Lion's upset dream dashed

It is very rare for the Singapore Lions to score 3 goals in a match and lose the game. The Lions were dealt with a reality check when Uzbeskistan thrashed Singapore 7-3 in a must win World Cup 2010 3rd round qualifier.



The Lions went a goal down just after 10 minutes but manage to pull the score to 1-1 after 15 minutes but they allowed the Central Asian team to take the lead again. The Lions manage to equalizer again from the penalty spot. Just when the fans thought Singapore can at least hold on for a draw, they let themselves down again within seconds after the equalizer. It was downwards for the Lions after Uzbeskistan scored the third. Half time score :2-5 to Uzbeskistan.

Goals continued to rain in the second half with the opposition scoring another 2 goals and the Lions scored their third.

Having seen the game, I simply could not fault the Lions for their performance. They did not sit back to defend trying to limit the damage. Instead they went on the offensive. The end result showed that the gulf in standard between Singapore and the Asian powerhouse. To be fair, the Uzbeks are much superior in terms of the physical. Man for man, the Lions were no match considering the Uzbeks are considered a European team. They are big and strong.

Given the result, one can see where the Lions stand if they are to fulfill the dream of going into the World Cup. It is through this kind of footballing lesson that the Lions will learnt.

Though the defeat strongly put the qualification out of the equation, it is indeed a valuable experience for the Singapore Lions. They should not hold their heads down but feel proud that they have achieve so far and scored 3 goals against the powerful Uzbeks.