Taken from fas.org.sg
Lions preparing well in Riyadh
Singapore are shaping up well for its 2010 FIFA World Cup Asian Zone qualifying match against Saudi Arabia in Riyadh on Wednesday.
The players have enjoyed some good training sessions at the city’s Football Federation headquarters on the outskirts of the city where a well-grassed field has been provided.
On Monday morning the team did its daily stretching exercises in the grand ballroom of their city centre hotel under the ornate chandeliers of the impressive auditorium.
Later that evening, after another team video session, the players and coaching staff were due to head back to their training field for more ball work.
Lions’ coach Radojko Avramovic is pleased with his team’s preparation.
Avramovic stressed that the missed training opportunities in Jordan did the players no harm at all.
Bad weather conditions prevented the team from making full use of their time in the capital Amman.
“You saw how we played against Jordan,” he said. “Missing that training in Jordan meant the players had a chance to rest as they have been working very hard in the Middle East.”
On the coming match against Saudi Arabia the coach emphasised the need for a 100 per cent effort from everyone.
“We know that we cannot compete individually against the Saudis but as a team if we all work hard and do our best we have a chance.
“The Saudi team is strong as its player development is so good,” he explained. “The grassroots is good and the youth development.
“They also have a very good league and get a lot of good international tournaments to compete in.
It is cool in the capital but while it is expected to be rather cold for a match that is kicking off around 8.15pm, the players are managing well after the difficulties they faced with the snow in Amman.
Spirits are high and players are all looking forward to the match and a happy homecoming, with a number of the players especially keen to see their young children again.
Having said that, everyone is focussing strictly on training and on the forthcoming match at the moment.