Singapore 2 Thailand 1
Just back from the National Stadium, after long jams and taking a detour, and finally showered...sitting comfortably here typing this entry. It was really an unforgettable night!
For the last match in this old and grey National Stadium, we were treated to a tough match for visiting Thailand. With a 55,000 sell-out crowd, the hopes placed on the Lions after the win over arch-rivals Malaysia were high.
I managed to get a ticket after Kheng Hui had extra and passed me one, and I was seated with him and his dad, near the corner flag and amongst many Malays.
The match was fast and furious, and before the visitors had settled Singapore led through an Alam Shah goal, albeit one scored after successive strikes on goal by the hosts. It was quite chaotic near the Thai's penalty area at that time, but luckily the shot went in, though weak.
But after that, instead of seeing the Thais conjure up attacking football, they went down easily to Singapore's challenges, and ended up there were like 5 Thai players off the pitch in the first half for various injuries. 4 yellow cards were also flashed, with 3 at Singapore. Personally, I thought that Thailand players deserved some too.
The half-time whistle was time for us to get some food and drinks, but we ended up having to queue a long long time cos the stall was really slow and inefficient - we were not told that drinks were to be bought separately from the keropoks. We ended up missing the goal which Thailand scored in the 49th minute, and we returned to our seats hoping for more action.
Singapore played with a reshuffled line-up upfront, with Indra taken off for Amri, and Ridhuan moving to a more central position instead of the flanks, possibly to make use of his speed. However, it certainly backfired on the Lions, with the Lions lacking bite in attack. Nawaz, having a quiet game, was also taken off for Dickson, and Ridhuan was finally taken off for S. Ishak, which is definitely the best substitution for the match. After his introduction, the Singapore attack was flowing, with Dickson and Amri raiding the flanks, and Alam Shah making his presence in the box felt.
So much so that controversy followed with a penalty awarded after Alam Shah was fouled by a Thai player in the penalty area.
That sparked an angry reaction from the Thais, who walked off the pitch for almost 15 minutes. I was shocked and outraged at such unprofessional behaviour by the Thais, and the players should have been yellow-carded for walking off, or the cup awarded to Singapore for the Thais had effectively 'thrown in' the towel with their en masse walking out!
Allowing them to continue play after the disruption was certainly a disgrace. The fans were certainly displeased and showed it by booing every touch by the Thais, and definitely insults were shouted. The atmosphere was definitely terrifying for the visitors, but well, I guess they deserved it for unprofessional behaviour.
First we were treated to a I-fall-easily match by them, next we see a walk out by them...What's next?
Maybe Thailand's military will be activated should Singapore win, or maybe Singapore should follow the Thais by walking out on a decision by the referee since nothing apparent is done to punish the Thais. This, I feel, should be where FIFA comes in, and ban Thailand from participating in international matches, or fine them, or awarding the cup to Singapore.
All in all, Fahrudin managed to keep his nerve despite the keeper's distractions to slot the ball into the top left corner of the net. By then, it was almost 90 minutes, and an additional 10-15 minutes were played to make up for the loss of time due to the protests. Too bad Singapore missed a chance to extend their lead when Shi Jiayi crossed only for the strikers to head wide.
The crowd were certainly appreciating the Singapore team today, and it was a really great atmosphere! And this, possibly, will be the last competitive match held in this stadium before it is torn down to make way for a new Sports Hub. I'm sure glad to be in it, to feel the Kallang Roar, to be part of the Kallang Wave. Even on exit, we can hear cars and motorcycles honking in tune...soccer brings people together, just like during the World Cup season!
Singapore! Rock on yea!?! Go to Thailand and show them your stuff!
The Thais, if they do win in the end, certainly do not deserve it. Punish them, FIFA!
Current Mood: 
Happy
Current Music: Ayaka - I Believe
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