SINGAPORE: Singapore salvaged some pride in the return
leg of their Asian Cup qualifier against Thailand, winning by a
solitary goal on Wednesday.
Aleksandar Duric scored in the 38th minute to give Singapore the
winning goal in Bangkok.
Last Saturday, Singapore lost 1—3 in their first encounter with
Thailand at Singapore’s National Stadium.
The Lions travelled to Bangkok, needing a win badly. They
attacked from the word ’go’ but Mustafic Fahrudin’s effort was
cleared by the Thai keeper.
However, cheered on by the home crowd, the Thais soon turned the
heat on Singapore.
Many cast doubt on the Lions’ abilities after their lackluster
performance last Saturday, and critics had a field day as they
categorically wrote off Singapore’s chances of qualifying in the
2011 AFC Asian Cup. Despite all odds, the Lions made a mighty
comeback to beat nemesis Thailand 1-0 at Rajamangala Stadium – the
first time in 34 years since Singapore last beat Thailand in
Bangkok.
Singapore’s persistence paid off minutes before the break, when
Aleksander Duric headed in from a corner kick.
Thailand came back charged after the break, but could not make
their attempts count. Singapore too wasted numerous chances to
increase the lead.
Final score: Thailand 0 Singapore 1.
With the latest win, Singapore regained their second spot in
Group E on 6 points, one point ahead of Thailand but behind leaders
Iran.
