Singapore must find their bite Coach Pavkovic downplays importance of tonight's fixture but his strikers know better

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SEA Games football, Group A

Singapore vs Cambodia



JAKARTA - Their coach has tried to ease the pressure on them, insisting there is no must-win fixture in the games left to play in Group A of the SEA Games football tournament.

Including tonight's fixture against unfancied Cambodia.

Facing in-form hosts Indonesia on Friday and regional giants Thailand on Nov 17, conventional wisdom suggests Singapore have to win here tonight to collect wind in their sails after the insipid 0-0 draw with Malaysia on Monday.

While Singapore under-23 coach Slobodan Pavkovic claimed it was not the case, his forwards knew better.

Refreshingly honest, the trio of Nigel Vanu, Khairul Nizam and Fazli Ayob admitted the team were below par in their opening match against Malaysia.

"I didn't mind the (defensive) formation we adopted against Malaysia at all, I thought we still created chances, but I missed those that I had," said Fazli.

"We really just need to put the ball in the net. If I do get the chance to start tonight, I will take it with both hands."

Fazli was one of the bright sparks in the side with his willingness to take defenders on and create opportunities, but he lacked the finishing touch.

Nigel and Nizam, who came on in the second-half, were no better.

Nizam, struggling with a stomach bug and an ankle injury from Monday's game, remained upbeat.

He told Today: "Of course I'm disappointed to miss the opportunities I had against Malaysia, but I'm feeling really confident.

"It is very important that we get that first goal tonight, it will boost the spirit of the team and give us confidence that we can win."

The Singapore camp would be wise to not underestimate their opponents.

Cambodia started strongly in their last match against Indonesia, turning in a disciplined performance in the first 20 minutes.

They actually found the net first, but the effort was controversially ruled out for offside.

They capitulated after Indonesia went ahead and eventually lost 6-0.

They feel the experience will hold them in good stead. Said Cambodia's assistant coach, Meas Channa: "Even though we lost, the experience has made my players very confident to play Singapore. If we get two wins and a draw in the next three games, we still have a chance to qualify."

Besides a lack of goals, Singapore have another big headache.

Five players - Safuwan Baharudin, Shahir Hamzah, Safirul Sulaiman, Irwan Shah and Nigel - received yellow cards in the last game.

With Indonesia and Thailand looming, any suspension could hurt.

Skipper Hariss Harun summed up the situation aptly.

He said: "The boys must play with their heads and not get into trouble. It doesn't matter who plays though, we have 20 players here and each is as capable as the next.

"Tonight, there is no doubt that goals are what we need."



The match will be shown "live" at 7.55pm on MediaCorp Channel 5