SINGAPORE (25 Nov 2014) – The statistics involving matches between four-time champions, Singapore and Myanmar is somewhat limited. And that’s because out of the nine editions of this regional competition, the two have only squared-off three times, all of which were in favour of the Lions.
The last time they met was in 2010 when Singapore edged them 2-1 in the group stage, both however failed to advance to the semis. In 2008, Singapore beat Myanmar 3-1 in a group match and went on to the the semifinals.
But the deepest cut for Myanmar was in 2004 when they missed the final after going down 4-3 on aggregate to Singapore in the semifinals. Myanmar later lost the playoffs with Malaysia and settled for fourth, their best finish ever in the history of this event.
Tomorrow evening, however, Singapore will face a Myanmar side which is high on confidence. They won the tough qualifying competition and also had a solid build up coming into this year’s AFF Suzuki Cup. They also have a new coach this year in Raddy Avramovic, the mastermind behind Singapore’s rise to power.
Their hopes suffered a slight hiccup when they shared points with Malaysia in their opening game two days ago. Despite numerous chances, the strikers failed to get their shots on the mark against 10-man Malaysia. Avramovic later said he wished his strikers sharper around the box.
“Before the match (against Malaysia), I would have been happy sharing points, but after the match, I felt we should have won all three points.”
On tomorrow’s match, Avramovic said he had mixed feelings. “In the end however, it’s a competition and we want to win. Singapore too want to win and they are under pressure to do so.”
Avramovic anticipates a good game tomorrow and advised fans to not miss the match. “It’s going to be a great atmosphere for football. It’s also an opportunity for players to play in such an atmosphere (at the Sports Hub).
Myanmar can expect a good turnout for their match tomorrow as their allocation of tickets have already been sold out. “It was good to see so many Myanmar fans and hpe for their support again.”
On the switch from plastic to grass, Avramovic said it would be difficult for his team. “But there’s no choice, they will have to adapt.”
A very positive Singapore coach Bernd Stange says that he is confident with his charges. “We are ready for this game. After the opening match, we know we must win the next two games. It’s up to the players to deliver on the pitch now.”
Stange also mentioned that the senior players could swing the game to their advantage. “If the seniors play they way they did in the first game, I think it will be enough to beat Myanmar.”
