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.

It could have been more....

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.

Malaysia Cup Days

When I was watching the higlight of a match between Singapore v Kedah on Youtube, it invoke many wonderful memories during the Malaysia Cup days. Those days, the National Stadium will be full during Saturday.

I would bring my then girlfriend(my wifey) to watch the game with my Dad and sister. We often "chop" seat for Dad's friend. Whenever Singapore scored, the Kallang Roar will appeared and we could feel the stand shaking. It was fun! The sound of "Drinks, Koropo, KopiOh still ring around my ears.

I also used to travel across the Causeway just to catch the Lions in action. From Sarawak to Malacca to Johor to Negri Sembilian and to Kuala Lumpur. It's just simply enjoyable.

The experience at the Shah Alam Stadium in 1994 was the moment which I will never ever forget in my life. Singapore beat Pahang 4-0 to win the Cup. Abbas Saad scored a hatrick. It was like home ground for the Lions as there were about 30,000 fans from Singapore and only about 10,000 fans from Pahang. Sadly, that was the last Malaysia Cup Singapore took part.

I really miss those days....

Lions in Tough Group

We are placed in a tough group together with The Saudis, Uzbesks and Lebonese. I wonder wish they could be in the group with the Korea Rep.

Like what Raddy said, we have nothing to lose. I fully agreed. We have exceeded expectation to be in the Top 20 teams in Asia so even if we lose all the matches, we can held our head high.

I can't wait to see the Lions in action again.

Lions Made History

Our National Football Team made history after they were through to the World Cup 2010 third qualifying round where they will meet Asian top guns like China, Korea, Japan, Australia etc. They will battle to go through to the final qualifying round.

The Lions dug deep to secure a 1-1 draw against Tajikistan after going a goal down in the 4th minute. The odds were stacked against the Lions after several players were down with diahorrea and also poor pitch condition.

With the result, the Lions can proudly be among the top 20 teams in Asia. We are getting closer but the hard work starts now.

I'm delighted for the team and wish them all the best.