Singapore 0-3 Jordan

(Photo by AFP and Reuters)

As it stands, we are currently bottom of Group A after 3 rounds of play with 0 points in the bag. We will have to win all our remaining matches and hope for other results to go in our favor for the slimmest chance of progressing to the next round. As a die-hard fan, I can't bring myself to be pessimistic of our chances but at the same time, I'm also a realist and with 3 games left, it may be too high of a mountain to climb for our Lions. In other words, mathematically possible, virtually impossible.

I was there at the Jalan Besar Stadium, just as I have always made myself available for every other Lions competitive home game since 2004, sitting at the Gallery stands with the boisterous LATW (Lions All The Way) crew, who are gaining steady popularity for their voice and unwavering support. I believe that the final scoreline is flattering to Jordan as Singapore have more possession but lacked creativity to open up Jordan's defence and when they manage to create those chances, they are not clinical enough. On the other hand, Jordan took their chances with open arms, the first being a free header from the far post, the second a set piece which fooled everyone including keeper Izwan Mahbud and finally the third goal which the Singapore defence allowed Ahmad Hayel to run past them easily and slotted the ball to the bottom corner. All are soft goals which can prevented if not for our lapses of concentration.

With our hopes of progressing now hanging by a thread, maybe we can use the rest of the matches for the players to gain some invaluable experience and look forward to the next best thing, qualifying for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup which will be hosted by Australia. On a side note, I am very impressed by Khairul Nizam's short cameo in the 2nd half. Quick and fearless. Reminds me of a young Noh Alam Shah. Aleksander Duric's replacement in the future?