SINGAPORE'S FOCUS IS ON
THE FINAL
JAKARTA (Dec 8, 2008) –
The outcome of tomorrow's match between Singapore and Indonesia
will not really matter to the Lions. This is because as far as the
reigning champions are concerned, their main objective is to make
the final of the AFF Suzuki Cup final.
The defending champions, who have
won two matches and have already qualified for the semifinals, will
battle Indonesia in the last group match to decide which team will
top the group. "The advantage is with Indonesia who will have their
supporters. But on the pitch its 11 vs11 and we play every game to
win," said Avramovic today.
"This is the most prestigious and
biggest competition in South East Asia and it is important that
both Singapore and Indonesia have qualified for the semi finals.
For us, our main objective is to be in the final," declared the
coach who also led the team to the previous title.
Based on performances thus far,
both Singapore and Indonesia have impressed. It will be a close and
cautious match tomorrow with the team that makes the fewest
mistakes likely to prevail.
Singapore have an enormous arsenal
with the likes of Agu Casmir, Mohd Noh Alam Shah, Indra Sahdan,
Alexander Duric and Shia Jiayi all capable of scoring but Indonesia
too have shown that they have some heavy artillery in Budi
Sudarsono and Bambang Pamungkas.
For the record, Budi and Agu have
both netted four goals each. Budi scored once against Myanmar and
followed it up with a sizzling hattrick against Cambodia yesterday.
Agu helped himself to two goals each against the Cambodia and
Myanmar.
The fans, who are expected to pack
the 80,000 capacity Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, will be in for a
real treat.
Meanwhile, Avramovic also echoed
the sentiments of Myanmar coach Carlos Antonio Falopa that players
should have more time to rest between matches. "Players should have
more time to rest. The quality of football will improve as the
players will be able to play better. I wish to have my best
11 for tomorrow's game and for all my games but sometimes that is
not possible."
