Yes folks,
Here's your chance to say anything you want about our Lions before their 2nd-leg Final playoff with Thailand tonight.
As expected, no heads will roll before tonight's match. No action taken against Thais, (until after this tournament, when they may not have to play any matches), thus setting a dangerous precedent for the next one in two years' time, where players can dispute any decision by walking out, where the coach can instigate a walkout, and where they can all return for the final without any problems.
To post your views instantly, click on "comments" below my sign-off below, or e-mail The New Paper under the title "Lions" by clicking on the link right.
Oh yes, 200 words please (pls click link right for auto word counter)...
Cheers...
Ernest Luis
The Postman
The New Paper
(PS. E-mailers, especially bloggers, please let us have your full name, age, occupation, contact numbers and favourite teams)
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35 comments:
Firstly, just want to say Saturday night was unbelievable!!!! Haha, "my gang" and I (around 10+ of us who hardly knew each other beforehand) were sat right behind the goal where they took the penalties! :D :D :D However, when the equaliser for Singapore went in earlier, I didn't really see the ball go in, haha, I just jumped up when I saw the other end jumping up!
Going to get my tix for the final later, but read that tix are selling fast, and I'm actually quite surprised by that because some of those from my group on Saturday have pulled out due to school the next day, and I thought everyone else had the same dilemma! On Saturday I had some friends who turned up last minute at the stadium and found tix were sold out, thankfully there was sggooner (where's he?) who helped us out.
Anyway, haha, if anyone else has gotten their tix and interested in joining us, just drop me an email... :) I can't believe how I'm so "on" for this, but I am!!!!!!! COME ON LIONSSSSS!!!!! WOOT!!!!!!
I did not managed to get tickets for the semis because it was sold out by the time i gathered enough people to watch. But my friends and i caught it at my place. Although I watched it on telly instead of live, I still felt the tension, especially aft M'sia scored and during the penalty kicks. Honestly, i had my doubts that S'pore would be able to equalise aft the mistake by Lionel but i felt the joy of the National Stadium when they won after the penalties.
For the final, I think i might be going down to support the Lions this time if school commitments permit. I guess the underdogs tag should suit the Lions fine as they normally play better to prove their critics wrong. Whatever the result is, the fact that this is the final match at the National Stadium should make it a very memorable one for all.
Cheers,
kel
Reaching back to back finals in 2 years is an achievement in itself for the Lions. Singapore has come a long way since the 2002 debacle and has proven to be a tough nut to crack.
Though the football hasn't been pretty to watch, you cannot deny the Lions have been effective. Raddy is a tactically astute coach who tailors the team to suit the opponent.
The atmosphere was euphoric and to see 55000 fans in the stadium brought back memories of the good old days of the Malaysia Cup.It was really hearts in mouths stuff last Saturday and I couldn't bear to watch the penalty kicks.
The Thais are a quick and skillful team and it's going to be difficult but not impossible task to overcome them. With our support, hopefully we can spur the boys on and drive them to victory tomorrow.
Go Lions!
The atmosphere at the semi-finals was absoutely fantastic. Even when the decisions were clear and correct against the Lions, the 55 000 in the stadium were boo-ing the referee. What spirit! Even when Malaysia scored, the fans didn't give up and kept cheering on the Lions. The Kallang Wave moved on and on. And when the equaliser came, the whole stadium erupted together. A Malaysia fan got taunted and he wanted to retaliate before the police caught him. So Lionel Lewis kept his cool during the penalty shoot-out and we are in the Final!
Maybe this time around, it will be a tougher task as the second-leg is held at Thailand. But wherever its held at, Singapore will still win it because we believe in the players. LETS GO LIONS!!
The gallery children tickets are sold out(according to my friend). :( It ruins my plans to go Kallang and catch it LIVE.
I've been at the National Stadium to watch Singapore Vs Vietnam, Singapore Vs Laos, Singapore Vs Malaysia. PLEASE, Singapore, beat Thailand comfortably. I know it's hard but do it for all of us. You are the Champion. Wouldn't you want to be Champion two times in a row? Show the spirit you never show before against the tricky Thais. Make us happy and proud. Thank You.
The Lions up against the South East Asia giant Thailand.David vs Goliath?I don't think so.They ain't that big and we ain't that small anymore.It will be 11 men fighting 11 men on the pitch tomorrow.Just show that never-say-die attitude like I saw in the match in Kallang against Malaysia that will be enough.
Add on to that with the prospect of seeing the rebirth of Kallang Wave once again,the atmosphere and the 12th player are all set up fully in force to support the Lions.Let the Thais feel the passion of the small red dot like the rest before them did.We can definately nick this trophy again,no doubt about that.Just Do It,again!
Cheers
jian quan, the gallery child tix weren't sold out! at least not at the time of your posting anyway... 'Cause I just went down to the National Stadium at 12 to get the tix.
By the way, I have 2 extra adult tickets after one of my friends told me later that she couldn't make it... anyone want them? Haha, I think at the rate we're going tickets will be sold out soon, but don't worry, if I do sell those tickets, it won't be at blackmarket prices. :)
My boyfriend keeps saying how Singapore plays like Liverpool (not meant to be a compliment), but if Liverpool can beat Chelsea, we can beat Thailand too! haha
I wish them all the best.. I wish they can win cause it my first time going to the National Stadium the second time to watch Singapore play. The first time was i think 6yrs back when Singapore was against Malaysia and they was so many people lor. Then when i bought the tickets, Singapore was losing by 3 goals.I wqas quite disappointed..
It has been a long looooong time since the Malaysia Cup days to see Singapore beat a Malaysian team. Nothing can be compared to the feeling of pride of seeing our own team winning.
Tomorrow night will see me sitting in front on the TV watching Singapore beat Thailand, I hope.z
Firstly i wanted to thankss all SINGAPOREAN for coming to KALLANG and supports the Lions..When malaysia took the lead i was shock when lewis just easily let the ball in..lucky for us we fight back one..and cause of the fans malaysia last taker have miss it..and i was jumping, dancing,shouting and celebrating all the way...after the match when goning home everybody keep shouting OLE OLE OLE till the BUS STOP all...
WEDNESDAY vS the thais
I hope the 60,000fans will coem down and cheers for the team agains dont care if u are working, cooking or OT just come down and watch the match and bring out the ROAR in you...
AND I WISH TEAM SINGAPORE TO BEAT THE THAI AT THE FINAL AND REGAIN OUR ASEAN CHAMPION..GOOD LUCK..
GO GET 'EM CHAMP!
Inside tunnel after 2nd leg Semi Finals against Malaysia.
Malaysian players having small talk.
Player A:'I did kick the ball away from Singapore player but he still scored the equaliser.'
Player B':Did you miskick?'
Player A:'Absolutely no.'
Player B:'Hey Ali.Why did the referee approach you before the restart after Singapore scored?'
Ali:'Referee asked me who kicked a golf ball at him?'
Player B:'Looks like somebody did kick the ball away from Singapore player.But only golf ball and not soccer ball.'
Outside Home Team's room.Singapore players were chatting among themselves.
GoalKeeper:'I'm rich.'
Player A:'Why?'
GoalKeeper:'When I concede my mistake goal.A lot of Singapore $1 coins were thrown at me.Total amount is $55,000.When I saved the penalty, total amount of 3000 Malaysian $1 ringgit was thrown at me.'
Player A:'Lucky guy.'
From:Chester Low
To be honest, I think we're a little lucky to be in the final. And a little lucky to get pass the group stages. But who cares? We are about to win another Asean Cup!!
National Stadium brings back lots of memories that includes happy and sad ones.
It was a fine evening, after working out at it's gym.I saw this shoulder hair length girl with long slender legs.She is tall and fair, the girl from Ipanema, run pass me at the tracks.Her smile is liken moon with pearly white teeth flashing towards my direction.I turn around and saw nobody else near or around me.I pointed myself while looking at her with romantic expressions.She nodded.Before I could say anything, she just run out of the stadium.
A few days later, I saw her playing soccer at National stadium, she is a midfielder, barking orders at her teammates.She did score a hattrick, unfortunately her team lost 3-4.All except her, have left the field.She was lying down on the field and I walk towards her.
I:'Don't take defeat too hard.You palyed well.'
She:'I take it easy.Thank you for your compliment.'
I:'May I lie down.'
She:'Permission granted.'
I:'I'm Chester.'
She:'Miyuki Nanase.'
I:'You like to lie down on grass?'
Miyuki:'Yes.Look up to see nice beautiful blue sky.'
And our conversation went on and on.
From our conversation.She came to Singapore at the age of 3 with her parents and they have stayed for 13 years.Her hometown is Sendai.An only child, studying in Japanese school at West Coast, Miyuki loves to running.She also likes to play baseball,basketball,tennis and soccer.Enjoy doing rythmtic gymnastics routine, Japanese tea ceremony and singing karaoke.Miyuki speaks and write excellent English, Mandrain, French and Italian. Most important hobbies of all, that is manga drawing and she is pretty good at it, having won lots of it in drawing competition.
Her parents gave their approval of me be her boyfriend.They let me know of Miyuki's illness, that is congital heart problem and it is rarest form.Doctors say she won't outlive pass her 18th birthday.
Knowing of her short life span, I try to spend most quality time with her.She does manga drawing while I'm her muse writer (My works are in English while she does the translation).Many of our works are completed, but could only be found in Japan, because she doesn't want to be sad after her demise.
As she continue playing her soccer and other sports.I became her personal assistant or caddy, carry her stuff while she is talking her to her teammates happily.
Besides playing games, Miyuki enjoys watching them on television and if possible, go down to the venues to watch live games especially Malaysian Cup games at National Stadium.
As the dreaded time arrived and it happens on that night's game.
We were watching Singapore vs Kedah and Old Lions needed a draw to take them into the finals.
When Old Lions scored, Miyuki her usual self, jump up and down shouting with joy ending with giving me a hug.
Miyuki, sat down with her head lean against my right shoulder while her hands held my hand tightly,(It is her normal habit, to hold either my left or right hands tightly) said her final words:'Darling.I'm happy that you stand by me all the way.Continue watching the game, don't say anything to me.You are always on my mind.'
Miyuki's hand let go my hand while I was shedding tears in my heart saying that I won't watch any Olid Lions live matches again.I left quietly while carrying Miyuki towards her parents who were not far from us, also crying and we left together.
From: Chester Low
my computer crashed.. but here I am using someone's else computer. guess I'm addicted to this. I can't watch tonight's match :(
There goes my last chance of going to kallang to watch it LIVE.
I have never watch a match in the stadium before. & I know no matter how comfy the home sofa is (even with the same degree of excitement from the pitch), the atmosphere there with all the other fans (doing the wave/cheering/comments about the referee) cannot be matched.
LIONS go for it, put in a stellar performance & bring the house down on a high note for a lasting memories in the last match at NS
Thats the way Lions!Finish the job in Bangkok on Sunday and bring the trophy back again.
SHAME SHAME SHAME on you Thailand. Disgraceful. That penalty may be debatable, but we definitely deserved one earlier when Amri got kicked at his hip in the penalty box. Amri wasted the chance to head in the third goal. Gutted the referee didn't disqualify Thailand, worse thing that can happen is that Thailand gets pumped up for the home match due to the feeling of being cheated, Lions are in no way in the driving seat to win the trophy yet!
Go Lions!!!
After this farcical stunt by the Thais,if the AFC and ASEAN football authorities do not hand out severe punishments, then football in Asia deserves to be classed as 3rd rate.
Kudos to the Lions for bringing the fight to the much fancied Thais and what a wonderful swivel and strike by Alam Shah-Rer. The Thais showed their class with a great reply but the penalty incident was simply school boy stuff!
I would enjoyed it if the Thais did walked off the pitch. Singapore would have been crowned champions there and then. I hope our boys go down there and stick it to the Thais because clearly from the way they behaved, they are not worthy champions.
Hm...Just wondering is it the fact that the Thais can't take the blow of losing to the Lions who hasn't beat them since the late 1970s or was it the controversial penalty that caused them to leave the field.Anyway the Thais shouldn't leave the field just like that.Thats so unprofessional and unsportsmanship.
First of all, congratulations to the Singapore Lions for making the final, for the second time running – and winning the first leg.
Though I wasn’t born yet during Singapore’s glory days of the past, the semi-final against Malaysia seemed like the good old times that the older generations have been describing and reminiscing about, with tickets sold out within minutes and a packed stadium of supporters cheering themselves hoarse.
Last night, it was shameful of Thailand for turning an otherwise good match into a comical farce, with their childish protesting. What do they think they were trying to prove? Is this how they want other Asians to perceive them, that Thais are a childish bunch of people who scream and cry foul at every little decision that goes against them?
Singapore faces a cauldron when they travel to Thailand in the second leg, with the Thais desperate and out for revenge. Singapore will certainly face the wrath of the Thais.
But the Lions have my full support. Go, Lions! Show that you can beat Thailand at their very own ground, and lift the Cup!
ARGHHH. I was fuming throughout the match. At the girly Thai players, the stupid ref and the irritating guy sitting behind us. At one point I was so angry I almost cried. Haha, I'm just like that!
If I had shouted at the guy behind me to shut up, I would have burst into tears. Luckily my father (really brave of him) shouted "SHUT UP!" for all of us and he kinda stopped after that. He was just a minority who was constantly yelling vulgarities at the Singapore team, going on and on about how sh*t we were, how we were the worst team in the world, how the goalkeeper is stupid, how his son, his girlfriend (not wife?) can play better. Just one of those losers who must have been losing heavily in bets.
As for Thai players, they irritated me by playing like girls. Falling over at every touch, and of course, the whining over the penalty. Why didn't the ref just send them all off for time-wasting and dissent!
Think I enjoyed the Malaysia game more, because at least I was in a much better mood then. But it was certainly one emotional final night at the National Stadium... it has to be emotional when I even had tears in my eyes at one point!
I was there at the National Stadium and I'm angry with the Thailand National Team.
It IS a penalty, tom-yam eaters! Why refuse to play for around 10 minutes to protest? If I were the President of the AFC, I would DISQUALIFY Thailand and hand the title to Singapore.
What Thailand did was TIME-WASTING at the WORST degree. JUST DISQUALIFY THAILAND. Coward, don't want to accept clear decision like MEN.
"Lady lala says Thai players irritated her by playing like girls.Falling over every touch, whining over the penalty."
Her description reminds me of one EPL team.That is Chelsea.
I salute the Thais who dare to storm out to protest.Don't blame them.Score reads 1-1 and Thai player crash on to Singapore defender and penalty given Old Lions.I'm sure Kallang Roard are livid while Old Lions react ballistic manner.
I believe Thai fans post in their blogs to condemn Old Lions and fans too.
I'm sad that Old Lion striker was dishonest.He should have follow Robbie Fowler's gentleman example by saying it wasn't a penalty.Truth is Old Lion striker should be penalised for such drastic foul, liken to Sol Campbell's elbow foul on Solkjaer.
It is such referee, makes an ordinary match to be rembered infamously for controversy.
From: Chester Low
Its sad to say that the last competitive match at the National Stadium will be remembered for such a farce where all players from one team just walked off the pitch. I have to admit this is the first time I have encountered such a thing in my years of watching soccer. I hope the thais get a severe punishment. While eliminating them at this stage would be too harsh, I guess warnings should be given to ensure that such an instance do not happen. In additon a hefty fine should be given (I am sorry, i can't think of further punishments such as sanctions from further tournaments which i think would be too harsh considering they did return to the field eventually.)
This has created a much more tense atmosphere for the Bangkok game where this could be a sweltering cauldron for the Lions. But having played in Senayan in recent years, I have no doubts that they will eventually emerge victors.
One more game to go, all the best lions!
Cheers,
kel
>>I salute the Thais who dare to storm out to protest.
Not very unexpected to hear this kind of opinion from you, Chester. Considering the drivel of the conversations between you and your girlfriend or wife or whatsoever that you recorded for all of us to read everyday.
Haha, cfcfan... some people might be saying you're targetting Chester because he said the team I was mentioning sounded like Chelsea! Haha, but anyway, regarding that, it was quite funny because I heard people behind me shouting "Stop playing like Liverpool lah!" and someone was also saying how it was like a game between Liverpool and Chelsea. :D
Anyway, I couldn't care less whether it was supposed to be a penalty or not. Yes, I'm horribly biased, but that's the way it is, especially with our fans who were there at the stadium. I like Thais on normal occasions, but when it comes to football and because of how crucial this match was, emotionally-wise I'm one of those who just support the Lions blindly. The Lions are my ultimate heroes while the Thais are just horrible, childish and whiny girls.
The Thais were wrong to walk out.
Like hello? I was waiting for 15 minutes and didn't know what was happening.
Anyway, do someone have a replay of the controversial penalty or not? I would like to see if N Siriwong pulled Alam Shah down.
It was kinda of a drama that the Thais walked out. I paid $7 and went back home late!
Anyway, Singapore won. So I don't really care.
Whether it was a penalty or not,the referee's decision is final. Anyone associated with football are wise enough to realize the men in black will make mistakes from time to time.The unspoken rule is just to carry on with the football whether they accept it or not.
The Thais are professionals and they should know better than to behave in such an unsporting manner. It didn't help the chief instigator was the coach itself. With the match beamed throughout Asia, they have not only brought the game into disrepute but embarrassed their own nation.
Why a Malaysian was put in charge of a highly charged match is beyond me who did nothing to arrest the situation. All that authority and nothing was done. With a game of high stakes, a more experienced non-southeast Asian referee should have handled the game.
This was supposed to be a showcase of ASEAN football's best teams. Sadly, this game only proves that our region still have a long way to go in terms of achieving professionalism in football.
hey haley harrison, yeah, I didn't know what on earth was going on during that 15 minutes too. Anyway, regarding the penalty replay, I think you should be able to see it on TV because they have been replaying it so many times already... And after seeing the replay, yeah, I agree with most that it shouldn't have been a penalty. It looked as if Alam Shah just fell onto him and in fact, if we read today's Straits Times, Alam Shah actually said he thought the ref was going to book him instead.
Hopefully all this controversy wouldn't affect our boys as they go to Thailand for the 2nd leg, because I don't think they did any wrong. Even if some people say that Alam Shah should have been more honest, but come on, it's not as if he had dived in the first place, and in those sort of circumstances when everything was at stake.. you would take anything, a penalty, a psychological advantage, a glimmer of hope for the 55000 fans there...
If Noh Alam Shah went to tell that clown it wasn't a penalty.Likely report scenerio found inside newspapers on top of FIFA Chief's desk.
1)Fair Play and Sportsmanship is once again found in soccer.It is found in an unlikely small country called Singapore.Known as Lion City or Garden City, whose streets are safe to walk on unearthly nights.
Fair Play and Sportsmanship happen between Singapore and Thailand in 1st leg Final of AFC Cup.Singapore Striker Noh Alam Shah, told the referee off it wasn't a penalty to be given in favour of his country.In the end, penalty was still given against Thailand and subsequently scored as a winning goal in Singapore's 2-1 win.
FIFA Chief, upon knowing this incident, gave his thumps up on Singapore striker for Fair Play and Sportsmanship, saying 'His Sportsmanship with Honesty and Fair Play together with Singapore will be eternally interred in FIFA's Platinum Book Of Sportsmanship With Honesty And Fair Play.Let our future generations know virtures of Fair Play and Honesty still exist in Soccer.'
From: Chester Low
ladylala, actually its nothing about the Chelsea thing. I myself were thinking it was like a Chelsea-Barcelona clash with all the tackles flying everywhere. The Thais being Barca of course for being cheating **** but flowing football.
K - Kangchiong
A - Amused
L - Lovely
L - Lively
A - Anxiety
N - Nervous
G - Gungho
These Experiences and MANY OTHERS... =)
The finals are today!
Go Singapore!
Singapore did extremely well under the pressure of the Thais, to clinch the Asean Cup for the third time.
Overall, it was a very tense game, with chances falling to both sides. Both Singapore and Thailand seemed pretty hyped up and desperate to win the trophy.
Singapore showed resilience and character to score the winning goal, after the Thais drew level. This, despite the Thais creating several good chances, enough to win the game. There was one chance in the 2nd half, when the Thai player kicked the ball over the crossbar. That had “goal” written all over it. If it had gone into the net, the Thais would have a very high chance of winning.
I guess Lady Luck was on Singapore’s side throughout the game. The Singapore goal that prevented the game from going into extra time was an excellent strike, but I can’t help thinking that it had luck written all over it. First of all, it took a deflection to confuse the Thai goalkeeper. Then secondly, the Thai defenders could be accused of not marking the Singapore player properly.
Congratulations, Singapore!
I can't believe Chester Low's posts are under 200 words. :P Someone should tell him to write some online fiction and maybe sell it...
I watched the second leg of the final on TV, and I think there was more of the same play-acting and niggling fouls as Thailand tried to annoy Singapore. But in the end we came out tops, all thanks to that great goal by Khairul Amri (There was no deflection.)
The Lions played superbly! Now if only the next batch of Singapore-born players could repeat the feat...
I have nothing against Jiayi, Itimi, Mustafic and Precious, but there are quite a few misused local gems waiting to be polished for their chance to shine on the world stage.
I say give them their chance to develop!
Go Singapore!
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