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VIENTIANE: Hariss Harun cut a dejected figure as Singapore's under-23 squad made their way out of Laos' National Stadium on Saturday.
Singapore had just thrown away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 in their opening match of the 25th SEA Games in Vientiane.
Head down, Singapore's youngest international (aged just 16 years and 217 days when he came on against North Korea in 2007) walked alone, dragging his feet to the team bus.
"Personally I take responsibility for Indonesia's winning goal, (Rendy) got ahead of me to score," the 19-year-old told MediaCorp.
Singapore did not lose, of course, Rendy's headed goal from a corner was the equaliser, not the winner as Hariss perceived. But it was no slip of the tongue - conceding that goal was as good as losing the game for Hariss.
The fact that he will line up against Myanmar today, so quickly after the disappointment on Saturday, may well help the midfielder recover.
On Sunday, he definitely had his game face on. Speaking after a late afternoon training session, Hariss said: "People expect me to play to the level that I'm capable of, and as a senior player in this team, I have to take a little bit more responsibility.
"Yesterday, I was a bit off my game. I wasn't winning tackles and I feel responsible for us conceding the second goal.
"We were trying to rectify some of the mistakes that we made on Saturday, and after this training session I think we will do fine against Myanmar."
Hariss does carry a lot of responsibility in the under-23 team. He has already started a few games for Singapore, most notably two weeks ago when he performed well in the Lions' 1-0 win over Thailand in Bangkok in a crucial Asian Cup qualifier.
He worked like a demon in training on Sunday, first to loose balls and alert and in command when coach Thambiah Pathmanathan put his team through defensive drills, especially at corners.
Pathmanathan's charges will face Myanmar without goalkeeper Jasper Chan, who was kicked on his left knee on Saturday. Central defender Eddie Chang (right knee) and striker Khairul Nizam (bruised rib) are doubtful starters.
Hyrulnizam Juma'at will start between the sticks for Singapore and he is looking forward to the test.
"This is my first and last SEA Games, and I definitely want to do well, but I'll let my feet and hands do the talking," said the 23-year-old. "I feel confident and I don't see why we can't win if we follow the coaches' instructions."
Chan may not be fit to even sit on the bench, but Pathmanathan remained upbeat. "What's ultimately important is that we must win. Mentally, the players are prepared and there is a lot of determination," he said.
No one is more determined than Hariss. If Singapore are to reach the semi-finals, he will need to play well.
Looking ahead to Myanmar, he said: "Team defending is very important. We must make sure we don't put ourselves under pressure like we did against Indonesia. Besides that, keeping possession is also important - if we do all that it will be much easier for us."
As for the weight on his young shoulders, Hariss said: "Pressure is a very hot word at this level, it is always there when you play for your country. We just need to not think about it and give our best."
Sunday night's Group A results:
Vietnam 3 Malaysia 1, Cambodia 4 Timor Leste 1
- TODAY
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