Muhammad Hami tussling for the ball with his Vasco Da Gama opponent. Being the youngest team in the tournament, the Singapore U15s faced an uphill battle against physically superior opponents. (Photo 1 © Tan Jon Han/Red Sports)
Jalan Besar Stadium, Saturday, June 23, 2012 — The Singapore Under-15s went down 1-2 to Brazilian club side, CR Vasco da Gama, in their opening game of the Canon Lion City Cup.
Vasco da Gama led 1-0 at half time.
Luan Martins blasted a long-range effort into goal past Singapore U15s goalkeeper, Kenji Rusydi, in the 13th minute. Two minutes into the second half, Tauan Oliveira extended their lead with another goal even though the Singapore U15s brought on substitutes.
Singapore U15s finally got a goal for their efforts in the 46th minute with a goal from defender Amer Nasir.
The goal gave the U15s new hope but they could not break down the Brazilian defence.
Speaking at the post match press conference, Singapore U15s coach Nazri Nasir said: “I am very proud of my boys and they fought hard on the pitch. They never gave up despite conceding the early goal. They played up to my expectations. We certainly gave a better fight in the 2nd half. My players have a big heart which makes up for their small size on the pitch.”
U15s captain Shahrul Affandy said: “Despite the loss and being the youngest team in the tournament, we played well and even managed to get a goal when we were 2-0 down. We learned a few things in today’s match and we will improve from here on.”
Sergio Bello, head coach of Vasco da Gama said: “We had a little bit more of an edge today on the match but we were up against very determined opponents. I am happy with my team’s performance too. And the Singapore side has good tactical players and I think they need more experience.”
Matheus da Silva, the man of the match, said: “I think it was a good game and it was a very good experience for us as a team and also for me.”
In an earlier game, the Singapore U15s came from behind to beat Ajax 2-1.
Final Score
CR Vasco da Gama 2 Singapore U15s 1
Penalty shootout*
CR Vasco da Gama 2 Singapore U15s 1
*to be taken into account only if teams are tied at the end of the group stage
Singapore U15s Starting Lineup
Kenji Rusydi (GK), Rusyaidi Salime, Shahrul Affandy (C), Justin Hui (Fadzyl Misawal 70’), Zulqarnaen Suzliman, Hami Syahin, Jordan Chan (Amirul Hakim 40’ (Fazrin Hawafi 79’)), Danish Jefri (Naufal Azman 40’), Amer Nazri, Syukri Bashir (Royston Tan 40’), Syahrul Sazali
Vasco Da Gama Starting Lineup
Vinicius de Oliveira (GK), Gabriel da Silva, Rodrigo Nobrega, Felipe Rodrigues, Rafeal de Carvalho (C), Tauan Oliveira (Allan de Andrade 67’), Luan Martins, Evander da Silva, Joao dos Santos, Matheus da Silva, Matheus Oliveira (Guilherme de Souza 79’)
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[…] the later match, Singapore U15s lost their opening match 1-2 against Vasco Da Gama. Luan Martins and Tauan Oliviera scored for Vasco Da Gama while Amer Nazri scored the consolation […]