Oh, for some firepower Goals are a must against Jordan and ex-Lions call for reinforcements

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SINGAPORE - They tore the Malaysian defence apart in a slick show of pass-and-move football in July, but just over a month later, the Lions look a pale shadow of themselves.

Radojko Avramovic's charges sit bottom of Group A in the third round of Asia's World Cup qualifiers, after losses to China (2-1) and Iraq (2-0).

They face a win-or-bust home fixture against Jordan on Oct 11 and goals are the big worry, after the team failed to carve out even meaningful chances in their last two games.

Former Singapore internationals have called for national coach Avramovic to stock the Singapore arsenal with more firepower, citing an over-reliance on the attacking foursome of Aleksandar Duric, Qiu Li, skipper Shahril Ishak and Shi Jiayi.

Said former Lions defender R Sasikumar: "I don't know where we're going to get the goals from. It's amazing what he's still doing at his age, but there is an over-dependence on 41-year-old Duric. If we take him out of the equation, we will struggle.

"Qiu Li only works when he has the ball at his feet, and he plays in patches and you can't have that at international level."

Much has been made of Home United striker Qiu Li's fitness, especially as he carries a visible paunch.

Home manager S Mahalingam was quick to come to the defence of the 30-year-old, when he said: "In the last game he was still recovering from an upset stomach; as far as we are concerned, the coach has got him on a fitness programme, and we are pleased with how he's playing for Home."

A fit Qiu Li would surely make a bigger impact, especially with his impeccable technique and skill, but Sasikumar believes pace is what Singapore's attack lacks right now.

"We need some speed merchants in the team. In the game against Iraq that was sorely lacking," he said.

The Lions clearly miss the fleet-footed Khairul Amri, who suffered a serious knee injury just before the second round of qualifiers against Malaysia.

Flying winger Ridhuan Muhamad, who plies his trade with Indonesian club Arema Malang, is out of favour.

Avramovic threw SAFFC striker Fazrul Nawaz on for the second half against Iraq, but he appeared listless.

Avramovic rued the lack of aggression against Iraq.

Veteran striker Noh Alam Shah, who was not selected in the squad, would add steel, according to Lions' goalkeeping great David Lee.

"You need that aggression at international level, and Alam Shah is a good player, but his temperament might cause a headache for the coach."

Sasikumar singled out Tampines Rovers' Ahmad Latiff as someone who could spark a Lions fightback.

"He's clever, he knows how to win free-kicks around the box, he can get goals, and he's not as wild as he was before. Maybe Raddy should give him a chance," he said.

While John Wilkinson, who is plying his trade in Thailand, Tampines' Aliff Shafaein, and even SAFFC's Rhysh Roshan Rai, were other names mentioned, former skipper Alam Shah and Latiff were top of the wish list for inclusion in the national squad.

Said Sasikumar: "Alam Shah will make a difference in his link-up play with Duric - on his good days - and he will be very motivated. The time could be right to bring him back."



Where the firepower could come from

Noh Alam Shah, 31: The former skipper's aggression is sorely missed, although his temper could be a liability. His link up play with Aleksandar Duric, goal-getting ability and lion-heart are always big assets.



Ahmad Latiff, 32: Clever, penetrative and can score from anywhere around the box. But the free-spirit has got into trouble with authorities on a number of occasions.



John Wilkinson, 32: Good vision and passing ability will come to the fore on his day; also a threat from set-pieces.



Aliff Shafaein, 29: Nippy and often under-estimated because of his diminutive stature. Has the ability to beat players and an eye for defence-splitting passes.



Ridhuan Muhamad, 27: Blessed with pace that would leave most in his wake. Has been a great success in Indonesia, but has not repeated the same penetrative wing play at international level.



Rhysh Roshan Rai, 26: Central midfielder with a good range of passing. Height can be useful in the middle of the park and at set-pieces, although the 1.91m tall is criticised for lacking aggression.