Singapore v China - Pre-World Cup Qualifier

I have been cursed but I thank my sponsor for the tickets in these World Cup Soccer Qualifiers. My passion for soccer is still there though somewhat diminished. Cursed because in previous seasons, our National Team did much better against stronger opposition such as Japan, Iraq, Jordan and the other big boys but I wasn't there and now watching the current team I felt our team's standard have deteriorated.

We have to do our own preparation as soccer fans worked hard too fearing for our David v Goliath situation. Our fears came through in a poignant moment. At Jalan Besar, many food stalls owned or manned by Chinese nationals outnumbered the locals. I noticed it applied to the patrons too and when we finally got in to the stadium, I thought we were at an away game! Where are the Singaporeans? Too busy making $$$?

The fans were properly separated. I really like the true blue Singaporeans who not only turned up each time but they were organised like fan clubs decked out in red with scarfs, banners and all and were having fun cheering, singing throughout the match. We are a more educated people now - no more "referee kayu!!!" reverberating at the stadium. Cheers to this LATW (Lions All The Way) group.

There was even a mascot of a lion.

I think there is potential for our fans to be world class and match the best in the business.

For the love of our nation.

This was pre-match routine where players gathered around wrapped out in a circle. We need more than that, perhaps do the Haka.

Not unexpectedly, the Chinese dominated proceedings but there was not much excitement and Singapore held on. Sadly, Singapore's play was pathetic. 



After this picture, I stopped taking photos as it was China all the way. Even when Mustafic was knocked down by a sucker punch by a Chinese player who got promptly sent off, it looked like it was Singapore playing with ten men. Maybe this Chinese player was getting bored. I wondered how the Chinese had lost to both Jordan and Iraq. They were as good if not better.

At 3 goals down, I saw a few people going home. Another goal later at 0-4, droves of people were leaving the stadium like a cluster of hair had just fallen off your head as you see patches of emptiness leaving pockets of space in the stands. I begin pondering and wondering. What happened?


Lionel Lewis was called upon to make several important saves. With Shafuwan at the SEA games, the defence was porous. Our goals conceded were gifts. Midfield was non existent and our attack was an over-reliance on Duric. At 41, he has been incredible playing at this level but how long can he go on?


What Singapore can learn is from the weaker teams in the English Premier League. There were times they may get trounced by the big boys but they have always given a good fight. It is not the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the fight in the dog that counts.

There was no "semangat" or spirit in the team. Each time they worked to get the ball back only to carelessly and wastefully lose it to the opponents. These were school boy errors. The only bright spark that night was speedy winger Firdaus Idros. Small, nippy and tricky, he caused problems to the Chinese defence frequently. 


We should think of Murphy's Law at work - what will happen will happen. For Singapore soccer to improve, we will need bold thinking, bold strategies and bold actions. We need a revival! Otherwise, what will happen will happen.

Watch this space, let me think of how to help Singapore soccer.