The Lions put up a brave performance against China in their Group C World Cup qualifier in Tianjin but were ultimately undone by a controversial second-half penalty and wayward defending as the hosts clinched a 4-1 victory in front of 42,977 fans.
Just five days ago at the National Stadium, world No. 156 Singapore showed a glimpse of what was possible under new coach Tsutomu Ogura's reign as they showed heart, grit and intelligence to fight back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with the 88th-ranked Chinese.
Then, the Republic were unfortunate as they were denied a clear stoppage-time penalty despite a tug on Safuwan Baharudin in the penalty box.
This time, it was a call that went against the Lions that changed the game again. With the score at 1-1, referee Omar Mohamed Al-Ali from the United Arab Emirates pointed to the spot in the 65th minute after ruling that Jacob Mahler had fouled Gao Zhunyi as a free kick was whipped in.
Brazil-born winger Fei Nanduo stepped up to score the penalty.
Denne historien er fra March 27, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
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Denne historien er fra March 27, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
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