Singapore, Iraq desperate to win

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Despite only being the second game of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, Tuesday's match between Singapore and Iraq has already been billed as a "must win" game.

Singapore lost to China 2-1 in a controversial Group A qualifier, while Iraq got their campaign off to a poor start after losing to Jordan 2-0 at home.

And Iraq coach Zico believes whichever team loses Tuesday's match at the Jalan Besar Stadium will face an uphill task in their bid to qualify for the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil.

"We hope we can have a good match tomorrow [Tuesday], because both Iraq and Singapore lost their first matches," Zico said in Monday's pre-match press conference.

"Tomorrow's [Tuesday] game is of big importance for us, we need to win otherwise it will be difficult to qualify."

Singapore coach Radojko Avramovic agreed with his counterpart, insisting: "Both teams need points [if] both wish to be successful in this competition.

Avramovic will be looking to rejuvenate the spirits of his players before Tuesday's match, especially after they lost to China in controversial fashion.

The Lions had taken the lead against their more illustrious opponents when Aleksandar Duric gave them a 33rd-minute lead, but Singapore were hit with a blow when young goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud went down injured early on in the second half.

Substitute custodian Lionel Lewis came on and almost immediately conceded a penalty, which he then kept out with a stunning save.

However, just ten minutes later China were awarded a second penalty, which Zheng Zhi converted, before the Chinese went on to sew up all three points in the 73rd minute when Yu Hai finished from close range.

Avramovic, who was sent to the stands shortly after the second penalty was given, revealed how all of the Singapore players were shattered after the heartbreaking loss.

"In the dressing room, everyone was disappointed because everyone had put in so much effort.

"In the end, to get nothing from the game was disappointing."

But while Avramovic conceded it was difficult to comfort his troops after Friday's game, he hopes they will learn from their mistakes.

"[It is] always difficult, especially when we really put in a lot of effort and resources into the game. [We] missed a chance for a really good result.

"After the game, I told the players to learn from their mistakes, [as the] next few [qualifiers] will be very similar.

"We will have to play smarter and more professional."

Iraq were also left disappointed after losing to Jordan in a game where they dominated proceedings, but failed to find the back of the net, while their opponents made the most of their limited opportunities to claim a 2-0 win.

Zico, who was only appointed as Iraq coach days before their first qualifier, admits he has not had ample time to prepare suitably, but was hopeful his team would improve on their profligacy against Singapore.

"It's very hard [being appointed days before the first game], but we will have to do our best.

"I need time [but] we only have three training sessions. Miracles do not happen in football.

"[We're] looking to make less mistakes - maybe tomorrow [Tuesday] the players will put the ball in the net, because that is important.

"Look at Jordan - two shots, two goals."

Zico was not willing to subscribe to the notion that his players have been overwhelmed by a boisterous home crowd, and hoped his players would display more composure on Tuesday.

"Maybe the players were nervous [against Jordan], maybe tomorrow [Tuesday] they will be more relaxed and can play very well.

"Every game in the World Cup has pressure, but maybe the first game had more pressure.

"The players did not play will tranquility."

However, one concern that is signficantly troubling Zico is the artificial pitch of the Jalan Besar Stadium, which he believes will hinder Iraq's free-flowing style of play.

"I don't like the [artificial] field - I think good games are played on natural grass.

"The Iraq team has good technique, but [the synthetic grass] is not a good field."

Tuesday's other Group A qualifier will see China travel to take on Jordan in a top-of-the-table clash.