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| Coach Ogura having some thoughts at a training session? |
Is it too early to conclude anything from just two games after Tsutomu Ogura took charge?
Probably in some cases but judging from the sentiments from the public, things are looking positive when fans lauded the performances of the Singapore national team after their two recent World Cup Qualifying matches against China.
Despite having drawn 2-2 at home before losing 4-1 away to the Chinese, the Lions put up spirited displays against the team that is ranked 88th on the FIFA ranking (as of the time of writing).
The wild celebration ignited by Jacob Mahler's equaliser at Kallang on 21st March was matched by the fist-clenching moment for the soft penalty given to the Chinese in Tianjin that resulted in the hosts taking the lead and propelled them to a face-saving win.
Both The Straits Times and CNA praised the performance of the Lions despite the defeat in the third largest municipality of China.
"The Lions put up a brave performance against China in the Group C World Cup qualifier in Tianjin but were ultimately undone by a controversial second-half penalty and wayward defending as the hosts clinched a 4-1 victory." wrote the broadsheet in their post-match assessment.
Meanwhile, the Mediacorp news channel opined "It was a scoreline that did not truly reflect a largely gritty display from Singapore, but football is a cruel game."
Such a compliment was rarely heard of during the time of Takayuki Nishigaya, Coach Ogura's predecessor, who was subjected to intense scrutiny from all parties since his first day in office.
"They (Singapore) make it look as though the Nishgaya era was never there. It was a straight continuation frm (sic) Tatsuma's (Tatsuma Yoshida, another former Lions coach) last (sic) game against Indonesia (in the AFF Suzuki Cup semi-final in 2021)," said Jason Micheal Lim on the platform's Facebook page after the Tianjin match, comparing the differences in the style of play devised by the three Japanese coaches
If the present consensus on Coach Ogura is an indication of any kind, it could mean the faith in the Singapore national team can be restored soon if things remain on the right trajectory.
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| The National Stadium with the roof enclosed |
As the start of the Singapore Premier League (SPL) approaches, I am hopeful that the recent performances of the Lions under Coach Ogura will motivate and inspire other eligible players to compete for a spot to join the team at Kallang Football Hub for the upcoming qualifying matches in June.
- 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎'𝒔 𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒎 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒍 -
Basically this Ogura is a proper coach. Not to be too negative about Nishigaya, but he was totally out of his depth and from his body language and demeanor, was too introverted to be in such a high profile position.
ReplyDeleteOgura has worked with some top clubs across Asia, worked with top managers like Ange Postegogclu, and with the Japan NT. He knows what makes a successful team... maybe he doesn't have the same raw ingredients but I can't wait to see what he's cooking up with Singapore in future.
This is crucial for team sports. Cannot fixed the same team for too long, every games you must have to fight for a place.
ReplyDeleteWhen we tied 2-2 with China, our new National Coach was showered with compliments. However, following a 4-1 loss, criticism returned and he bore the brunt of it. It's important to note that our league hasn't even begun yet, and his player selections were made based on video footage or recommendations from his assistants. Let's be patient with him. We can't expect to win every match, but we should focus on the impact, team unity, and game plan.
ReplyDeleteI think the coach did a great job and there is quite a huge improvement. We should give the coach more time and can see that he is willing to give more young player a chance
ReplyDeleteHe is the right man.
ReplyDeleteFitness first.
With fitness, you played good football.
Give him the full two years, gem will be discovered.
He will earn another two, four or even more years.