Young Lions all grown up: Izwan, Safuwan not fazed as huge clash with China looms

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Asian World Cup qualifier, Group A

China v Singapore

SINGAPORE - In the blood and thunder of a Causeway derby double-header, the coaching staff of the Lions (picture) and many Singapore fans wondered nervously just how goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud and central defender Safuwan Baharudin would fare in the second round World Cup qualifier.

Izwan, only 21, was thrust into the spotlight after injuries to regulars Hassan Sunny and Lionel Lewis, and he made full use of his opportunity, playing a crucial role in the Lions 6-4 aggregate win over arch-rivals Malaysia. In front of him, Safuwan, even younger at 19, was cool, tough and uncompromising, playing alongside veteran Daniel Bennett as if he was born for the role.

While Safuwan will start against China in the Lions' opening Group A match in the third round of qualifiers, Izwan is not guaranteed a place as the experienced Lewis has recovered from a groin injury, although national coach Radojko Avramovic will have no problem fielding the young goalkeeper in front of 40,000 intense Chinese fans in Kunming on Friday.

The two players have grown up quickly, after finding their feet with the Singapore under-23s and the Courts Young Lions in the S-League.

Speaking to Today from Kunming, Safuwan said yesterday: "I did not expect to be drafted into the national squad so early. In my mind, I thought I would be ready only when I reached 23 or 24, not now.

"So, for me, I have been forced to grow up very quickly because we had to equal our last performance in the last World Cup qualifiers, that is to play in the group stage and, fortunately, we did.

"I know that China will be tougher, especially here, but I feel calmer than when we played Malaysia."

Safuwan has earned his starting position alongside Bennett.

He played well last Thursday in the 0-0 draw with Thailand in a friendly in Bangkok.

Izwan is up for the challenge as he battles Lewis for the No 1 jersey.

He will never forget how the senior players in the squad treated him ahead of the two games against Malaysia.

"I was able to play in the Malaysia matches because of the way the senior players treated us. They did not make us feel as though we were juniors and gave us the confidence that we could play at a higher level," he said.

"That has been important in the way we are approaching the China match and, although I am a little nervous, I'm not afraid."

The Lions' tactical preparations have been aided by the video they watched of the match with China in the National Day challenge in 2009 here, which they lost on penalties after the game ended 1-1.

Avramovic took the players through the match, and Safuwan said: "Except for three or four older players recalled to their team, the side we are facing are almost the same.

"Sure, while they start as favourites at home, we have not come here blind and have every chance of going back with a decent result. Unlike the do-or-die match with Malaysia, there are other games to come in the group stage."

After a festive dinner on Monday night, the team were given a day off yesterday for the Muslim players to celebrate Hari Raya Puasa.

They spent the day with a little shopping and Izwan said: "This is my first time away from home during Hari Raya. I feel a little sad, but we are out as a group and are having a great time."