CONTRASTING WORLD CUP FORTUNES FOR LIONS AND THAIS

SINGAPORE (28 March, 2008) – While Singapore put their World Cup campaign back on track with a win over Lebanon, Thailand had theirs hanging in the balance following their loss to Oman at home.

Singapore renewed their hopes of making the next round of the World Cup 2010 qualifiers when they beat Lebanon 2-0 in their match in the Asian Zone Group Four at the National Stadium.

Burly striker Aleksandar Duric was on target in the eight minute before Fazrul Nawaz added the second goal for the host in the 23rd minute.

The win has allowed Singapore to move up to second at the table in the Asian Zone Group Four – ahead of World Cup regulars Saudi Arabia.

Their next match will be against group leaders Uzbekistan, who beat the Saudis 3-0 in Tashkent.

In the meantime, Thailand were done in by a first-minute strike from Ismail Al Ajmi when the conceded a 1-0 loss to Oman to plunge their World Cup campaign into uncertainty.

The loss in the Asian Zone Group Two has put Thailand at the bottom of the table with not a single point to their name behind Japan, Bahrain and Oman.

“We still have a chance. We never give up,” said Chanvit Phalajivin, the head coach for Thailand afterwards.