Avramovic counts on speed to break down Yemen

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by Shamir Osman
04:46 AM Mar 19, 2011 SINGAPORE - They were unsure over the conditions they would be playing in, when FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation jointly decided that both legs of the pre-Olympic qualifier between Singapore and Yemen would be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to political strife in the West Asian country.

But Singapore's national under-23 squad arrived safely in Al Ain City on Wednesday and have had nothing to complain about, ahead of Saturday's first leg (kick-off, 11.45pm, Singapore time). The second leg will be played on Monday.

According to Singapore coach Radojko Avramovic, speed will be vital as they look for an early advantage over Yemen.

"The boys looked good in training on Thursday and I'm sure they'll be even better today," Avramovic told MediaCorp on Friday, before taking his side out for a final workout in the evening.

The Serb has been happy with the crisp weather and excellent training facilities at the UAE club side Al Ain's training centre.

Seventeen of the 20-man squad come from S-League side Courts Young Lions and Avramovic said: "We will apply what we play in the S-League because too many changes won't be fruitful.

"As much as we don't know about Yemen, they also know as little about us, so we'll play to our strengths.

"We will stay compact to eliminate the possibility of Yemen creating chances and use our speed to surprise them and score."

Geylang United winger Yasir Hanapi will start as a full-back, looking to add an extra body in attack with his speed.

Instead of a big, tall forward leading the line, Avramovic has instead gone for guile and speed in the form of Shahfiq Ghani (picture), who is technically accomplished, and the fleet-footed Fazli Ayob.

Following in the footsteps of the Quah brothers in the '60s and '70s, Shahir and Shakir Hamzah will line up in the backline for the Singapore Olympic team on Saturday. SHAMIR OSMAN



Singapore Olympic team probable starting XI

Izwan Mahbud, Yasir Hanapi, Shahir Hamzah, Afiq Yunos, Shakir Hamzah, Navin Nigel Vanu, Hariss Harun, Izzdin Shafiq, Nazrul Ahmad Nazari, Shahfiq Ghani, Fazli Ayob