Singapore vs Thailand Preview: Lions ready to go according to Stange

All eyes are on the National Stadium tonight as Singapore look to kick off the defence of their trophy in their opening match against the much fancied Thailand.

BY NICK MEASURES

Singapore coach Bernd Stange was in bullish mood ahead of the defending champion's opening Suzuki Cup match tonight against a hotly tipped Thai team.

'We are (aiming) to win this tournament; there are no excuses to say we are underdogs,' said the confident German, who will be leading the national side in his first competitive tournament. 'Singapore is ready to go, I can say that we are well prepared.'

Those preparations included Stange confirming his final 22 man squad yesterday. Unsurprisingly, defenders Madhu Mohana and Faritz Hameed, who have both suffered from recent injuries were the players to miss out, but the 66-year old coach expressed his happiness at the balance of the squad.

Singapore face a tough challenge over the next week to get out of a group that contains Thailand, Malaysia and Myanmar. Their toughest challenge could well be tonight against a young Thai team that are high on confidence after a strong showing at the recent Asian Games.

While Stange conceded that the War Elephants might well be the tournament favourites, the 66-year old coach felt that home advantage could prove crucial. 'The big crowd is all about supporting the team and putting pressure on the opponents, and it is good have to this crowd behind your back,' he said.

While the main focus will be on the fixture tonight many will also be casting a critical eye on the state of the National Stadium pitch. Despite having home advantage the Lions have been unable to train at the stadium due to concerns of the condition of the pitch that have rumbled on since it first opened in August.

Group B kicks off this afternoon when Malaysia take on Myanmar at 5pm at the Jalan Besar Stadium with the Malay team expected to have too much against the qualifiers. Then, at 8pm, Singapore will look to continue a run that have seen them undefeated in the opening match in the last five editions of the Cup.

This round of fixtures follows a high scoring opening day over in Vietnam, in Group A yesterday. The tournament co-hosts conceded a late goal to draw 2-2 with Indonesia, while the Philippines came from behind to beat qualifiers Laos 4-1 in the opening match of the tournament.