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Five things we learned from Cambodia 1-3 Malaysia

Following Malaysia’s 3-1 friendly win over Cambodia on Monday, FOX Sports Asia football editor Gabriel Tan picks out five key points as we build towards AFF Suzuki Cup 2018.

It started out so brightly but it was not to be for Keisuke Honda and Cambodia in the Japanese legend’s first game in the dugout.

Having taken an 18th-minute lead courtesy of a stunning strike by Soeuy Visal, much to the delight of the 50,000-strong home crowd at the Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh, the Cambodians were eventually pegged back as goals from Shahrul Saad, Syazwan Andik and Shahrel Fikri Fauzi handed Malaysia the win.

So, what can both sides take away from the clash with the AFF Suzuki Cup just a couple of months away?

1) No winning start for Honda but he’s already left his mark

So, Honda’s managerial debut may have ended in defeat but it is obvious that the ex-Japan international has plenty of ideas how he wants his side to play and – especially in the first half – Cambodia pulled off his game plan to perfection.

There was the high-intensity style of play – both defensively and offensively – that is now synonymous with Japanese football, but the hosts also attempted to play a quick pass-and-move game when in possession.

It worked at times and, on other occasions, they did give the ball away but this is something that takes time to perfect and what better time to start practising then in friendlies ahead of a major tournament.

This is no longer the “helter-skelter” football that Southeast Asian teams – especially those of Cambodia’s ilk – have tended to serve up in the past.

There was a methodology to it and, when they get it right, the Angkor Warriors could become one of the region’s more-attractive sides.

2) The new blood is ready to step up for Harimau Malaya

Malaysia coach Tan Cheng Hoe continues to introduce new blood with Mahalli Jasuli and Zaquan Adha the only two outfielders in the current squad with over 20 caps to their names.

Winning just his 17th cap on Monday and at the age of 25, Shahrul was the most-experienced member of Malaysia’s starting XI apart from the aforementioned duo.

19-year-old Akhyar Rashid showed why he remains one of Malaysia’s most-promising talents, while 22-year-old Syazwan Andik overcame a nervy start to perform well, with both youngsters part of the Under-23 side that recently reached the Round of 16 at the Asian Games.

Meanwhile, there were also first caps for Sabah duo Rawilson Betuil and Azzizan Nordin, as Tan continues to prove that it will continue to be business as usual regardless of whether or not he has established stars like Safiq Rahim, Norshahrul Idlan Talaha and S. Kunanlan to call upon.

3) Malaysia stint has served Cambodian stars well

Interestingly, Malaysia Super League outfit Terengganu had one representative on the field on Monday and it came in the form of Cambodia anchorman Thierry Chantha Bin.

The 27-year-old may be the last man standing out of the four Cambodians that earned moves to the MSL at the start of the year, but based on his and Keo Sokpheng’s displays, it has already stood Cambodian football in good stead.

There was an air of confidence and authority in the way Chantha Bin looked to boss the midfield and he shackled Nazmi Faiz to the point that the one-time wonderkid was hauled off in the 58th minute having failed to make much of an impact.

Meanwhile, Sokpheng – who memorably scored the first goal of the 2018 MSL campaign before being released by PKNP FC in mid-season – looked stronger than he has before and even had the better of the experienced Mahalli on a number of occasions.

4) A forgotten man is back with a vengeance

Having previously been Malaysia’ first choice between the posts, Khairul Fahmi has had a tough couple of years but looks to be enjoying a new lease of life at Melaka United.

And, on Monday, he showed that he still has plenty to offer at international level with a fine performance after being given the nod ahead of long-time competitor Farizal Marlias.

Just after the visitors had forced their way back in the contest and Cambodia were looking to respond in the second half, Fahmi produced a string of fine saves – including twice keeping out goal-bound efforts from Sokpheng – to keep the opponents at bay.

Farizal may still be a contender for Tan’s No. 1 for the Suzuki Cup but Fahmi would have done his chances no harm with a standout performance against Cambodia.

5) Remember these names – Shahrel Fikri Fauzi and Sin Kakada

There would have been a fair share of raised eyebrows when Shahrel Fikri Fauzi – with only half a season of top-flight experience in Malaysia – earned a move to Thai League 1 outfit Nakhon Ratchasima back in June.

The 23-year-old netted 20 goals in all competition last year and nine this season when he received the call from Thailand, but he has not exactly been the standout name one would have expected to get the nod as an ASEAN import in the region’s top league.

Yet, based on his dazzling 32-minute cameo on Monday, he could just go on to become Malaysia’s main man in attack for the next decade.

His bullet header from a Syazwan freekick led to Shahrul’s equaliser, before the Sabah-born forward produced a brilliant run and cross for his side’s second.

Then, in injury-time, Shahrel Fikri received possession on the edge of the box, effortlessly glided past Visal and clinically squeezed his shot under Sou Yaty to prove he has all the necessary weapons to be a genuine match-winner.

Meanwhile, for Cambodia, one would have assumed star winger Chan Vathanaka – absent from Honda’s inaugural squad – had been on the field, such was the lively display of the man donning his No. 11 jersey for the evening.

Still only 18, Sin Kakada showed no signs of being overawed by the occasion and his wing prowess provided Cambodia with a constant threat down the right, and was the main reason why Malaysia left-back Syazwan had such a testing opening 45.

There is still plenty of development left in his game but an attacking boasting him, Vathanaka, Sokpheng and Prak Mony Udom could leave Cambodians fans licking their lips in anticipation.

Ranking Terkini Negara2 Jiran di Asia Tenggara ini + Lain2 (11/09/2018)

Cambodia - FIFA ranking
Current	166 (16 August 2018)
Highest	135 (March 2011)
Lowest	198 (August 2014)

MALAYSIA ranking terkini > 171

Thailand ^122

Chinese Taipei > ^125

Indonesia > ^164

Singapore > ^169

Bangladesh > v194 

Sri Lanka >  v200

*semakan dalam halaman https://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/associations/association=cam/men/index.html

FULL HIGHLIGHTS: Cambodia vs Malaysia 1-3 International Friendly Match 1...

*kalau x kerana Apek yg bnyk menyelamatkan gawang Malaysia...aku rasa keputusan mlm tu akan jadi lain

Spain give England post-World Cup reality check with Nations League win (2-1)

3 quick thoughts from Spain's 2-1 win over England in the UEFA Nations League at Wembley on Saturday.

•  Welbeck goal disallowed as Rashford strike proves inadequate

England’s Dele Alli and Eric Dier appeal to referee Danny Makkelie after Danny Welbeck (not pictured) had a goal disallowed Photograph: Carl Recine/Reuters

1. Spain give England a dose of post-World Cup reality

Spain gave England a World Cup reality check at Wembley as first-half goals from Saul and Rodrigo overturned Marcus Rashford's early opener to claim a 2-1 Nations League victory in Luis Enrique's first game in charge. Having reached the semifinals at Russia 2018 before losing to Croatia in Moscow, England's return to action was an unhappy one, with Spain dominating for large parts of the game before emerging with their first win on English soil since a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford in February 2007.

Before the game, England coach Gareth Southgate had warned that his team still had much to prove on the international stage, claiming that the country's winning record against world football's elite has been "non-existent" since the World Cup success in 1966. And once again in a competitive fixture, England failed to beat a team regarded as one of the major nations.

Harry Kane tries to get his head to the ball. Photograph: Kieran McManus/BPI/REX/Shutterstock

Rashford's opener, following an 11th-minute Luke Shaw cross, hinted at a performance and result that would extend the team's post-Russia honeymoon period. But Saul equalised within two minutes and enabled Spain to gain the upper hand before Valencia forward Rodrigo netted at the near post to make it 2-1 on 31 minutes.

England then lost Shaw early in the second half after a collision with Dani Carvajal that left the Manchester United defender requiring lengthy treatment on the pitch before being carried off on a stretcher. The FA told members of the media after the match that Shaw was "fine and walking and talking in the dressing room".

The home side went close twice through Rashford in the closing stages and were unfortunate to have a late Danny Welbeck goal ruled out for an apparent foul on David De Gea, but Spain held out to make a winning start to the Nations League.

2. Luis Enrique makes an instant impact as Spain coach

Luis Enrique knows all about taking on a talented team that has performed well below its level, having lifted Barcelona from their post-Pep Guardiola slump to become Champions League winners again, so managing Spain will not faze the 48-year-old.

It is a similar challenge with La Roja, who crashed out of the World Cup in Russia at the round of 16 after the shock exit of coach Julen Lopetegui days before the start of the tournament. For all of the distractions in Russia, Spain's multi-talented squad should have done much better, and Luis Enrique has inherited a group of world-class players who could easily win Euro 2020 in two years' time.

England’s defender Luke Shaw receives medical attention after a clash with Spain’s defender Dani Carvajal. Photograph: Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images

Winning his first game in charge against England gives Luis Enrique a perfect start, and even with the recent retirements of Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique and David Silva, he still has great quality to work with.

Thiago showed at Wembley that he can fill the void left by Manchester City midfielder Silva, with the Bayern Munich man dictating the tempo of this game. Isco and Saul also offer threat in attacking positions, while Marcos Alonso more than justified Luis Enrique's decision to overlook Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba. Diego Costa, unavailable for the this game, will return to add menace up front, while Alvaro Morata's recent upturn in form will also work in Luis Enrique's favour.

The loss of Pique may prove a problem, with Spain having no obvious replacement, but with Sergio Ramos still dominating the Spanish back four, even the absence of Pique might not be an issue.

David de Gea goes up for a high ball with substitute Danny Welbeck beneath him. Photograph: Alex James/JMP/REX/Shutterstock

3. Southgate influence shown by England turnover

While England have changed little since their run to the World Cup semifinals, with nine of the starting 11 having played in Russia during the summer, the turnover during Gareth Southgate's two-year reign in charge was evident in this game.

When England last faced Spain at Wembley in November 2016, during Southgate's four-game run as interim manager after Sam Allardyce's dismissal, it was an altogether different team that lined up for the hosts. And such has been the revolution under Southgate, only eight of those in the 23-man squad for that fixture in 2016 remain involved almost two years on.

The likes of Joe Hart, Gary Cahill, Jamie Vardy, Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere have all gone, with Wayne Rooney -- not involved that night -- also no longer in the picture. John Stones, Danny Rose, Jordan Henderson, Eric Dier and Jesse Lingard have all gone on to become key figures under Southgate since facing Spain the last time around, though, and the new-look England came within a whisker of reaching the World Cup final for the first time since 1966 in Russia.

Harry Maguire appeals to referee Danny Makkelie after Danny Welbeck’s goal is disallowed. Photograph: Mike Egerton/PA

They ultimately fell short, but Southgate was brought in to pull England out of its international malaise, and he has succeeded.

However, Spain showed at Wembley how far England still have to go before they can count themselves as a serious international force. They are getting better, but there is still plenty of work to do.

Jose Mourinho spearheads top managers summit in absence of Sir Alex Ferguson along with old rivals Arsene Wenger and Rafa Benitez

• Jose Mourinho was one of 12 elite managers at UEFA summit where talks are held to improve the game
• The Nyon event at UEFA HQ was attended by Mourinho's old managerial rivals including Rafa Benitez
• Despite not having a club, former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was also present in Switzerland
• But his successor at the Emirates Stadium Unai Emery failed to attend, despite being invited

Jose Mourinho has been calling for respect in the last couple of weeks so it is probably little surprise to see him spearhead a list of Europe's elite coaches in a forum hosted by UEFA. Mourinho was furious with a journalist during a post-match press conference following Manchester United's dismal 3-0 Premier League defeat by Tottenham Hotspur last month, calling for more 'respect' after ranting that he had won more Premier League titles than all the managers in the top flight put together.  But joined by old rivals Arsene Wenger and Rafael Benitez, the United boss was part of a group of managers discussing the major issues in the game

Jose Mourinho has been calling for respect in the last couple of weeks so it is probably little surprise to see him now spearhead a list of Europe's elite coaches in a forum hosted by UEFA.

Mourinho was furious with a journalist during a post-match press conference following Manchester United's dismal 3-0 Premier League defeat by Tottenham Hotspur last month, calling for more 'respect' after ranting that he had won more Premier League titles than all the managers in the top flight put together. 

But joined by old rivals Arsene Wenger and Rafael Benitez, the United boss was part of 12 managers discussing the major issues in the game.

Wenger (centre) shares a discussion along with UEFA preseident Aleksander Ceferin (left) and Thomas Tuche

The coaches forum in Nyon at UEFA's HQ on Tuesday was held with the purpose of to discuss and make proposals to the governing body that may be of overall benefit to the European game.

Managers can be invited to attend the event but must fit the criteria of having taken charge of 100 Champions League matches, been part of last season's last-16 or been in charge of one of last season's final four in the Europa League.

Mourinho's relationship with Wenger has been sour since the Portuguese came to the Premier League in 2004, hitting a low in the last few years when he called the former Arsenal boss a specialist in failure.

Simeone (left), Ancelotti (centre left) and Benitez (centre right) all arrive in Nyon ready to attend the UEFA forum

The two had previously battled for the title while Mourinho was at Chelsea, who also developed a rivalry with Benitez during the Spaniard's time as Liverpool boss as their respective sides repeatedly clashed in the Champions League.

But the trio put their differences to one side at the annual event now in its 20th year

Among those invited to this year's event was Unai Emery but despite being confirmed to appear at the summit he was nowhere to be seen in the group photo that featured his Emirates predecessor.

Wenger is without a club after leaving the Gunners following 22 years at the club but he looked in high spirits at the event, sharing discussions along with Borussia Dortmund chief Thomas Tuchel and UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.

The meeting, that ran between 1pm and 5.50pm BST, started with all the coaches sending their best wishes to Sir Alex Ferguson, who is a UEFA Coaching ambassador.

The former Manchester United boss is on the mend following recent emergency surgery after suffering a brain haemorrhage.

Helping discuss talks with the managers from UEFA was the president Ceferin as well as competitions director Giorgio Marchetti and chief refereeing officer Roberto Rosetti.

Also on the agenda for the managers was the subject of transfer windows, with  the coaches wanting the European summer transfer window to close on the same day across the continent before their league seasons start. 

Though trading in most European leagues ended on August 31, English clubs could not buy players after August 9 and the Italian deadline was August 17.

English leagues switched this year aiming to avoid disrupting team plans after leagues kicked off.

Marchetti says the coaches were in agreement that: 'There should be one window ending at the same time and that window should not overlap with competitions.'

A FIFA panel is currently drafting recommendations about changes to the transfer market and trading periods.