Lions Head Coach Tsutomu Ogura at the pre-match Press Conference, 25 December 2024.
SINGAPORE, 25 DECEMBER 2024 – Throughout the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup, the fighting spirit of the Singapore Men’s National Team has been a defining trait of their campaign – demonstrating an uncanny ability to rally together against the odds.
That willpower will be key for the Lions as they face a much-fancied Vietnam side in the first of their two-legged semi-finals at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Thursday, 26 December.
Vietnam will come into this game full of confidence, having notched three wins and a draw on their way to topping Group B. They boast the best defensive record in the tournament thus far, only conceding two goals, while only Thailand – with 18 goals – have scored more than Vietnam’s 11 group-stage goals.
Lions forward Abdul Rasaq acknowledged the tough challenge that stands before his team, but he is approaching the task with quiet confidence.
“We have a lot of belief in ourselves after qualifying for the semi-finals. After seeing what we have been doing in training, we really trust ourselves and what the coaches have prepared for us,” said the 23-year-old.
“We are going to need everybody’s fighting spirit to come through on the pitch. It’s going to be a tough game against a strong side, but we just have to believe in ourselves and our abilities. As long as we give our best when we go out there tomorrow, everything will fall in place.”
Lions forward Abdul Rasaq at the pre-match Press Conference, 25 December 2024.
Placed 114th in FIFA’s rankings, Vietnam have established themselves as one of the region’s top nations in recent years, consistently featuring in the semi-finals and finals of the tournament.
Their squad includes the likes of star playmaker Nguyen Quang Hai and the recently naturalised Ngyuen Xuan Son – who bagged two goals and two assists in his debut against Myanmar.
To prepare for this upcoming challenge, Lions Head Coach Tsutomu Ogura allowed his team some time off after returning from Malaysia to recuperate for the match, and he believes time with family has done the boys a world of good.
“Everybody is mentally and physically prepared to show our football infront of our home fans tomorrow,” said the Japanese tactician.
“We have already done our analysis of Vietnam, and as long as we focus on playing our football – we can definitely find that balance we need between attacking and defending.”
Singapore’s performances throughout the group stages have caught the eye of Ogura’s opposite number – Vietnam Head Coach Kim Sang-sik.
“We know Singapore have a very good pressing ability and it’s not easy to face a team that has a pressing ability that strong. But, we have already studied all their matches and playing patterns and my players are ready for it,” said the 48-year-old.
Singapore’s pre-match Press Conference, 25 December 2024.
Pre-match coverage leading up to this semi-final has been dominated by the overwhelming reception from local fans – many of whom braved the snaking queues around Jalan Besar Stadium to purchase match tickets.
And the positivity has already had an impact on the Lions camp.
“We as players are appreciative and grateful for the support from our fans throughout the tournament,” said Rasaq.
“We are focused on doing our part to repay their support on the pitch and tomorrow we need them more than ever to get the result.”
Tickets for Singapore’s clash against Vietnam are sold out. However, fans can still catch the match through the live screenings held at various 11 community facilities around the country, as well as on Mediacorp’s meWATCH.
FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE
