Singapore through to the final despite an unconvincing win

      
    Khairul Amri solitary goal was enough for The Lions to reach the AFF Suzuki Cup final 2012

Photo Courtesy affsuzukicup.com

It was a nice and pleasant weather to play football today, as three-time champion Singapore faced surprise package Philippines at Jalan Besar Stadium to put an end to the result which ended goalless in the first leg at Manila.

Singapore head coach, Radojko Avramovic named an unchanged side that played a 0-0 draw at Manila while Philippines have made only one change through Jerry Lucena for Jason De Jong.

Both side went strong in the first half, trying to make an early mark in the game. Singapore finally went ahead in 19th minute through Khairul Amri unstoppable strike just outside of the penalty area. It proved to be the match-winner goal for the game as both sides are struggled to make chances turn into goals. Singapore make countless chances but could not add more goals due to their enthusiastic opponent.

Profligacy in front of goal is the reason why Singapore could not make a comfortable lead as much as they would have liked.

Singapore are now levelled on record with Indonesia, having reach the final of the AFF Suzuki Cup for the fourth time in the competition. They hold the record for reaching the final for three times and winning all of them without failed. They are now on course to win the AFF Suzuki Cup for the fourth time should they beat their opponent that they will waiting for, between defending champion Malaysia and three-time champion Thailand in Bangkok tomorrow.

Man of the Match: Khairul Amri

Phillippines hold Singapore for a 0-0 draw

Man of the Match: Angel Guirado

Singapore came out on top over Laos in the 4-3 comeback thriller

Photo Courtesy www.channelnewsasia.com

In the similar time when Malaysia gain valuable win against rival Indonesia, Singapore face tournament's minnows, Laos at Shah Alam Stadium and only need a point to secure a spot to semi-final. However, Laos did not make things easier to the three-time champions. A lapse of defending from Singapore gave Khampheng Sayavutthi a chance to score with a weak shot from a close range in the 21st minute to make it a shock 1-0 lead to Laos. Keoviengphet Liththideth made it harder for Singapore when he unleashed a beautiful curling shot past Izwan Mahbud to the top right corner of the net in the 40th minute to make it a comfortable 2-0 lead for the Thim Xad. Singapore however did manage to pull one back through captain Shahril Ishak with a simple shot from close range in 47th minute just before half-time.

Singapore did not waste any time when the second half started as they pushed forward in search for equaliser. Singapore finally found an equaliser through Shahril Ishak once again in 53rd minute when he dribbled easily in the penalty box and fired to the bottom left corner of the net to make it 2-2. Laos looking struggle to contain Singapore's attack as there are number of times their defence looking as vulnerable as ever. The Lions meanwhile are more confident in performance as they create a lot of chances and are close to score more goals. Ten minutes later, Khairul Amri put Singapore in front in the 63th minute when he took an unstoppable free-kick which easily past Laos goalkeeper to make it 3-2. Fazrul Nawaz rounded off Singapore's comeback when he fired the ball past Laos goalkeeper with a diving header in 65th minute to make it 4-2 lead. It was two goals in two minutes from Singapore. Khampheng Sayavutthi put a seemingly dead Laos in a glimmer of hope when they were awarded a penalty in 81st minute and slotted the ball easily past Izwan Mahbud to make it 4-3 but it was all too late for the Thim Xad as Singapore are victorious nonetheless coming to the final whistle as the Lions deserved to claim one of the greatest comeback win in the football history.

Singapore finished the Group B with six points and top of the group after three matches, with two wins against Malaysia and Laos and one lose against Indonesia. As a group winner, Singapore will travel to Manila for the first leg of semi-final, where they will meet tournament's surprise package, Philippines, who finished as a runners-up of Group A in December 8 and a return leg in December 12 at Jalan Besar Stadium.
Singapore have an excellent chance to go to the final for the fourth time in the history of competition if they beat Philippines in the semi-final. Singapore is one of the most successful side in the history of AFF Suzuki Cup competition, having previously won the title three times in 1998, 2005 and 2007 edition.

Man of the Match: Shahril Ishak

Philippines send Myanmar home to book a spot in semi-final AFF Suzuki Cup 2012

Philippines stunned Vietnam

Vietnam 0-1 Philippines Group A Match 2 AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 

Philipphines shocked tournament's favourites Vietnam to keep their chances of qualifying for the semi-final alive. A late goal from substitute Emilio Caligdong sealed a victory for the Azkals. Philippines were left on trail after humbled down by tournament co-host, Thailand in a 2-1 defeat even though with a very tight match. Vietnam, again, dominated through the whole match but unable to break opposition defence. Philippines took a full advantage on Vietnam lapse of concentration in defence when Angel Guirado managed to lay the ball Emilio Caligdong before unleashed the ball to the back of the net in the 85th minute. Better late than never for Philippines, Caligdong's goal has delighted the fans alike with the late impact in the game.

Man of the Match: Emilio Caligdong

Group A AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 Roundup

Photo Courtesy from mynewshub.my

It's all wet evening at Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok,yesterday, with spectators witness a fair share of careful football, both matches having scored 5 goals altogether and conceding one goal each of the team. Perhaps the best part of football in Bangkok, is to witness Anucha's fantastic goal in a deserved 2-1 Thailand victory over Philippines.

Thailand 2-1 Philippines - Group A AFF Suzuki Cup 2012

AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 Preview

Photo Courtesy tickethotline.com.my