Road to South Africa:Lions aim to bounce back in crucial World Cup Qualifier
info@fas.org.sg
Singapore's hopes of reaching the final round of qualifiers for the 2010 FIFA World Cup will not be extinguished regardless of results in Tashkent and Riyadh tomorrow.
However, anything less than a point will probably leave our Lions looking only at mathematics and a combination of results to go our way if we are to harbour hopes of claiming one of the two spots from Group 4.
Our Lions take on group leaders Uzbekistan on Saturday evening in the Uzbek capital looking to bounce back after Monday’s humbling loss.
Apart from Bahrain in Group 2, Uzbekistan are the only team with a 100% record in the third round of qualifiers.
In fact, the three goals they conceded against Singapore on Monday were the first they have conceded in their entire qualifying campaign so far.
They are arguably the form team of the qualifiers and another three points will put the Uzbeks through to the fourth round with two matches to spare.
After coming agonisingly close to qualifying for Germany 2006, they will be heavily fancied to claim one of Asia’s spots in South Africa this time round.
Coach Radojko Avramovic must make at least one enforced change from the last match with right full-back Mohd Noh Rahman suspended after picking up his second yellow of the 3rd round.
Home United full-back Juma’at Jantan, who is comfortable playing on either flank, will make his full senior competitive debut if he starts in place of Noh.
Skipper Indra Sahdan looks to have recovered from his hamstring injury that kept him out of Monday’s match and has been involved in full training with the team.
His return will be a huge boost to our Lions with his big-match experience crucial in the cauldron of the MHSK Stadium.
Indra was optimistic of a better showing from the team as he spoke ahead of the big match. “That last match wasn’t a true reflection of what we are capable of. We gave away a few soft goals and as long as we cut down on our mistakes and be more disciplined, we should do ok.”
“On a personal note, I’m 100% fit and am raring to go for the match whether I start or come off the bench. Everyone has settled well here despite the rather warm weather. We want a win tomorrow as we need the points. It’s not our style to play for a draw so we’ll be going for it.”
Defender Sevki Sha’ban however has been ruled out after twisting an ankle in training on Wednesday.
The team will train at the match venue for the first time this evening in their final training session.
Match will be shown live TONIGHT on CHN 5 at 10PM. GO LIONS GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
