Caio Thimoteo is sent off despite protests. (Photo by Muse PR)
The Singapore under-16 football team failed to capitalise on their one-man advantage as they drew 1-1 with Brazil's CR Flamengo under-15s in the Canon Lion City Cup Group B clash on Monday night at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
Flamengo were down to 10 men for the last 35 minutes of the match after midfielder Caio Thimoteo saw red for hauling down Muhaimin Suhaimi, after he was sent through on goal with a pass from Illyas Lee.
The match got off to a bright start, with tackles flying in thick and fast and it was not long before tempers flared.
Flamengo striker Arlindo Neto collided with Cubs custodian Fashah Rosedin when they were challenging for the ball. Both sides clamoured for the referee's attention when some pushing occurred, but the issue was quickly resolved by the man in the middle.
However, it was Brazilian midfielder Herson Pinheiro who was running the show for Flamengo, dictating his team's play with much composure. But the samba boys were unable to find a way through the Cubs defence marshalled by stand-in skipper Dhukhilan Jeevamani.
Muhaimin Suhaimi scores for Singapore. (Photo by Muse PR)
The deadlock was finally broken in the 70th minute when speedy winger Jonathan Tan took on the Flamengo defence down the left wing. His cross was poorly cleared by Flamengo captain Lincoln Fernando, but Muhaimin was there to drill it low beyond Thiago Rodrigues' reach.
However, with five minutes remaining, Jorge Marco levelled the score when he let fly a scorcher of a shot that left Fashah with no chance.
CR Flamengo keeper Thiago Rodrigues celebrates the equaliser. (Photo by Muse PR)
The draw means Flamengo are through to the semi-finals. The Cubs face Everton FC on Wednesday, where a draw will see them through to the semi-finals.
Flamengo coach Celso Martins was not too impressed with the referee's decisions. While admitting that the sending-off was a fair call, he felt that the style of refereeing was generally too strict and thus impeded his team's performance.
"We are here to preserve the talents of the players, the dribbles, the shots, the good soccer. Everybody's here to see [sic] the good soccer, nobody's here to see fault," he said.
Singapore under-16s coach Takuma Koga was not satisfied with the result as his team could have won but instead conceded a late goal.
"But on the other hand, I'm satisfied as they worked hard and we can improve," he added.
Goal-scorer Muhaimin Suhaimi with coach Takuma Koga and skipper Dhukhilan Jeevamani. (Yahoo! photo/Jasmond Tan …
Man-of-the-match and Cubs skipper Dhukhilan was disappointed that his side did not secure the win, but he is looking forward to the next game.
Arief Aditya, 22, founder of the Lions All The Way Crew, was proud of the boys for playing their hearts out for the country.
"For us supporters, that's the best that we can ask for. As a member of the crew, I would like to encourage all Singaporeans to come down to the (Jalan Besar) stadium and support our boys and motivate them even more," he said.
In the second match, Juventus FC U-15 defeated Newcastle United U-15 with a solitary goal from Varetto Nicholas. The Magpies have been knocked out of the tournament and Juventus will face Singapore U-15 on Wednesday to decide who finishes top of Group A.
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