~nakashima shun~

Tiger Cup 2004

2004-12-18T19:03:47Z

"Anything Can Happen" is indeed the ideal slogan for Tiger Cup 2004 that summed up the the recently concluded preliminary group stages which ended in some shocking fashion. Co-host Vietnam was shown the door, together with defending and three-time champion Thailand. It is the first time in the tournament history that a host nation fails to advance to the next round of Tiger Cup. Underdog Myanmar, the team that the Lions beat them 1-0 in their warm-up match before the prestigious regional tournament, was the surprise of the tournament by inflicting an unexpected 1-0 victory over co-host Malaysia and topping the group played in Kuala Lumpur.

Following the Lions on their performances in Vietnam, we move another step closer to another grand final since the 1998 triumph. Shopping, sight-seeing and following the team around for trainings and matches, the atmosphere surrounding the team and the trip on the whole were fantastic. From Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi to Haiphong, the only regret could have been not notching the maximum points from Vietnam and Indonesia matches. However, qualifying for the semis was a gigantic step forward to showing fans back home (and in Vietnam) that the Lions are serious contenders for being the best in ASEAN region.

With perennial giant Thailand and disappointing Vietnam missing out for the rest of the tournament, I don't see why coach Raddy and his boys will miss the Final. Indonesia seems to be the biggest stumbling block having seen them running at defences with their awesome attacking tactics. However, having said that, anything can happen...and we hope the Lions continue their superb form starting from 29 December as they face resilient Myanmarese and their strong vocal fans at Cheras Stadium, Kuala Lumpur in the first leg of the Semi-Final. I will be there to lend my support to the Lions. Will you be there too?

See the links below for complete stories and reports on the Tiger Cup 2004.

http://www.tigercup.org/en/

http://sg.tigercup.com/main/index.asp

Some Pictures of Tiger Cup - from tigercup.com

Opening Ceremony & Lions taking on host nation Vietnam (1-1)
Thong Nhat Stadium (HCM)

Singapore vs Indonesia (0-0)
Thong Nhat Stadium (HCM)

Singapore vs Laos (6-2)
My Dinh Stadium (Hanoi)

Singapore vs Cambodia (3-0)
Lach Tray Stadium (Haiphong)

History of Tiger Cup

2004-11-25T09:27:50Z

Since the inception of Tiger Cup in 1996, the bi-annual most prestigous tournament has become a symbol of football prowess in South East Asia. Singapore became the first host in 1996 and won the championship in 1998. Get some historical facts of the tournament which will be played in Vietnam and Malaysia, as the first co-host nations.

From tigercup.org
http://www.tigercup.org/en/event/history.asp?sec=108&ssec=289

Tiger International Football Festival

2004-11-20T06:39:10Z

Tiger International Football Festival

After returning home from Saitama from the narrow loss to Japan, the Lions will be taking part in the Tiger International Football Festival with Myanmar and Hong Kong from 27 November to 2 December.

Guess this triangular competition will see the provisional players having their last attempt to prove themselves to be worthy in the Raddy's Tiger Cup squad in December.

27 November
Singapore vs Myanmar
Jalan Besar Stadium (7.30pm)

30 November
Singapore vs Hong Kong
Jalan Besar Stadium (7.30pm)

2 December
Myanmar vs Hong Kong
Jalan Besar Stadium (7.30pm)

Myanmar Coach - Ivan Kolev

Singapore is in Group A of the Tiger alongside Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia and hosts Vietnam. Group B consists of Timor Leste, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar and the Philippines.

Myanmar National Team

Profile on Myanmar (From www.tigercup.org)
http://www.tigercup.org/en/tournament/teams.asp?cid=1108&sqid=1037&ccd=MYA&tbl=Y

http://www.asian-football.com/en/comps/tigercup/index.asp?id=37543&sec=0&ssec=0&cid=1162&mth=11&yr=2004

Lions Put Up Good Show Despite Loss

2004-11-19T06:56:02Z

The match reports on the Lions' narrow loss against Asian powerhouse Japan.
The winning goal from Japan looked offside and what a pity that Itimi Dickson missed that injury-time effort on goal. However, the Lions put up a brave performance despite the full-capacity Saitama crowd.

From asian-football.com
http://www.asian-football.com/en/comps/worldcup/index.asp?id=37492&cid=992&mth=11&yr=2004

From fas.org.sg
http://www.fas.org.sg/default.asp?V_DOC_ID=1334&pgID=1159

Ah Long San (Son)

2004-11-17T04:20:51Z

Noh 'Ah-Long' Shah

The sight of world-class Saitama Stadium took the family and son off Ah Long's (Noh Alam Shah) mind as he stands confident going into this evening's match against Japan.

Factfile on Noh Alam Shah (S.league.com)
http://www.fas.org.sg/default.asp?V_DOC_ID=1299

S.League.com - Saitama sight banished Raya blues
http://www.fas.org.sg/default.asp?V_DOC_ID=1332&pgID=1159

Japan vs Singapore = International Friendly???

2004-11-14T10:32:35Z

According to Channel I on their trailer on the PRE-WORLD CUP QUALIFYING MATCH between Japan and Singapore, they have displayed, much to my horror, an 'INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY' which is unbelievable (and unforgivable) for a national tv. We are playing Japan in a World Cup match, and NOT a friendly.

I hope that Channel I's gesture for telecasting this match is for Singapore fans and not the minority of Japanese fans. Gotta find a cosy place to watch this match with some Lions fans, bring all way from cool Saitama on Wednesday, 17 Nov at 6.15pm.

Revamped FAS website

2004-11-12T08:05:02Z

Visit the revamped FAS website at www.fas.org.sg for more photos and stories on local football. Photo courtesy of the FAS official website - The First XI vs Malaysia Selection.

Stunners Did It Again!

2004-11-11T07:05:19Z

The Dressing Room

FA Stunners

From the Bench

The 'Dazzler'

Sundram & Ben

Azlan 'flying' past two SRC players

Adriano battles for the ball

Eric executing his telling pass

Lester loaned from Leicester City

Deputy CEO, S.League How Seen Yong showing how to deal with the ball

King Fook misses a penalty in the match

Unbeaten for almost two years, the FA Stunners pulled off yet again another narrow 2-1 victory over Singapore Recreation Club (SRC) at Jalan Besar with former Malaysia Cup hero V Sundram Moorthy notching the crucial match-winning goal in the 70th minute.

The Stunners opened the account through striker Winston Lee in the 24th minute. We had a glorious chance to increase the lead as SRC defender was caught handling the ball in the penalty box by Referee George Lee. Chan King Fook missed the spot-kick by hitting straight to the SRC goalkeeper. (1-0 at halftime)

After the break, SRC managed to pull one back. We looked strong on paper, but never really managed to break through the stubborn yet steady SRC defence. However, in the 70th minute, right-back Darren Lim broke free on the right and managed to send a pass to Sundram, the 'Dazzler' turned around his marker before slotting past the goalkeeper with a cruel left-foot stiff grounder.

Goalscorers: Winston Lee (24th), V Sundram Moorthy (70th)
(Match was played at 40 minutes per half)

First XI 3-5-2
Ridhuan (GK)
Adrian Chan (CDF)
Raj (CDF)
Tan Kah Chua (CDF)
Chan King Fook (CMF)
Toni Teo (LMF)
Lester Lim (RMF)
Lee Keng Whatt (CMF)
How Seen Yong (CMF)
V Sundram Moorthy (FW)
Winston Lee (FW)

2nd Half
Ridhuan (GK)
Adrian Chan (CDF) - Eric Ong (LMF)
Raj (CDF)
Darren Lim (CDF)
Alvin Chua (DMF) - Kah Chua (DMF)
Azlan Kames (LMF)
Zainuddin (RMF)
Lee Keng Whatt (CMF)
How Seen Yong (CMF)
V Sundram Moorthy (FW)
Winston Lee (FW) - Ben Tan (CMF)

Referee: George Lee

bahn @ 2004-11-11T14:33:00

2004-11-11T06:37:15Z

Foreign Talent for Vietnam?

2004-11-08T06:29:29Z

Vietnam national team are looking to improve the level of their national team in international and regional tournaments through the nationalisation of foreign-born players of Vietnamese descent......

Read more here
http://www.asian-football.com/en/comps/tigercup/index.asp?id=37378&cid=1162&mth=11&yr=2004

Zico Not Calling Japan Veterans

2004-11-06T17:24:13Z

Zico has finally withdrew his initial idea of recalling three Japanese veterans to face our Lions. However, his plan received negative responses from fellow club coaches and AFC. Using youngster will be a better option.

http://www.asian-football.com/en/comps/worldcup/index.asp?id=37368&sec=0&ssec=0&cid=992&mth=11&yr=2004

NTUC Income Stunned!

2004-11-06T06:49:00Z

FA Stunners continue their 100% winning streak at home ground Jalan Besar as they overcome NTUC Income 2-1 in a evenly-matched encounter. CEO S.League How Seen Yong showed his support in a second-half appearance while CEO NTUC Income Tan Kin Lian showed it off the field.

Goalscorers: Winston Lee, Adrian Chan

First XI
Ho Kwang Hock (GK)
Eddie Tan (Left-back)
Tan Kah Chua (Right-back)
Lee Keng Whatt (Centre-back) - pushed up to midfield
Robert Lim (Centre-back)
Eric Ong (Left-midfield)
Kalai (Right-midfield)
Azlan Kames (Centre-midfield)
Lester Lim (Centre-midfield)
Winston Lee (Forward)
Toni Teo (Foward)

2nd Half
Kalai (GK)
Alvin Chua (Left-back) - Eric Ong
Jeffrey Beh (Right-back) - Toni Teo
Quah Kim Song (Centre-back)
Abi (Centre-back)
Ben Tan (Left-midfield) - Ho Kwang Hock
Norie (Right-midfield) - Eric Ong
How Seen Yong (Centre-midfield)
Adrian Chan (Centre-midfield)
Winston Lee (Foward)
Lee Keng Whatt (Forward) - Zainuddin Nordin

Saitama Stadium - Home of Urawa Reds

2004-11-04T09:19:31Z

Got some photos of Saitama Stadium, the possible venue for Lions against the Japanese.

http://www.wldcup.com/Asia/stadia/saitama.html

JAL 710 to Korea

2004-11-03T15:43:18Z

The Lions left for South Korea via JAL 710 (11pm flight) from Terminal One. Should arrive in Korea by Thursday afternoon after a three-hour stopover at Narita Airport in Japan. Will be back on 18 November.

Japan Going Ahead with Veterans

2004-11-03T03:11:13Z

It seems like Japanese coach Zico has insisted in going ahead with his call-up of the veteran trio of 37-year-old Kazuyoshi Miura from Vissel Kobe, Masahi Nakayama (37) from Jubilo Iwata and Yutaka Akita (34) from Nagoya Grampus Eight despite some criticism from some J-League chiefs. They will face Raddy's Lions, who seem unaffected by the legendary Brazilian's plan for his side to face Singapore.

Singapore Selection 1 - 2 Malaysia Selection

2004-11-02T07:17:23Z

Match Report by Tiger Cup official website on Singapore's defeat to Malaysia.

http://www.tigercup.org/en/news/index.asp?aid=37305&cid=1108&sqid=1064&amth=11&ayr=2004

Lions Defeat to Arch Rivals

2004-11-01T17:15:37Z

Starting XI
30 - Hassan Sunny (Goalkeeper)
13 - Noh Rahman (Left back)
5 - Aide Iskandar (Centre back/Captain)
16 - Daniel Bennett (Centre back)
6 - Baihakki Khaizan (Right back)
22 - Itimi Dickson (Left midfield)
7 - Goh Tat Chuan (Centre midfield)
17 - Shahril Ishak (Centre midfield)
2 - Muhammad Ridhuan (Right midfield)
12 - Masrezwan Masturi (Forward)
8 - Noh Alam Shah (Forward)

Singapore fell to arch rivals Malaysia after having 1-0 lead thruough Dickson's goal in the 21st minute. But the Malaysians came back after the break and overcome the Lions, the latter losing it all by conceding a disastrous second goal in the dying minutes.

View this link for match statistics
http://www.sleague.com/new0101.asp?ID=810

View this link for match report
http://www.sleague.com/new0101.asp?ID=811

Football Update

2004-10-30T06:40:31Z

Dear friends....as a supporter of the Singapore Lions and local
football, I would like to share the following news with you....

Tiger Beer International Series
Tiger Beer Challenge Trophy presents:

SINGAPORE Selection VS MALAYSIA Selection

Monday, 1 November 2004
Jalan Besar Stadium
8.30pm

Come and support the Lions as the Singapore Selection takes on Malaysia
Selection in the traditional rivalry between both countries as they
prepare their best possible squad for the prestigious Tiger Cup starting
on 7th December.

http://www.sleague.com/new0101.asp?ID=806

--------------------------------------------------------------

TIGER CUP SCHEDULE

The stage is set as the Lions play its first opening match on Tuesday, 7
December against co-host nation Vietnam at Ho Chi Minh City. The other
teams in the same group (Group A) of Lions consist of Laos, Cambodia,
Indonesia and Vietnam.

The full schedule of Tiger Cup:

http://www.tigercup.org/shared/data/42/Tigercup2004-schedule.pdf

b e n j a m i n t a n

My First Blog

2004-10-12T08:23:29Z

Thanks to Weiling who helped me to start my first blogging (checking my trustworthy Oxford dictionary...). No such word "blog" actually. If this word does exists, it will fall between 'blockhead' (a stupid person) and bloke (a man). Anyway, its nice to get this started after hesitation and procrastination, so now got no more excuse....Thank you Weiling....