Post by kroner on Jun 2, 2016 11:16:41 GMT 8
Singapore's Fazrul Nawaz eyes Suzuki Cup vs. Azkals' Stephan Schrock
ESPN FC's Jason Dasey and PJ Roberts break down Singapore's new head coach ahead of their upcoming 4-nation tournament.
Singapore striker Fazrul Nawaz is eager to renew his on-field battle with Philippines' star midfielder Stephen Schrock at November's AFF Suzuki Cup.
The Tampines Rovers attacker is part of the first squad of new head coach V. Sundramoorthy for the inaugural AYA Bank Cup in Yangon this weekend, starting with Friday's game against Myanmar.
Winners of that game will go on to take on Hong Kong or Vietnam in the final on Monday. Fazrul is keen to continue his good international form against Myanmar, having scored the decisive goal in the 2-1 win over their Southeast Asian rivals at Jalan Besar Stadium in March.
"Yes, I got the winner against [Myanmar] when we last met but this is a whole new ball game altogether," Fazrul told ESPN FC.
"They will now play at home and have the advantage of the fans. But knowing coach Sundram, he will come up with a tactical game plan that will play to our strengths. If we stick to his instructions, the result will come our way."
Having started his career as a main striker for his club, the former Warriors' forward has found it hard to get playing time in the same position for Singapore, which he hopes will change with a new coach at the helm.
"I definitely look forward to leading the line as the no. 9 for the national team. As long as I get the chance to wear the Singapore jersey, I'll give it everything. With the Suzuki Cup coming up, I want to use all these opportunities to show that I can do the job in that role.
"But even so, if I am called upon to start the game in another position, my game has always been to put the team's needs first."
Despite fierce competition from the rest of the attackers in the Singapore team, like Khairul Amri, Sahil Suhaimi, Amy Recha and Shahril Ishak, Fazrul believes that playing alongside ex-Perth Glory striker Billy Mehmet at Tampines has given him the edge.
Singapore striker Fazrul Nawaz
Fazrul Nawaz has scored 11 goals in 81 matches at senior level for Singapore.
He said: "Billy and I have great respect for each other and we communicate well. He has played for many years around the world, in Malaysia, Australia and the United Kingdom.
"Going into training with him and watching him in action, I've picked up a few things from his game that I can use to better my international chances."
Fazrul agrees that reigning Suzuki Cup champions Thailand will be the main contenders to retain their title, but has picked a surprise dark horse as Singapore's main rivals to dethrone the War Elephants.
"It goes without saying that everyone thinks Thailand will win it, but we have to be careful of Vietnam, and even more so, Philippines," he added.
"They are the hosts for this year's Suzuki Cup and a big, big dark horse. You can see from the Filipino teams playing in the AFC Cup that the standard of football there has improved a lot.
"Together with their foreign-born players, especially Stephan Schrock, they are as good as anybody in this region.
"I played against Schrock [for Ceres FC] in the AFC Cup and his qualities are obvious. He is that influential player for both club and country that can change games. So I would love another chance to play against him."
Before he can fulfill his Suzuki Cup dreams, Fazrul will need to use the AYA Bank Cup to build on his Singapore goal tally. But he has struggled to find his scoring touch this season for Tampines in the S.League.
But if he does again deliver on the international stage, it could push Sundram's hand in giving him the main Singapore striker's role that he has yearned for since his days as a Geylang United youngster.
www.espnfc.com/blog/football-asia/153/post/2883579/singapores-fazrul-nawaz-keen-to-renew-battle-with-philippines-star-stephan-schrock