BOCAUE -- Singapore head into Friday's AFF Suzuki Cup clash against Indonesia knowing that they will probably have to win to stand a chance of progressing to the semifinals.
The Lions were disciplined and determined against Thailand on Tuesday, but fell to a last-gasp 1-0 defeat at the Philippine Sports Stadium.
There were many encouraging aspects that they can take from their loss to the defending champions, heading towards their final Group A game.
Positives
V. Sundramoorthy expressed pride at the way his charges worked their socks off, and followed the game plan steadfastly. He was bitterly disappointed that they were not able to get a point in the end. Few would argue they did not deserve one, given the way they were resolute at the back while also giving their opponents a few scares.
Negatives
Given the Lions had three excellent chances to break the deadlock, some would say they only had themselves to blame for not getting a positive result. The wait for their first goal in the tournament goes on. The jury is still out on whether they will be creative, and clinical enough, to get the result against Indonesia.
Manager rating out of 10
8 --- When was the last time Thailand played against Southeast Asian opposition, and were restricted to just five clear-cut openings? Sundram had a game plan and made sure each player knew their role on the pitch. But having come under some flak in some quarters for what they perceive as negative tactics, he showed he was able to combined dogged defending, with good counterattacking football, as the Lions offered a threat of their own.
Player ratings (1-10; 10= best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Hassan Sunny, 6.5 -- The Army United custodian was not as busy as he was against Philippines last Saturday, but was still required to be at his best. He made two smart saves to deny Siroch Chatthong and Chanathip Songkrasin, and showed clean hands throughout the game. Will be bitterly disappointed at conceding a minute from time.
DF Faritz Hameed, 6 -- Looked like he was going to be in trouble after picking up an early yellow, especially coming up against the unstoppable force that is Siroch. Had a tough time throughout the 90 minutes, but deserves credit for how he never stopped trying.
DF Madhu Mohana, 7 -- Madhu has defied a disappointing season at club level, and has already produced two commendable displays in the heart of the Lions defence. His long throws also gave the Thai backline something to thin about.
DF Daniel Bennett, 7.5 -- The fact that Bennett has arguably been Singapore's best performer over the first two games begets the question: Where was he during the three-year reign of Bernd Stange? Sundram's predecessor was quick to exile veterans like Bennett. But, despite being 38, he has shown age is merely a number. Having also failed to score against the Lions in the 2012 final, Thailand star Teerasil Dangda must be sick of the sight of Bennett.
DF Shakir Hamzah, 6.5 -- An all-action display from Shakir saw him not only nullify the threat of Rungrath Poomchanteuk, but also bomb forward with intent at every opportunity. He even had an excellent chance to win it for his side close to the end when his powerful effort forced Kawin Thamsatchanan into an excellent stop.
MF M. Anumanthan, 6.5 -- If someone told you there was a tough-tackling midfielder in the Lions engine room, who has won four Malaysia Super League titles in a row, you would have to think twice to decide if it's Hariss or Anumanthan. That is testament to how well he's done in his maiden Suzuki Cup. Doesn't try to over-complicate things, but he knows his job and he gets it done.
MF Hariss Harun, 6.5 -- The usual disciplined display from Hariss as he led his team-mates by example. Nonetheless, you get the feeling that there is still more to come from the powerhouse midfielder. Singapore fans will be hoping that the one game Hariss emerges, and takes it by the scruff of its neck will come this Friday.
MF Safuwan Baharudin, 6 -- Did well to win a few aerial challenges, but also tried to play the ball on too quickly on a number of occasions, when he perhaps could have shown more composure and awareness. Still, Safuwan can be relied on to do his defensive duties and, if he can rediscover his form, remains one of Singapore's most important players.
MF Juma'at Jantan, 7 -- Started out on the left but shifted to the other flank to provide cover for Faritz after his early yellow card. Known more for his defensive play, Juma'at could have emerged as a goalscoring hero had he been able to convert after being played through by Khairul Amri in the 63rd minute. Despite failing to hit the target, few can blame the Home United captain for the defeat as he produced another tireless shift.
MF Faris Ramli, 7 -- Faris's 2016 has been hampered by injury. but he showed on Tuesday why he remains one of Singapore's most talented players. He danced around some of Southeast Asia's best defenders, but also produced a number of excellent final balls which led to scoring chances for Singapore. With consistency, Faris will be a star in the region.
FW Khairul Amri, 7.5 - How does a striker become his side's man of the match without scoring? Well, Amri, playing as a lone striker, first had to contend with two centre-backs who were not afraid to kick him hard. Then, Thailand changed their system and he had three opponents to deal with. Despite the attention he was given, he was such a strong presence up front as he held the ball up before bringing his teammates into play. Could even have had a couple of assists had the Lions been more clinical in front of goal.
Substitutes
MF Izzdin Shafiq, NR -- When Izzdin came on for Safuwan in the 74th minute, he probably would not have imagined he might have scored the winner against Thailand. Yet, that's exactly the situation he found himself in in the closing stages as he was found inside the box by Amri. Not once, but twice, he swung his leg at the ball, but was just unable to cleanly get a shot away as another chance went begging for the Lions.
MF Yasir Hanapi, NR -- With Juma'at running out of legs, Yasir was introduced with nine minutes remaining. Was brought on to provide running, and did just that, although his touch let him down on a couple of occasions.
MF Shahril Ishak, NR -- Brought on right at the death as an attacking switch following Sarawut's strike, but did not have much time to make an impact.