SINGAPORE — Depending on the result between Malaysia and Thailand in tonight's other Group B fixture, a draw against Myanmar may not see Singapore eliminated from the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup, but national coach Bernd Stange was in no mood to discuss the possible permutations.
For him, what the Lions must do if they are to have any chance of retaining their title is crystal clear: Win their remaining two Group B matches.
Singapore's 2-1 defeat to Thailand in their opening Group B match on Sunday means they must win tonight's clash with Myanmar to give themselves the best possible chance of finishing in the top two and qualifying for the semi-finals.
At press time last night, 47 per cent — or about 23,500 — of the 50,000 tickets available were sold, and speaking earlier yesterday at the pre-match press conference, Stange promised fans that Singapore will put on an attacking display tonight.
"Expect an attacking display from Singapore. But at the same time, we must stay compact and be prepared for the counter-attack from Myanmar," he said.
"The game plan is to attack, but in doing so, we must also be patient. We have a pitch that is in good condition and I thought the atmosphere in the opening match against Thailand was what a football match should be all about. Lots of noise and packed terraces. I hope it will be the same (when we face Myanmar)."
Going into tonight's second round of fixtures in Group B, Thailand lead with three points, followed by Malaysia and Myanmar with a point each after both battled out a goalless draw on Sunday, with Singapore bottom.
But while Myanmar failed to get past a 10-man Malaysian side that had Gary Robbat sent off in their encounter at the Jalan Besar Stadium three days ago, Stange remains wary of the side now trained by his predecessor Radojko Avramovic, who led the Lions to three AFF Championship triumphs from 2003 to 2012.
Although not as experienced as Singapore, Avramovic's side possess plenty of speed and energy, although Myanmar sides of the past have been known to have suspect temperament, which infamously manifested during the ill-tempered semi-final in 2005 with Singapore that saw Zaw Lynn Tun, Moe Kyaw Thu and reserve goalkeeper Tun Tun Lin sent off.
In what could be interpreted as pre-match mind games, Avramovic believes Singapore are the favourites going into tonight's clash at the National Stadium. "Singapore as hosts are the team under pressure, not us. But making the switch from the artificial turf of the Jalan Besar Stadium to the grass of the National Stadium is going to be difficult," said the Serbian.
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