April 1, 2004

It was another gem of a goal from Singapore main striker Indra Sahdan

The Singapore international & Home United striker, who seems to have a knack for scoring in important matches, scores against Asia Champion Japan to add to his big-game goals against Man U (2001), Uruguay (2002) & Oman (2003).

But Singapore could not capitalise on his goal as Singapore finally succumbed 1-2 to a relieved Japan in the last few minutes of the World Cup qualifying match.

Despite that it was a sullen Indra Sahdan which greeted everybody as he explained that it was no longer about personal goals but the final result of the match that matter to him.

He felt Singapore could have gone on to draw with Japan & collect their first point in the World Cup qualifying Group. There were no excuses for losing at that stage of the match & he was very disappointed.

Asked if he can be still satisfied that he had helped the Lions keep the score respectable against opponents ranked 81 places above them in the Fifa World Rankings as well being Asia Champion. At the same time, his reputation of a scorer in big games remain intact.

He just felt he was very lucky to be able to have the chance score against big teams.

In his own words about the goal against Japan, Indra received a throw-in at the left flank in the 63 minute, with his back to the goal & 2 defenders guarding him, the first thing that went through Indra's mind was to hold the ball, wait for support.

But once Shahril Ishak ran down the left & drew a defender away. He saw the chance to turn & cut towards the centre of the penalty box.

Remembering the words of coach Raddy Avramovic in training to 'shoot, shoot & shoot' when having the ball. He suddenly felt Raddy Avramovic screaming from the touchline to tell him to do it.

Sure enough, his shot from just outside the box flew past the flailing arms of Japan goalkeeper Seigo Narazaki at the near post & into the goal.

As he whipped off his jersey in celebration, he turned towards the grandstand & bowed several times, basking in the wild cheers of the Singapore fans & the stunned silence of the Japanese fans

He wanted to explain that he did not meant to mock the Japanese with his bows but it was for those fans who supported him throughout his career.

With so many gems throughout his career as he is also the first Singapore-born player to register over 100 goals in the S-League.

It must be troubling to find his most treasured goal but not to Indra as they are all very precious to him & he does not pick one over another.