Singapore will surprise Thailand according to Fandi

Fandi Ahmad and Hariss Harun displayed a confident mood going into Singapore’s crucial clash against Thailand tomorrow.

It was understandable after the Lions thrashed Timor Leste 6-1: a scoreline which understandably had a positive impact in the Lions’ camp.

“We will try to overcome Thailand. The result in the previous match obviously gave us a confidence boost but it’s now time for us to step onto another level,” mentioned Fandi at the pre-match press conference earlier.

“We have to make sure we try to score (against Thailand) because if we don’t they have quality players than can hurt us.”

Flanking Fandi was captain Hariss who echoed Fandi’s sentiments who believed even though this Thai side are missing some of their stars, they are still a top team.

“We have a job to do and we cannot stop now. For us it does not matter if their team has its stars or not because at the end of the day, they are a side with quality.”

On the other hand a Thai journalist asked Fandi on how his team can surprise the home side in this fixture.

“I trust our players to play a good game.  Our compactness and discipline will help us and so too will our teamwork,” highlighted the 56-year-old.

“Before this tournament started even people at home didn’t believe in us but here we are with a chance. We are very motivated and will work for one another to see us through the game.”

It was also not a secret that certain Singapore players ply their trade in the Thai league and Fandi was being thrown a question, if this would give his team an advantage.

“Of course certain of our players have given us information on how the Thais play but we also follow the Thai league closely.”

“But for us a game is a game they have good technical players and we will try to irritate them and play without fear.”

Conversely despite conceding a late goal against the Philippines, War Elephants coach Milovan Rajevac admitted he does not feel the pressure in the all-important fixture against the Lions on Sunday.

“We could have been more relaxed at this stage, but it didn’t happen after we conceded a late goal in the previous game,” said the Serbian.

“But there is no additional pressure as the team is calm and optimistic. Also we are playing the match at home and we believe everything will go well for our team.”

When quizzed on what Singapore’s biggest strength is, Rajevac had this to say.

“You can see by the previous result they are very tactical and discipline. Their tactical discipline is the biggest quality.”

“Also their previous match will give them a psychological boost when they face us.”