After the 2-0 defeat to the Saudis in the opening match of the 3rd Rounf World Cup qualifying, the Lions knew that nothing less than a victory will rekindle their hope of progressing to the next round.
Singapore got off to a flying start with a goal in the 8th minute when Duric scored after the ball was deflected to him. The Lebanonese players were appealing for offside but the goal stood. Fazrul missed a golden opportunity to increase the scoreline when he skied his shot just the goal to beat. All he need to do was to tap the ball in. However he redemed himself in the 28 minutes when his shot was deflected in goal for Singapore second. The Lions were in the driving seat.
From there on, the Lebanonese team began to get into the match and creating numerous chances to drag themselves into the game but their threat was dealt by the Singapore defence.
The second half saw an more interesting game. The visitor was driving forward in search of the morale boosting goal while the Lions were contended to sit back and go for the counter-attack. With Khairul Amri and Shahril Ishak was brought on, the Lions looked more potent when going forward. It could easily be more. Shahril miskicked with the goalkeeper to beat and then he dragged his shot wide with the goal at his mercy. Duric hit the post and then Duric put the ball just inches away from the goal when he stretched to get the ball.
It could easily be 7-0 to the Lions. With Uzbeskistan beating the Saudis by 3-0, the Lions leapfrogged the Middle East opponent to 2nd place in the standings. The Lions next match is with East Europe opponent. They will provide a very stern test. If Singapore can get 3 points against them, the road to the next round will be indeed bright.
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