Singapore 3 Taiwan 2
SINGAPORE - After referee Ng Kai Lam's final whistle last night, Singapore coach Radojko Avramovic approached his opposite number Tee Tae Ho for the customary post-match handshake, then went back to his seat on the bench, scribbling furiously on his notepad.
Avramovic's Lions were not at their convincing best in the 3-2 victory over Taiwan at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
But the Serb still had several positives to take from the Lions' final tune-up before facing arch-rivals Malaysia on Saturday in a blockbuster clash in the second round of Asian Zone World Cup qualifiers - especially the form of skipper Shahril Ishak.
In limbo since signing for breakaway Indonesian Premier League side Medan Chiefs, the attacking midfielder was finally back in a Singapore shirt and in front of around 2,000 fans, he showed invention in his passing, penetration in attack, and a burning desire to lead the team out onto the field.
"It was a good game, but there were some points that we'll have to look to improve on. I'm not so happy with the way we weren't able to apply some of our training drills in the match, but we were keeping the ball and creating chances," said Avramovic.
"The result could have been very different if we had taken those chances."
Aleksandar Duric bagged a brace (17th, 54th min) with second half substitute Fazrul Nawaz stabbing home the winner in the 83rd minute, but returning from international exile, it was Shahril who looks likely to provide the ammunition if Singapore is to come out on top against ASEAN champions Malaysia.
When asked about his plans for Shahril, Avramovic laughed, only saying: "Yes, Shahril is cleared to play, that one I can tell you."
And the Lions skipper is raring to go.
After Saturday, Singapore will travel to Kuala Lumpur for the second leg at Bukit Jalil Stadium on July 28 and Shahril said: "It's been a long time since I've played 90 full minutes internationally, and I'm pleased with how I've kept my fitness levels up to last the entire game.
"I want to beat Malaysia, all the boys want to win the tie, and I want to be able to help the team do that.
"We are confident. I believe in this new team that Raddy has picked, and I think Malaysia may find it difficult to play on the artificial turf at Jalan Besar."
Looking comfortable on the Jalan Besar green was Home United forward Qiu Li.
Making a 25-minute appearance in the second half, Qiu was a constant thorn in the Taiwan defence, and his technical ability and mazy dribbles will surely be another weapon the Serb will be able to unleash on the Tigers.
Said Avramovic: "Qiu Li showed he can be important part of our game against Malaysia. He can keep the ball, give a quality pass, and also get himself into positions to score a goal. He will help us keep possession and create chances."
The Singapore players are well aware what is at stake, especially with the added spice from a Causeway derby.
Judging from their performance in the 6-3 friendly defeat to Liverpool last Saturday, the Malaysians are ready, and Shahril said: "We need to stay focused and listen to the coach's plan and play our positions the way he wants us to - that is key.
"But we know that it'll be a full house of Singapore fans, and it'll be great to play in front of them.
"We definitely don't want to disappoint them.
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