Korea Republic have suffered another setback in their bid for the 2007 AFC Asian Cup with the news skipper Kim Nam-il is set to be ruled out of next month’s showpiece tournament.

The Suwon Samsung Bluewings holding midfielder has been carrying a troublesome groin injury and has reportedly decided to undergo surgery to cure the problem, ruling him out of the competition which gets under way on July 7.

“We will set a date for Kim's surgery soon,” Suwon offical Oh Geun-young told the Korea Times.

“We found that he had been playing in pain for quite some time and it would take at least a month before he can train again.”

South Korea begin their Group D campaign on July 11 against Saudi Arabia before taking on Bahrain and co-hosts Indonesia and the news is another blow to coach Pim Verbeek’s plans having already lost English Premier League stars Park Ji-sung, Seol Ki-hyeon and Lee Young-pyo to injury.

Nicknamed ‘The Vacuum Cleaner’, the 30-year-old has 75 caps to his name and his physical presence and cultured passing style will be sorely missed.

Kim was one of the stars of South Korea’s surprise run to the World Cup semi-finals in 2002.

He also featured in the less spectacular 2006 campaign and was named captain by Verbeek in August last year.

Kim's place in the Korea squad is likely to be taken by Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i midfielder Oh Jang-eun.

Saudi Arabia announce Asian Cup squad
RIYADH – Saudi Arabia have announced a 33-man preliminary squad for this summer's AFC Asian Cup, which gets under way on July 7.

The Saudis open their Group D campaign against South Korea in Jakarta on July 11 before taking on co-hosts Indonesia and Bahrain.

Brazilian coach Hélio Angos will work with the group during four training camps, two in Riyadh and the others in Turkey and Singapore, before leaving for Indonesia on July 6.

Saudi Arbia also have a full programme of friendlies in the lead-up to the competition as they play twice in Turkey before taking on United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Oman and DPR Korea in Sinapore.
Saudi Arabia 33-man preliminary Asian Cup squad:

Walid Abdullah, Yasser Al Musalim, Assaf Al Garni, Hussain Suleimani, Kamel Al Mousa, Abdullah Shuhail, Ahmed Al Bahri, Ibrahim Sharhili, Ibrahim Hazazi, Walid Abd Rabu, Majed Al Amri, Usama Hawsawi, Usama Al Mowalad, Hamad Al Montashari, Redha Tukar, Taisir Al Jassim, Khaled Aziz, Saheb Al Abdulla, Omar Al Ghamdi, Saud Khariri, Ahmed Darwish, Ahmed Al Mousa, Mutaz Al Mousa, Abdo Autef, Mahmoud Al Shlhoub, Abdulrahman Al Qahtani, Yasser Al Qahtani, Malek Maaz, Saad Al Harthi, Naji Majrashi, Yusuf Al Sallem, Naser Al Shimrani, Saleh Bashir.

Joined : 13 Feb 2007 Posts : 1347

Group B

Vietnam Much Too Good For Jamaica

In a warm-up for the Asian Cup, co-hosts Vietnam downed Jamaica 3-0 in Hanoi.

It was the second leg of the Reggae Boyz’ Asian tour after they lost 2-1 to Indonesia the previous week.

Vietnam took the lead in only the eighth minute thanks to striker Le Cong Vinh.

The scoreline stayed the same until midway through the second half when midfielder Tran Duc Duong lashed home a shot from long range.

The misery of Bora Milutinovic’s men was complete in the last-minute when Nguyen Anh Duc scored a third.

Jamaica complete their tour on July 2 with a game against Malaysia.

In next month's Asian Cup, Vietnam have been drawn in Group B along with Japan, Qatar and UAE.

Joined : 13 Feb 2007 Posts : 1347

Group B

Saudis Down UAE In Asian Cup Warm-Up

Saudi Arabia defeated United Arab Emirates 2-0 in a warm-up for the Asian Cup in Singapore on Sunday evening.

The Saudis, grouped with South Korea, Bahrain and co-hosts Indonesia at next month’s tournament, were deserving winners.

Saad Al Harthi put the Green Falcons ahead four minutes after the break as he headed home a corner from Abdulrahman Al Qahtani.

Malek Maaz headed a second on the hour, connecting with a free-kick floated over from the influential Al Qahtani.

"I was very pleased with the performance of the players today," Saudi Arabia's Brazilian coach Helio Dos Anjos told the Asian Football Confederation Web site.

“It was a hard game for us especially in the first half but the players did well and created opportunities and I think we deserved to win the game."

UAE Coach Bruno Metsu was not overly concerned at the result and made seven substations in the second half.

"The result today doesn't matter because it is still only a preparation for us. What is important for us is to be ready for our matches in Vietnam," Metsu said.

Gulf Cup winners UAE have been drawn in Group B along with Japan, Qatar and co-hosts Vietnam.

Joined : 13 Feb 2007 Posts : 1347

Group B

Qatar edge out Turkmenistan

DOHA – Qatar continued their preparations for next month’s Asian Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 friendly victory over Turkmenistan at the Al Sadd stadium on Monday.

After a goalless first half, the home side broke the deadlock in the 61st minute through midfielder Waleed Jassim, who found the back of the net with a powerful free-kick to finally break the resistance of a resolute Turkmenistan side.

Qatar leave for a training camp in Bangkok on Tuesday before taking on Thailand next Saturday.

They will then move onto Vietnam to commence their Group B Asian Cup campaign, where they will face the hosts, defending champions Japan and neighbours UAE.

Joined : 13 Feb 2007 Posts : 1361

Group D
Indonesia

Oman Edge Indonesia

Almukhain Ahmed struck the winner as Oman edged Indonesia 1-0 on Sunday in a warm-up clash for next month's Asian Cup.
Oman could have had more but for the woodwork and a disallowed goal in the first half.

Indonesia, co-hosts for Asia's premier tournament, had chances to equalise but failed to convert them when it counted.

Striker Bambang Pamungkas was unable to convert a first-half penalty for the injury-ravaged hosts.

The decisive goal came in the 57th minute when Ahmed collected a loose ball just outside the box and fired home.

Indonesia are in Asian Cup Group D alongside Korea Republic, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia while Oman are in a tricky Group A with Thailand, Iraq and Australia.

Korea

Singapore Too Strong For North Korea
Jun 25 2007 07:05
Get more on: singapore | northkorea
Singapore goalkeeper Lionel Lewis made a string of brilliant saves as the city state side claimed a fortunate 2-1 win over North Korea at the Singapore Invitational Tournament on Sunday evening.
An Chol-hyok was the only North Korean player to beat Lewis with a 59th minute header, cancelling out Ridhuan Muhammad's first-half opener.

However, Indra Sahdan headed home a cross by John Wilkinson 16 minutes from time to give the home side victory.

DPR Korea dominated the first half and would have gone ahead if not for the heroics of Lewis, who stopped efforts by Jon Chol and Park Nam-chol before using his left leg to deflect a point blank effort by An Jong-ho over the crossbar on 24 minutes.

The North Koreans, who also saw An Chol-hyok blaze over in the 36th minute, would pay for their profligacy four minutes later when the home side took the lead against the run of play.

Fazrul Nawaz won the ball in midfield and played it forward for Ridhuan to superbly lob Ri Myong-guk from 25 yards.

Lewis did brilliantly again on 59 minutes to deny Kim Kwang-hyok but the substitute won possession on the byline and crossed for An Chol-hyok to head home the equaliser.

Choe Chol-man then outpaced Noh Rahman on the left flank to burst clear on the Singapore goal but his initial shot was well-saved by Lewis and the Korean player headed his rebound into the side netting.

That miss would prove costly as Singapore regained the lead in the 74th minute when debutant John Wilkinson worked space for himself on the left of the DPR Korea box before crossing for Indra to head home the winner.

Kim Kwang-hyok had a final chance to draw the sides level in the dying minutes but his fierce shot from the edge of the box was stopped once again by Lewis.
Copyright (c) 2007 Press Association

Saudi Arabia
SINGAPORE - Saudi Arabia coach Helio Anjos believes his side are adapting to his methods as they began their final preparations for the AFC Asian Cup with a 2-1 win over Singapore on Wednesday.

The Saudis won thanks to first-half goals from Abdulrahman Al Qahtani and Taiseer Al Jassam, but it was how his team responded to Al Jassam’s sending off five minutes into the second half that most satisfied the Brazilian.

“I’m happy with this victory,” said Anjos, whose team will meet Korea Republic, Indonesia and Bahrain in Group D in next month’s continental championship.

“We played with one man less in the second half and we were against a strong team that played quickly and because we are preparing for the Asian Cup the result will give us more confidence in ourselves and in our play.”

Anjos’ team were missing a host of big name players, with World Cup stars Yasser Al Qahtani, Hussein Suleimani and former Asian Player of the Year Hamad Al Montashari among those not selected for the match-up with the South East Asian champions.

Despite the changes, though, Anjos was quick to praise his players, and in particular fledgling central defensive pairing Majd Al Amri and Osama Hawsawi.

“I’m happy with the players because they have started to adapt to my philosophy, especially in the second half when we were playing with one player less,” he said.

“I’m especially happy with the defence because the age of the two players in the centre was 21 and 23, the youngest defence that Saudi Arabia has had in their history and I’m happy with that.

“I liked their attitude in the second half and that showed that we have character.”

The Saudis took the lead when Al Qahtani’s long-range free-kick was fumbled over the line by Singapore goalkeeper Lionel Lewis in the 26th minute and nine minutes later they doubled their advantage through Al Jassam.

But five minutes after the restart Al Jassam was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence before Ashrin Shariff earned a consolation for Singapore with the last kick of the game.

“I think it was a good game for us and for Saudi Arabia for their preparations for the Asian Cup,” said Singapore coach Raddy Avramovic. “For us, it was good to test our team against one of the best in Asia.

“Saudi Arabia has some good players but in general I’m happy with how our players competed with them, especially in the first 26 minutes before we conceded the first goal.

“We competed well all over the pitch and that’s a good sign for our team for the future.”

Second-string Saudis see off Singapore
Jun 27, 2007
PA Sport

SINGAPORE - Saudi Arabia cruised to a comfortable 2-1 win over South East Asian champions Singapore at National Stadium on Wednesday evening, despite playing the final 40 minutes with 10-men as they continued their preparations for the AFC Asian Cup.

Goals in the first half from Abdulrahman Al Qahtani and Taiseer Al Jassam were enough to give the three-time continental champions the win before Al Jassam’s sending off in the second half for a second bookable offence handed the Singaporeans hope.

But despite having a one-man advantage for most of the second half, Raddy Avramovic’s men were unable to make much of an impression against what was largely a second-string Saudi Arabia side until Ashrin Shariff netted with the last touch of the game

Al Hilal midfielder Khaled Aziz captained a team that also featured Saad Al Harthi and Malek Maaz and they caused the Singaporeans few problems in the opening exchanges, with the visitors taking their time to find their feet.

Singapore captain Indra Sahdan Bin Daud fired off the game’s first shot, but it was a weak effort from the edge of the area that caused Yasser Almosailem in the Saudi goal little concern.

As the half wore on, however, the Saudis started to control the tempo of the game, although their opening goal had more than a touch of fortune about it.

Singapore’s Nigeria-born defender Precious Emuejeraye was penalised for raising his foot too high by Indonesian referee Hidayat Jajat Sudrajat and from the resulting 26th minute free-kick the Saudis went in front.

Abdulrahman Al Qahtani struck what looked to be a straightforward, right-footed shot from almost 30 yards in the direction of Lewis’ goal, only for the Singapore keeper to allow the ball to slither under his body and over the line.

Nine minutes later the Saudis doubled their advantage, this time thanks to the fleet-footedness of Al Jassam, whose first touch took him past a static Singapore defence and by the time the home defenders could react he was clipping the ball beyond the helpless Lewis.

Less than five minutes after the restart Al Jassam earned his second yellow card of the game when he lunged at Mustafic Fahrudin in the centre circle, catching the midfielder on the thigh.

Singapore had chances to pull themselves back into the game, with Muhammad Ridhuan firing wide when he should have hit the target 15 minutes from time while Mustafic’s attempt from distance soon after was in vain.

Shariff finally put the Singaporeans on the scoresheet in the dying seconds from close range but it was not enough to deny the Saudis.

Joined : 13 Feb 2007 Posts : 1347

Qatar team head to Bangkok

By Sports Reporter
Qatar team headed to Bangkok yesterday for the final phase of the preparation ahead of the next month's AFC Asian Cup 2007. The 16-team competition will be co-hosted in Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia from July 7 till 29. Qatar will play three warm-up matches in Thailand, including one against Thailand national side on June 30. Musovic's men will then head to Vietnam and begin their Asian Cup campaign with a tough opening match against defending champions Japan on July 9 in Group B.
They take on the hosts Vietnam on July 12 and play Gulf neighbours UAE in the final group game on July 16.
Earlier, Qatar's national team coach Dzemaludin Musovic named his 25-member squad, subsequently after Monday's victory in their warm-up match against visiting Turkmenistan.
Midfielder Walid Jassim scored the lone goal of the match from a free kick to continue Qatar's successful Asian Cup warm-up campaign. Last week, Qatar defeated Ghana 3-1.
The team includes as many as 11 players from the league champions Al Sadd while Al Rayyan are the second biggest contributor with three players.
The league runners-up Al Gharafa and Qatar Sports Club each have two players in the squad while Umm Salal, who finished third this season, Al Arabi, Al Khor and Al Ahli each have a player in the side.
Qatar team: Mohammed Saqr (Al Sadd), Baba Malik (Umm Salal), Rajab Kasim (Al Ahli), Mohammed Gholan (Al Sadd), Messad al-Hamad (Al Sadd), Ali Nasser (Al Sadd), Wesam Rizq (Al Sadd), Ibrahim Majid (Al Sadd), Abdulla Koni (Al Sadd), Meshal Mubarak (Qatar Sports Club), Sebastien Soria (Qatars Sports Club), Saad al-Shammari (Al Gharafa), Bilal Mohammed (Al Gharafa), Majdi Siddiq (Al Khor), Ibrahim al-Ghanim (Al Arabi), Walid Jassim (Al Rayyan), Adel Lami (Al Rayyan), Hussein Yasser (Al Rayyan), Sayed al-Bashir (Al Arabi), Younis Ali (Al Ahli), Yousef Ahmed (Al Sadd), Ali Hassan Afeef (Al Sadd), Abdulla al-Break (Al Sadd), Majid Mohammed (Al Sadd), Talal al-Bloushi (Al Sadd)

Joined : 13 Feb 2007 Posts : 1786

Group A: Australia

Neill rejects favourites tag

SINGAPORE - West Ham full-back Lucas Neill has dismissed suggestions that Australia are the favourites to lift next month’s AFC Asian Cup, despite their number one ranking in the continent.

The Socceroos make their debut in the competition in Group A, kicking off on July 8 against Oman before facing Iraq and Thailand in Bangkok and they have been widely installed as one of the fancied teams to claim the trophy in Jakarta on July 29.

But Neill, who captained Australia during their recent defeat against Uruguay, believes the tag of favourites belongs to defending champions Japan and that the Socceroos still have a lot to learn.

“I wouldn’t say we’re the favourites,” he said. “I would say we’re one of the stronger teams.

“Japan are obviously favourites because they’re more experienced at this level and in this environment and we’re coming here trying to challenge teams such as them.

“So we have to approach it with a different mentality but we’ve still got a lot to prove because we’re the new kids on the block."

The Australians defeated Japan the last time the two teams met, at the World Cup finals in Germany last summer when under then-coach Guus Hiddink they fought back from a goal down to win 3-1, with all three of Australia’s goals coming in the final 10 minutes.

The two teams could meet again at the quarter-final stage should Australia finish second in Group A and the Japanese top Hanoi-based Group B, in what would be an intriguing rematch.

The conditions, however, will be very different to those experienced by the teams in Germany last summer and, as a result, Australia are finalising their preparations in Singapore before flying to Bangkok on Wednesday.

On Saturday they will meet Singapore in what will be their last warm-up game before facing Oman and while Neill believes the Australian squad is good enough to win the event, he is insisting the team must take the tournament one game at a time.

“We have the ability but we all go into the tournament wanting to win it, but the first obstacle is trying to get fitness in the Singapore game,” he said. “And then, the only focus we will have after that will be on Oman.

“After our efforts at the World Cup last year we have no right to just walk through the tournament and get to the final. We have to take each hurdle as it comes and the first hurdle will be Oman, and that’s all we’re going to focus on.

“Every team we come up against are going to pose threats and be difficult. So we have to make sure we’ve done our homework and we have to play to our ability.”