SINGAPORE (25 April 2012) – Following the review of their recent performance at the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, Singapore have set their sight for a place in the final of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012.
The FA of Singapore (FAS) have set the aim of making the third round of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers which they have completed and now, they have train their ambition for a place in the final of the AFF Suzuki Cup later this year. The last time the Lions made the two-legged final was back in 2006 when they lifted their third crown after beating Thailand 3-2 on aggregate.
“We had earlier set two targets for the National Team in 2011/2012: To qualify for the Third Round of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Asian Zone Qualifiers, and to reach the final of the 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup,” said Zainudin Nordin, the president of the FAS.
“The performance of our footballers, especially the young emerging players, in the S-League and Malaysian Super League in the first few months of 2012 has given us every reason to be optimistic that Avramovic and the National Team will fulfil our target of reaching the Suzuki Cup final later this year.”
Radojko Avramovic, the chief coach of Singapore, had earlier submitted a post-campaign report that outlined the key factors which had an impact on the team’s performance in the six group matches (of the third round World Cup qualifiers), as well as the recommendations aimed at improving the Lions’ performances in future competitive campaigns and tournaments.
The key factors cited by Avramovic which led to the team’s performance in the group matches include defensive lapses and lack of depth, especially when several players were not able to participate in the team’s last four group matches due to various reasons.
The players’ level of international match fitness, especially in the final four matches, was also singled out as one area which needs to be improved. Among his recommendations, Avramovic stressed on the need for the team to play more friendly matches as well as to rectify the technical and tactical mistakes committed by the team during the qualifying campaign.
“We have achieved the first target, although we should have performed better. The ExCo and Council have since studied the national coach’s post-campaign report as well as his key recommendations,” added Zainuddin.
“The Technical Department will work with the National Coach to rectify the technical and tactical mistakes committed by the team during the qualifying campaign. At the same time, the FAS management will spare no effort in ensuring that the national team receives the best pre-tournament preparations, wherever possible, for the year-end Suzuki Cup.
“We’re in the process of rejuvenating our national team and we will continue to develop our emerging youth players, many of whom have gained invaluable experience and exposure in the World Cup qualifying matches. We appreciate and thank all our stakeholders, including the fans and media, for their support during the Lions’ World Cup qualifying campaign, and we seek their continued support as the Lions strive to grow from strength to strength.”
