Writing on the wall

This was the moment, in time added-on at the end of the first-half, that Cambodia went behind after keeper Seiha dropped an innocuous cross

It was always a possibility that Cambodia would come unstuck in their first game against the reigning champions Singapore, as they kicked-off the AFF 2008 Suzuki Cup in Jakarta, and that's how it turned out despite a plucky first-half showing. The final score was a 5-0 drubbing in Singapore's favour but it could've been a lot more after they finally managed to pierce the 11-man Cambodian defence moments before half-time. Goalkeeper Seiha dropped an innocuous cross under pressure from his own defender and Agu Casmir poked home the loose ball. It was no more than Singapore deserved. On sixty minutes a theatrical dive gave Singapore a second from the penalty spot, scored by skipper Fahrudin, and two goals in two minutes from Indra Sahdan and Casmir put the game beyond Cambodia - though in all honesty the result had never been in any doubt. Alam Shah wrapped it up in the final seconds to give the cup favourites the start they wanted and consigned their opponents to what we all knew in our hearts, that Cambodia are the competition's underdogs. Coach Prak Sovannara picked his strongest line-up but under strict orders to contain Singapore, Cambodia offered little in the way of goal threat and failed to produce a shot on target throughout the game. They found it impossible to clear their lines and the majority of the match was played in the final third of the pitch, though Singapore, despite their victory, were not as threatening as they should've been. Cambodia will be looking for a big improvement in their own performance and the scoreline when they face hosts Indonesia on Sunday.
The Cambodia line-up: 1 Seiha; 2 Chanbunrith; 3 Raksmey; 4 Tiny (20 Samprathna); 7 Borey (23 Piseth); 10 Sokumpheak; 11 Chan Rithy; 13 Narith (8 Saknida); 14 Sovannarith; 16 El Nasa; 17 Sok Rithy. I was caught out by the kick-off time which had been publicized as 6pm local time. In fact the game kicked off at 5pm so I missed the first twenty minutes, much to my annoyance.

New cap Sok Rithy was a surprise choice in midfield

Goalkeeper Seiha thanks Chan Rithy for clearing an effort off the goal-line

Coach Prak Sovannara finds his team still level until a minute before half-timeIn red Singapore's Aleksandra Duric up against Cambodia's Teing Tiny

Sun Sovannarith was one of Cambodia's brightest players

Goalkeeper Samreth Seiha boobed for the 1st goal but played well throughout. Apologies for the quality of the tv screen-shots from the match.