Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
OUTGOING national football coach Robbie Servais felt that his charges deserved more after Brunei were dumped out in the first round of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup 2023 Qualifiers on Tuesday night.
The Wasps put up a good performance to overcome Mongolia 2-1 at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas but ultimately fell short 3-2 on aggregate.
“I have to give my players a big compliment. They did well and gave everything they had. I want to thank the players for their devotion and commitment,” said Servais in a post-match conference.
“I feel sad for the result today (Tuesday night) but foremost I feel sad for my players.
“I saw them crying in the dressing room and I know how cheerful they usually are.
"They deserve more. Not for me but for the players. They deserve more so I feel sad for them,” he added.
The game is the last for the Dutchman in the charge of the Wasps as he sees out his six-week contract.
Overall, he was pleased with the showing of his charges as they executed what was done in training.
“I think we did what we could when we had the ball. We displayed some beautiful possession football,” said Servais.
“That made me happy. That is what we do in training everyday as I made a lot of emphasis in passing, receiving and playing possession based football because it is attractive to watch.
“We were unlucky in finishing but their goalkeeper also did well. There is nothing I can say to my boys except that they did me very proud,” continued the former Singapore Under-19 football coach.
There were two key decisions in the game that went in favour of Mongolia in either half.
Turbat Daginaa had scored an own goal in the 34th minute only for the offside flag to go up in the 34th minute followed by a penalty decision which saw the referee point to the spot immediately after Hanif Hamir came together with Narmandakh Artag just seconds into the second half.
Servais felt it was unfortunate that these decisions didn’t go their way.
“It was unfortunate for us but I don’t want to blame anyone or point fingers to anyone. It is part of the game. it happens,” said the Dutchman.
“Sometimes it is to your advantage, sometimes it is not. Unfortunately today it wasn’t to our advantage,” added the 34-year-old.
When asked on what was going through his head when Mongolia scored so early in the second half, Servais replied: “Because it was so early, I thought it could be blessing in disguise.
“We were looking for 3-1 and if we could score before the 80th minute then we got a good chance to get 4-1.
“I was disappointed (with the penalty) but I try to give it a positive twist. Unfortunately it wasn’t,” he added.
“We continued playing well and creating chances. It was attractive to watch the game. I’m proud of the boys and I think the crowd enjoyed the game.
“I received compliments from the team. If this can be what gives Brunei football a boost, at least I have something and I can be satisfied with that,” he concluded.
