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SINGAPORE: It is crunch time for Singapore's football squad at the 24th SEA Games in Thailand.
After a crucial 1-1 draw with Malaysia in the preliminary stage, Singapore will now have to overcome Thailand - seven-time SEA Games defending champions.
Added to that, the Thais will be playing in front of a home crowd.
A loss in the semi-final match on Tuesday will mean Singapore could either settle for a bronze or being placed fourth overall.
But another win against the Thais will assure Singapore of at least a fight for a silver or gold.
With just two training sessions before the big match, there is little time for jubilation after Team Singapore advanced beyond the first round.
But Singapore did get important pointers from the matches they played earlier.
Coach Radojko Avramovic said: "In every game, you learn something. This game (Singapore-Malaysia match) was typical, where the team made it difficult for themselves. In the first half, we should have a game in hand. It's good the boys showed character after 1-0 down....they put themselves together at the end and we got the result that we want. "
But the match against Thailand will be a different ball game.
It is also a highly anticipated affair, especially after Singapore had beaten Thailand in the ASEAN Football final earlier this year.
Singapore won that match after they were awarded a controversial penalty.
The Thais walked off the pitch in protest but later returned to the game.
While the players get some
much-needed rest after the game with Malaysia, there is also some reshuffling in the line-up.
Coach Avramovic said: "We will be without Shariff Samat (who is injured) and Baihakki Khaizan (who has been suspended) who are the two stoppers...that's a big minus. We'll have to see who can replace them."
Khairul Amri, a Singapore Football Team player, said: "We look forward to the Thailand match.....everything looks good except that we'll miss Baihakki. That's a big loss. But we'll try our best. We've got other players to cover his position. With our attack in form, we stand a good chance." - CNA/ir
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