Hi all,
If you buy today's The New Paper, you will notice that besides our usual spread of letters on Tuesday, we have asked the Chinese New Year Question of the Week in advance.
For more background, read it before answering it here.
The Postman's Chinese New Year Question of the Week: What's your best idea for a fitting footballing finale for the current National Stadium before it's torn down?
Reply by 3pm THIS THURSDAY, in not more than 200 words, please (click link right for auto word counter).
Post your views here by clicking on "comments" below my sign-off here, or e-mail to The New Paper's sports desk under the title "Dear Postman".
At your service,
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, as we need the information if you are selected as prize winners or have your letters published.)
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41 comments:
Most Singaporeans were born and bred with their staple of Malaysia Cup football at the National Stadium. Hence, a grand finale is a must before the stadium closes its turnstiles for good.
2 matches should be played for the finale. The National Stadium has always been synonymous with Malaysia Cup games. Hence, we should invite the likes of Dollah Kassim and friends to pit their wits against Zainal Abidin and company. While it gives everybody a chance to revel in nostalgia and pay tribute to these legends, it also allows them to hone their skills on that famous pitch for the final time.
If it’s possible, it would be fabulous to see our ASEAN champions pit their wits against the Asian champions, Japan or better yet, an Asian All-Star team for the main event. We have been begging the question whether our Lions can compete with the best. Hence, what better way to do it than during the finale? I’m sure our boys will relish the challenge
Ideally, let’s make it a carnival atmosphere for the fans. It will be a final chance for fans to unite and make themselves heard. A final thunderous Kallang Roar fit for a Queen.
My best idea of a fitting football finale for the Current National Stadium before it's torn down is two football matches...
The Malaysia Cup current winner Perlis Vs S-League champion SAFFC at 8 pm and Malaysia FA Cup winner Pahang Vs Tampines Rovers our very own Singapore Cup champion at 5 15 pm.
Why I suggest this. This should be tribute to Malaysia for providing us with Malaysia Cup excitement back in the days. The National Stadium is best remembered for the Malaysia Cup so I think it's a perfect idea for four clubs from the S-League and Malaysia Super League to go head to head.
The cost of bringing in these Malaysian teams will also be cheap and not to disrespect the Malaysia Super League but this is what I want to see as a fitting football finale.
Still not good enough, Errrrrnest?
Unfortunately for me, I can hardly remember anything from the Malaysia Cup days. Maybe I was still busy playing with barbie dolls back then. :)
But I'd certainly like to see some of these Malaysia Cup legends from the past, players whom I've always heard about but never saw in action before. Whether it's Fandi Ahmad, David Lee, V. Sundramoorthy, Dollah Kassim or Quah Kim Song, I trust there are those like me who wish to learn more about them, and many others from the "older" generation who simply want to see them in action again.
Fitness permitting, a match involving the various past and present Lions should be held for this finale. (Note that it doesn't necessarily have to be a match pitting the past Lions against the present - it's would be a little unfair! Not that I know which side it'd be unfair on... :)) I feel that it’d be most appropriate to bring back all these past legends who’ve once graced the pitch at the National Stadium, so that together with the present Lions and the fans, we can pay a final tribute to the stadium which has heard the Kallang Roar through the many generations.
p/s. Initially I was thinking of a match involving Singapore and Malaysia too, but I just thought it would be best to keep it an entirely Singaporean affair so no one else would feel obligated to let us win, and the match ought to be one where everyone would be happy whatever the result is.
You Will Never Walk Alone National Stadium.
It is this stadium, that historic wins occur, classic matches are born.
It is also this stadium, Kallang Roar is minted.
Bring Manchester United on, next is Liverpool and folllowed by Arsenal.
Most important of all, before curtains comes down National Stadium, bring Mother Of All Matches.That is having another go at Selangor, who time and again, having humiliated Old Lions either in Malaysian Cup Finals or their own turf or worst of all at National Stadium.
From: Chester Low
years of pursuing to be a footballing nation looks to be in the right direction ahead when Singapore claimed their successive asean cup weeks ago. Today, the glories of the past witnessed in National Stadium may still be remembered vividly in our minds as the stadium closes down.
my ideal choice would be to arrange a match featuring the current national team and another consisting of the 'has' and 'has been' national players of yesterday. match admission could be free to gather more crowd but most importantly, this match is for all to witness the final match at national stadium and to have a taste of local football. If we really have that, then in the years to come, we may all savour the treat of being the last few who went to national stadium and recap back how football has progressed over the years here locally. as to whether the match should be played competitively or as a friendly, the end result does not matter. thanks.
From: Joshua Ng
I think the ideal choice is to bring in a top European side esp. an EPL team since there is a strong following here.
With the recent revival in local football and the interest in EPL, it would be best to pit our lions against the top sides.Of course,it would cost a bomb but this is once in a life time team.
The National Stadium is a monument, a legacy for our local football,or even sports.We should give it the best farewll.
Its good that ladylala brought out that the past legends should be honoured, which increases my optimism for young fans who are willing to know more about the past.
Come on,let's give the Lions the best challange.Afterall,when was the last time Man U came?I'm sure that there won't be a repeat of that dreadful 8-1 scoreline!
I think a grand finale will be good if Singapore can play friendly matches against Malaysia or other Asian countries.And maybe against Manchester Utd or premiership teams.Or hold a mini tournament before it is torn down.Some teams like Japan and china.
A final curtain for the QUEEN??Every Singaporeans will want to be a part of this finale.But not all fans will be happy to watch any matches...thus they may come to the stadium to show their respect..but not enjoying the matches.
So how to make these fans happy to come???Get the FAS and SSC to bring back the Merlion Cup...with participations of top sides!And i really mean top sides eg. Man U,Bercelona,Bayern Munich,Juventus(Europe),River Plate,Boca Juniors,Gremio(South America),Al Ittihad,Urawa Reds,Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma(Asia).
Yes..it will cost A BOMB to bring them over but,there's no other way to honour our QUEEN than to have an extravaganza tournament.And this will be FAS and SSC way to thank the fans for their marvelous supports all these years!!!Also to reward our LIONS for working hard keeping THE ASEAN CUP in our shore for another 2 years.
The next question.Will these teams come???Well...With great teams featuring in the tournament,no teams will say "NO".It's just like the unofficial "FIFA World Clubs Championship".Who knows teams that already make plans for an "ASIAN TOUR" will call back respective ASIA Football Association to cancel the games.Teams will love to stay in Singapore playing top sides rather than hopping from one Asia country to another playing a single game.
To cover the cost of bringing these teams...I'm sure FAS and SSC have their ways to attract sponsors to come forward.We can start with companies which have links with the clubs eg.
Man U:AIG,NIKE,Air Asia
Barcelona:Tiger Beer,Nike
And i'm sure we fans dun mind paying for the tickets to watch their favourite teams...as long as it's within our budget.
So Ernest...Can this be done?
I hope singapore will play against does like man city , leeds and all some stupid teams. And play in national Stadium at 27 of Feb.
Yes..it will cost A BOMB to bring them over but,there's no other way to honour our QUEEN than to have an extravaganza tournament.And this will be FAS and SSC way to thank the fans for their marvelous supports all these years!!!Also to reward our LIONS for working hard keeping THE ASEAN CUP in our shore for another 2 years.
The next question.Will these teams come???Well...With great teams featuring in the tournament,no teams will say "NO".It's just like the unofficial "FIFA World Clubs Championship".Who knows teams that already make plans for an "ASIAN TOUR" will call back respective ASIA Football Association to cancel the games.Teams will love to stay in Singapore playing top sides rather than hopping from one Asia country to another playing a single game.
To cover the cost of bringing these teams...I'm sure FAS and SSC have their ways to attract sponsors to come forward.We can start with companies which have links with the clubs eg.
Man U:AIG,NIKE,Air Asia
Yes..it will cost A BOMB to bring them over but,there's no other way to honour our QUEEN than to have an extravaganza tournament.And this will be FAS and SSC way to thank the fans for their marvelous supports all these years!!!Also to reward our LIONS for working hard keeping THE ASEAN CUP in our shore for another 2 years.
The next question.Will these teams come???Well...With great teams featuring in the tournament,no teams will say "NO".It's just like the unofficial "FIFA World Clubs Championship".Who knows teams that already make plans for an "ASIAN TOUR" will call back respective ASIA Football Association to cancel the games.Teams will love to stay in Singapore playing top sides rather than hopping from one Asia country to another playing a single game.
To cover the cost of bringing these teams...I'm sure FAS and SSC have their ways to attract sponsors to come forward.We can start with companies which have links with the clubs eg.
Man U:AIG,NIKE,Air Asia
Persnally,I think a match between the current afc cup- winning national team and the legends of Singapore football will be a fitting football finale for the current Kallang stadium before it is torn down.It would really be exciting to see the likes of Indra Sahdan,Noh Alam Shah and Aide Iskandar pitting their skills against the likes of Sundram Moorthy,Fahndi Ahmad,Dollah Kassim and Terry Pathamanan.Just thinking about the match already gets me off my seat!Others might say that inviting football players from around the world would be an incredible idea.But think about it,this is the kallang stadium we are talking about,not Anfield...This finale can also be used as a tribute to Subramani,our always reliable fullback who has decided to hang up his national boots.This match can also be used to show how the likes of Sundram Moorthy and Fahndi Ahmad dazzled back then!
From,Deepanraj,13,student at saint andrews secondrary school,97531404,manchester united
Persnally,I think a match between the current afc cup- winning national team and the legends of Singapore football will be a fitting football finale for the current Kallang stadium before it is torn down.It would really be exciting to see the likes of Indra Sahdan,Noh Alam Shah and Aide Iskandar pitting their skills against the likes of Sundram Moorthy,Fahndi Ahmad,Dollah Kassim and Terry Pathamanan.Just thinking about the match already gets me off my seat!Others might say that inviting football players from around the world would be an incredible idea.But think about it,this is the kallang stadium we are talking about,not Anfield...This finale can also be used as a tribute to Subramani,our always reliable fullback who has decided to hang up his national boots.This match can also be used to show how the likes of Sundram Moorthy and Fahndi Ahmad dazzled back then!
From,Deepanraj,13,student at saint andrews secondrary school,97531404,manchester united
No offence to those former players, but would there be a fullhouse to see a game which pitches players from 2 different groups of ages. Likelihood some of the retired players have not been playing professional soccer and thus will they still be as effective as in their heyday?Its hard to think so. What we would want for the finale would be a fullhouse.
While I understand that tributes and accolades should flow who once made the national stadium their playground, it would be unwise to organise a game for these 'oldies' for the finale. Perhaps, as nor hadi mentioned, Fandi etc could play against their malaysian counterparts in a curtain raiser before withdrawing to their seats for the real highlight, which could be a match between Singapore against top quality opposition. This achieves 2 aims as it allows the younger generation to be aware of the who's who in the past and allowing the older players to gather and interact, something which they might not have done for long. The top opposition should be a team with many players that are familiar to the hearts of Singaporeans. No point getting a Wigan team to play in a finale. I understand that it could be hard to arrange a match as we are already in Feb. Thus, a contingency plan could be for Nike to get a collection of their many stars to come together to play a game. Playing this match in multiracial Singapore would also be a good way for Nike to continue their 'stamp out racism in football' campaign.
With the many stars signing off the closure of the Nat Stadium whichever plan one go for, it would be a fitting finale for the Kallang Roar once last time.
Cheers,
kel
Most of the views that have been posted are about soccer players playing matches, whereas my view is much different. there will be two matches.I suggest we ask our ministers and president to play soccer! After that, the celebrities in singapore should try out at soccer. We will have a fair outside the stadium selling sovenirs of the national stadium and the prices of the tickets should be very low we will have fireworks and after everything, we will sing the national anthem and say the pledge. Ryan Tan, 13,victoria secondary school student, manchester united fan,64458212
I really love to see team Singapore play again at the National Stadium before it is torn down.They can organise a mini tournament between Asia.Playing with team outside South East Asia,Like China,Japan,Iran and all Asia country.Or maybe they can play against the bigger team like Manchester United or Chelsea.
Yes,it will be expensive to bring them here and they are still busy with the English Premier League because it has not ended.So prehaps they can bring their reserve team.So i hope the Lions can play again in the National Stadium one last time before it is torn down.
I hope Lions can play again at the National stadium before it is torn down.I really like to see them play again.So they can ogranise tournament like playing with countries like China,Japan or Iran.Or evenmaybe getting Manhester united to play with them.
Though, it will be expensive to get them over here and also are busy playing the English Premier League,they can get their reserve to play with the Lions. So i really hope the Lion can play again.
I agree..With the asian cup in july,we can invite teams like South Korea,Saudis or even Japan to play the last few matches before the stadium is tear down.It will b mouth watering for the fans and a good run out for the teams.It is really killing two birds with one stone.
AFC 2007
Singapore vs. Thailand (2nd leg)
Venue: National Stadium (Kallang)
Winner: Singapore
That would have been the most befitting finale.
However, we can have an exhibition match between Singapore and Malaysia to relive the atmosphere during the Malaysia Cup. Bring on both the old generals and the new blood for this game. There should not be any limit to the number of substitutes. Just allow those who once brought glory to Kallang being featured side by side even though they might have played in different periods for Singapore. It would be enthralling for the fans (whether those from the Malaysia Cup days or the AFC ’05,’07) to catch. Whether it is in the past or now, the Kallang spirit will continue through the faithful crowds and of course the players who give them the reasons to cheer. Bring them all together & we definitely have a roaring good time.
I think not only will it be packed to a full house but a LIVE telecast will hopefully be more popular than EPL matches.
End off this memorable day with a big bang of fireworks displays.
I apologize for this. But inviting other teams rather than Malaysian state teams is like biting the hand that fed you.
Without a shadow of a doubt, the Malaysia Cup is the best thing ever to be held at the historic National Stadium.
If we don't hold football matches against Malaysia Super League teams, at least invite Malaysian legend players to join us in this finale. People like Zainal Abidin used to praise Singapore's National Stadium as his favourite stadium.
Pls no more SEA teams!Its really tiring seeing all the same faces again..and no what selection side cos its about national pride..
I rather the home-grown players get exposed to the big games than some unknown foreigners who sadly,don't give their best at times..
Give the boys a deserved shot against the top sides,organise a quadrangular or something..I'm sure it will help to put us in the world soccer map also!
no doubt, a Singapore-Malaysia clash! i think that's the most suitable finale that the National Stadium could ever host. it already bore witness to all the heated rivalry during the Malaysia Cup days, so why not we see it off with that same level of love and intensity?
maybe we can have something like this: one match involving our Malaysian Cup heroes vs the Malaysian team at that time and the other one involving our ASEAN champions and the current Malaysian squad. then maybe the winners from both matches will meet and face off eventually. (i'm almost jumping in my seat imagining it!!)
ideally, it gives the younger fans a chance to actually see who our past heroes are, and not just name Fandi Ahmad as the legend they know.
so i think it's a win-win situation. all our players have a chance to play one last time at the national stadium, all our fans can be at the national stadium to savour the atmosphere one last time, and our young fans will come to know and be aware of the past legends.
The best finale?To me that will be a match between the past and present of the Singapore national team players who have graced the pitch of the Kallang Stadium.This stadium was built for them to showcase their talents and also the place where they carried the hopes of the whole nation.It is also where tears of joy or sorrow were shed from these players,although some might not be around anymore but those who are can definately give the stadium a deserved sending-off match.
I will also be glad to see a carnival before the match where fans,families and the footballers can get together,hanging around having fun and laughters.Just a great party for our very own fortress.
Goodbye Kallang Stadium and the famous Kallang Wave.They might not be there physically soon but the memories will always stay with us.
Cheers for Kallang!
Since the fans have always been the most important component that brought the stadium to life with the Kallang Roar, fans could be given the power to vote for the players they wish to see in the finale.
Simply put, fans could vote for the players they want to represent Singapore and players from all over Asia or ASEAN to make up the opponents. A few choices could be suggested for each position and fans choose the first eleven for both sides for the main event.
The same can be done for the Veteran's match, pitting the Old Lions against their Malaysia Cup foes of yesteryear. Imagine bringing back Abbas Saad and partnering him with Fandi against Shebby Singh and Allan Davidson for example. Heck, we may yet see another nutmeg for Steven Tan if Davidson plays? :j
Something for the young and old alike to savor for a final finale.
I suggest is to make the last night of our National stadium a night to remember.
Theme:
Nostalgic
Pre-show:
A “presentation” of sorts to show the history of our national stadium, from its birth, the achievements that it has created (Malaysia Cup glory, Tiger Cup glory, Asian Championship glory) , as well as the various sporting heroes that has came out from our own “Theater of Dreams”
Tribute:
Give an official tribute to our past legends and heroes. Do a kind of Walk of fame and introduce each player and their contribution to Singapore Football. Bring back Fandi Ahmad, Sundram, Dollah Kassim, Quah Kim Song, Terry, Abbas Saad etc……
Main Event:
Current Asian Champsionship winner Singapore vs selected “asian” Team within the region.
Selected current personalities could include, Hideoshi Nakata, Thai “Zico”, Li Tie, Harry Kewell (players who do not have much commitments to a club at the moment or regaining their fitness)
Closing Curtain: The next steps
A “Presentation” of sorts to show the new plans and vision of the new sports hub, and to end of with Firework display to cap off a memorable night.
Letting the fans pick the first 11 for Singapore is a genius idea. Let's see whether the Ah Bengs, the Mats and the Thambys who jeer Singapore when they play badly know players like Baikkaki Khaizan all the way to Shahril Ishak all the way to Nor Alam Shah. Bet all they know is, 'Wah, Nor Alam Shah good player, lah,'
I would love to see a game involving 2 teams - our current Young Lions and a Singapore All Star XI team (includes players who have retired and current players of the senior Singapore squad). A battle of the energetic youngsters VS their experienced seniors/elders!
This match can reminisce how the older players like Fandi Ahmad and Quah Kim Song played in the past (Singapore soccer fans from the 70's and 80's will love to see them back) and also give a chance to our current squad members to prove why they are worthy of being ASEAN champions.
But ultimately it is not the final score that matters. It is about having fun playing the Beautiful Game in our very own National Stadium for the last time. We want the players and the fans to have a time of their life there.
Let's Joga Bonito!
i think we should open the stadium for the public for, like, a week? in the school holidays for example. so that everybody can go to the stadium for a final time. and we can visit the tunnel, the dressing room, the commentary box etc. then we'll do the kallang wave and roar one last time.
I would like to see the Singaporean teams come and battle out at the stadium. Teams like own-formed teams.
To play a big knock-out soccer match. All teams who would like to participate could register and play before the stadium is brought down.
It brings the whole nation together as one!
Seeing a Malaysia-Singapore match is nothing. We have seen it too many times. It's gettting boring!
If we could call the nation soccer team and other own-formed soccer teams to come to the stadium, and play for the last time, it would be great!
We can share memories, opinions as soccer fans! That would be fun!
Seeing how the National Stadium has a part in all of our hearts, I personally feel that we should involve the public as well.
Perhaps a competition can be held, where football-crazed fans face off with one another, with the grand prize being a chance to pit themselves against a Singaporean XI, with the team picked by the fans themselves. The popularity of football in Singapore is overwhelming, and I am sure that there will be no shortage of teams signing up to stand a chance of playing in the national stadium.
The legends of Singapore football MUST be appropriately honoured, having put their bodies on the line for our nation. Perhaps a match between the footballers of past eras can be held, pitting our footballing legends against their counterparts from Malaysia. I am certain that even after all these years; the rivalry is still strong and deep in their hearts.
Furthermore, our national squad has been criticized by some Singaporeans as being pathetic and hopeless. This could be the chance for them to back their own comments, and either beat our national team or eat their words.
With this being the last hurrah for the National Stadium, I believe that this event should be televised, and a proper ceremony be held, to allow us Singaporeans to relive the glory days, and bid it farewell, once and for all.
Lions lost 3-2 away. Makes it 5-3 in aggregate. Amri scored two goals. I think there's a problem in our youth policy. Too little are coming up and stepping up to the plate, at the same level as the seniours. Maybe its a little too much to ask, but the diffrence between our youth players and our seniors is wide, too wide, that a situation where Singapore football could be affected for 2-3 years at one point of time.
I scored.
A big knock-out soccer match. You want a big knock-out soccer match? I challenge you - Haley Harrison to bring 4 of your best boys to play against 4 of my best boys and me as goalkeeper in a Street Soccer Match.
We can arrange the day and time. The place is at Hougang Avenue 9. Ask for 'Alex'. That's my nickname.
The rules are simple. There will be 3 or 4 teams. After a team lose by 3 goals, another team enters as 'next team'.
This challenge is totally friendly. Do you accept, boy?
Fitting footballing finale? There should be 2 matches instead. A 45min-curtain raiser with rolling substitutions involving the who's who of the yesteryears of Singapore and Malaysia to revive the nostalgic moments. This will be a great tribute to them.
The main event will be the victorious Lions versus a selected Asean XI (based on fan votes and invitations). Let us flood the Kallang Stadium with red once more, flood the National Stadium with our voices singing the National Anthem, stamping of our feet at the grandstands and of course the majestic Kallang wave! As an added bonus for the fans, round off the event with a firework display.
A carnival outside the stadium will be a good idea for family bonding. To cap it off, all proceeds can go into the youth development fund. This will then be a project involving the heroes of the past, present and future! I’m sure many Singaporeans will rise up to this occasion for one fitting grand tribute to the National Stadium where history was written time and time again!
Sorry to sidetrack,while our brave lions retain the crown,the Olympic squad is a atrocious,get beaten by a team more known for its cricket.
With the exception of the likes of Kairul Amri,the rest are virtually unknowns.Just what were they thinking?Letting in goals after taking the lead on both occasions?
As many pointed out,the gulf is too big between the senior and junior age groups. Pls don call yourself Olympic squad if you cant even cross the first hurdle.
Conceding 2 goals after being ahead in the first leg shows our weakness in defense and also the Young Lions mentality. The worst nightmare is to repeat the same scenario. This time it's letting in 3 goals after scoring 2. Obviously, they learnt nothing from the previous game.
Perhaps one thing we can console ourselves about is that this is happening to the junior team, not the senior team. But it's going to be an uphill task for us to retain the AFC for the next decade if this poor showing continues..
I guess it's the same for all sports. Sometimes, the results can be secondary. What matters is the performance.
While I acknowledge that the Olympic side isn't all that strong, please do consider how difficult and how long it takes for a team to gel together properly, and establish a connection among themselves.
In my opinion, our young squad does not have a lack of talent, but is instead suffering from a lack of experience. While it is much easier for seasoned professionals to keep at their high standards game after game, the youths are usually more inconsistent, with their nerves getting in the way often, seeing as to how this is the National side, and not simply club football.
Exposure is key to this young squad's success, and i believe that with more participation in friendlies or regional tournaments as a team, the squad will be able to link up better, and that chemistry will then be able to propel the side to greater heights.
Haley, I give you all the time in the world to answer my golden challenge.
As for the Olympic team, maybe they should stop visiting pubs to meet all these girls asking for their numbers. Girls can sidetrack them from achieving their football goals. Just settle for one and be faithful to her.
GO WATCH EPIC MOVIE! MY OFFICIAL BEST CURRENT MOVIE OF 2007!
Why football only? I have been to 4 National Day Parades and what a spectacle of show, fire works, tributes...Have a kaleidescope of all kind sports with tributes to the greatest sports men/women of the past years besides past Malaysian Cup legends and Singapore soccer greats.
I think the best idea for a fitting footballing finale for the current National Stadium before it's torn down, is that Asean Championships final against Thailand. As we had opened the stadium by playing against Thailand & won, I feel it's best that we torn it down with a good ending. Rather then having another match or another sporting event there and lose. I'm not saying that we will lose, but what if we lose? Then the last sporting event held at the national stadium might be a forgetable one.
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