Tremendous defeat to Singapore, brilliant victory to Liverpool FC

It was a stunning result for me, and the Singapore National Team. But we have to bow down to fate because the Reds delivered beautifully and deserved the win. Singapore on the other hand, could have a more prideful loss if they didn't stick to their style of play.

Liverpool tried hard in the first half, only to bag 1 goal in the last minute. It was somehow a lucky goal, as the shot hit and deflected from the Singaporean defender who were right in front of goalkeeper Hassan Sunny, causing a flustered Sunny too late to react to the shot.

Just as I thought Singapore wouldn't lose too badly as they prove themselves in the first half, The visitors gave Singapore a good thrashing down in the second. 4 goals to nil, making the final score 5 - 0. I have to be contented because LFC played a good game, and I've already expected the results to be horrendous.

I'm disgraced, not because we lost 5 - 0. I'm disgusted by the fans who came, with red Addidas and Carlsberg sponsored kit. It's natural for a group of people to come support Liverpool, but it's certainly too much for 80% of the fans to support the visitors instead of our very own National Team! National Team Coach Raddy Avramovic said before, that Singapore needs its fans to boost the morale of the players. It was an irony to see our very own stadium filled with our own people supporting the opponents! Where are the Singaporeans?!

Singapore needs to change its style of play to blend into international standards. We defeated the other SEAsian teams because they didn't have the height advantage like many of our tall players, and they couldn't break through our defence. The Singapore National Team plays in a way they mark the strikers and midfielders, ensuring no chance for the opponents to score, and then pushes the ball to the striker and let him do the rest alone. This worked for SE Asia teams, but not for technical teams like Europe and East Asia because they have good tactics and skills to dribble through the posts. Singapore is very easy to predict, not difficult to beat. Players get tired in the second half, leaving loopholes in the defense allowing the opponents to seize the opportunity to strike.

Singapore can still defeat Malaysia, Cambodia, Phillipines, maybe Indonesia with the current style of play. But if it comes to powerhouses like Thailand and Vietnam, Singapore needs to change its tactics. No more long passing and hope the ball gets to the striker, players need to grasp the skills of dribble and passing.

The national team is weak in Asia, but the clubs are strong. The current champion of the S-League, SAFFC plays the same way the national team does, which explains why they defeated PSMS Medan of Indonesia and lost to Kashima Antlers 5 - 0 in the Champions League. Brunei DPMM on the contrary, beat the champions thrice because they had good technical skills to break through SAFFC's luck and defense technics.

If Tampines Rovers had the chance to play against the Reds, the result would be a little bit more appeasing. Rapport and team work plays a lot in the field. The national team comprises of players from different clubs who did not harbor the quality of a good team, just like England couldn't do well in the World Cup too. But then again, a loss is a loss, and we lost to a good opponent. Kudos to both teams.

Next national match will be against Thailand this November, for the Asian Cup Qualifier. With Peter Reid as their technical coach, Singapore will definitely be facing a very tough team. I respect Thailand for they splendid style of play, but I hope Singapore will bring back glory this November.