In a physical sense I don't think we are as fit even if we are of the same stature. The Thais for example or mostly diminutive but solid. I don't know what kind of physical training the local boys go through but I do think they need to go on a proper diet regiment, and eat only nurtritional foods. Akmal Rizal for example isn't exactly the fittest looking bloke on earth. We did hire a new fitness coach in 2009 and perhaps that will pay dividens in time. I also think we could do a better job at building mental strength. The lads need to keep their composure and not wilt under pressure, or after going behind.

In terms of play, Rajagopal looks like he's first trying to make the team hard to beat. "If we don't concede, we don't lose", seems to be the philosophy. Reminds me of a certain Roy Hodgson. When we've achieved that, we then need to look at breaking teams down because from what little I've seen from the Asian Games, we tend to rely on counterattacks rather than passing the ball about, looking for cracks in the wall.