Singapore take on Thailand in crucial Asian Cup football qualifier

By Koh Yizhe and Les Tan/Red Sports

Saturday, November 14, 2009 – Singapore entertain Thailand tonight at the National Stadium in a crucial Asian Cup football qualifying game.

Singapore lie second in the table behind Iran and a win over the third-placed Thai team will give the team an edge in the away game next Wednesday in Bangkok.

Only the top two teams in Group E will qualify for the Asian Cup in 2011.

With big men Aleksandar Duric and Noh Alam Shah upfront, set pieces will be key, according to national defender Precious Emuejeraye.

"It (set-pieces) will be very important against Thailand because we have the height. It's high time we started making use of our height and we have been working on that a lot during training," said Precious.

"Your team is only as good as what you have on the pitch. And of course, not everybody can play so I'll have to perform if the coach gives me the chance to play,” added Precious who did not start in the 3-1 friendly win over Indonesia last week.

In the game, Shaiful Esah of SAFFC created the chances with his dead ball kicking, something the defender is quite proud of.

"I think I did well and the team did well. If we didn't fight for the ball, we wouldn't have scored also. So it's not only about the delivery but the players have to fight for the ball. Cheers to Duric and Alam Shah for doing that," said Shaiful, acknowledging the goal scorers of that game.

Duric, who scored two goals against Indonesia, is also raring to go in tonight’s game.

"I hope I'll score two goals against Thailand like I did against Indonesia! Coach wants to try different formations. We played Thailand before so we know each other very well. It will definitely be tough. I hope many Singaporeans will come down to support us. There are no excuses this time as there’s no EPL matches and no games on TV, so I hope to see a full national stadium supporting us," said the 39-year-old striker who won the top scorer award with 28 goals in the S.League this year.

“We have been working on set-pieces during train and although it is different in a game situation. Esah performed very well (against Indonesia). We are dangerous from set-pieces as we are a very tall team and it will be an important factor against Thailand. I am sure Thailand knows this and they will avoid giving corners and free kicks away cheaply," added Duric.

An injury to Mustafic Fahrudin is a worry for Singapore though, although the midfield hardman is playing it down.

"I think I am ready [for the match against Thailand]. I had a problem with my ankle against Indonesia, but now I am walking fine. I have been working with the fitness trainers all week so I should be ready for Saturday's game. It is such a big game not only for us, but also for the country. This is a great chance for Singapore to go play in the Asian Cup, one of the biggest stages in the world. I am really looking forward to this game,” said Fahrudin.

Our coach knows what to expect from Thailand and he has been preparing us both physically and mentally for the match. We will try to go for the win at home then whatever we get that from the away game would be a good result. We have beaten them before so it gives us confidence. We just have to follow our coach instructions," he added.

Thailand will be looking to their exciting 20-year-old, Teerasil Dangda, to prise open the Singapore defence, said assistant coach Kiatisuk "Zico" Semanuang.

“Teerasil [Dangda] is very young, very fit. He won the Thailand Premier League with Muang Thong United,” said Zico. “He will be a problem for the Singapore team.”

On Singapore’s greatest threat, Zico was quite clear.

“Noh Alam Shah,” said Zico without hesitation. “Because he’s very fast, he’s experienced. He makes trouble for our defense.”

Zico also pointed out a weakness in Singapore’s middle defensive pairing of Baihakki Khaizan and Daniel Bennett.

“Singapore is very strong and has good players. But in defense, the centre backs are tall but cannot turn quickly,” said Zico*.

*interview facilitated by adidas Singapore

Match Details
Singapore vs Thailand
National Stadium, Kallang
7.30pm

Ticket Sales
Grandstand: $10
Gallery: $6 (Adult), $2 (students and senior citizens)
Tickets available on Saturday from 5.30pm at the National Stadium East and West entrances.

Singapore National Football Team