December 17, 2004

Singapore skipper Aide Iskander has stated that the team’s progression to the semi-finals of the Tiger Cup for the first time since their victorious 1998 campaign reflects that the island republic has gone from Asian also-rans to standing on the verge of becoming a force to be reckoned with in the region.

The 29-year-old stopper, who has appeared in every Tiger Cup since the tournament inception in 1996, suggests that reaching the final four at the expense of Group A hosts Vietnam shows that Singapore looks to have overcame a mental stumbling block that he believes has hampered Lion’s footballing growth.

The National & Home United skipper said he think we had an inferiority complex when we came up against ‘bigger’ sides before because we never really played that many international matches. That is why we are grateful to Tiger for sponsoring us & arranging games against strong opposition & now we have push ourselves to close the gap in Asia.

He continued saying Singapore is slowly trying to close the gap between the giant teams in the Middle East & East Asia. Before if they played us they would think it was a bit of a walkover, they would rest their big stars & the players would relax but now their mentality may have changed.

Also Aide also believes that the 2004 Tiger Cup has thus far reflected that ASEAN football is also on the up.

He said the level of South East Asian teams is improving, as seem with Myanmar beating Malaysia 1-0 in Kuala Lumpur & also since most South East Asian teams only really have the World Cup qualifiers & the Asian Cup qualifiers to play, particularly since the SEA Games is now an under-23 event, the Tiger Cup has become more & more prestigious.

That is why Aide attributing this in part to the fact that the Tiger Cup tournament offers the region’s top sides a more competitive arena than the other tournaments.

He continued saying the tournament has improved a lot since 1996. It is also great that major broadcasters are covering the event as it is good for an Asian audience to see ASEAN football & the players will gradually become recognized. With lots of exposure, scouts will then be looking at some players in the Tiger Cup.

While Singapore making the last four of the Tiger Cup could be considered by many as something of upset as they have to face Group A hosts Vietnam in their opening match in front of a packed vocal and passionate stadium in Ho Chi Minh City followed by a clash with consecutive Tiger Cup runners-up Indonesia could have seen the Lions pointless at the midway stage.

But thanks to some impressive defensive displays by a well-established back four of Aide, 2003 Singapore Young Player of the Year Baihakki Khaizan, the composed Daniel Bennett & veteran S. Subramani, who has also appeared in all five Tiger Cups, Singapore claimed an invaluable point against both of the Group A favourites.

The 1-1 draw with Vietnam & the goalless tie with Indonesia meant 6 points in the remaining matches against regional minnows Laos & Cambodia would guarantee Singapore’s place in the semi-finals. With respective 6-2 and 3-0 victories, Singapore completed the job & Aide is confident that they can now go all the way & win what would be only Singapore’s second international tournament.

He reflected on the events thus far saying he think the Group A draw was perfect for Singapore as everyone was expecting it would be a tough opening for us, playing in front of a big crowd but this was perfect as the pressure was on Vietnam & not us.

Also he added with the way we are currently playing and the confidence in the side, it does not matter who we play in the semis as the home and away format makes it a different story but he is glad Singapore is playing Myanmar because they will play in Kuala Lumpur & he know our fans will travel up for that. It will mean that the away leg will feel like playing at home for us.