BoLASEPaKO.com - A Blog on Singapore Football

Coach Ferreira never doubts his team's ability FINAL: Sporting Lisbon U19 2-0 Liverpool U19 For a team that prided itself on producing many wonderful players throughout the year, one shall not fault Sporting Lisbon U19 coach Abel Ferreira for showing that kind of confidence during the post-match press conference following his side's 2-1 win over their more popular opponents Liverpool. "Are you surprised that my team won?" queried the former Sporting player in English at the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) boardroom at the Jalan Besar Stadium. This came after no question from the media was asked in the first place when requested by the emcee at the gathering. An impressive Sporting clinched the NexLions Cup When the mood set in, the former defender began to take some questions from the floor and mentioned the following (as far as I could remember). "To me, every player in my team is special and it's not just about one or two players beco

"We are in the Final!" (screenshot from TV) What I really hope is the outcome of us heading to the AFF Suzuki Cup Final for the first time in five years is not being overshadowed by the "PalmerGate" that took place so suddenly this afternoon. The Lions kept their composure throughout the game and were unfortunately not able to add more to the tally after Khairul Amri's 25-yard shot from outside sent the mostly red-shirted supporters into a state of euphoria in the 19th minute. With midfield anchor Fahrudin Mustafic being replaced at halftime due to some knocks (apparently), it was thought that the Azkals could finally seize the opportunity and capitalize the Tampines Rovers' stalwart's absence to make inroads to Singapore's frail defence. Yet, unlike the vigour they showed in Manila, the Filipinos found themselves banging onto the stout midfield that was well coordinated by Isa Halim with Aleksandar Duric, dropping deep behind to disrupt the

Everything looks normal with the Singapore national team resumed their preparation for the ultimate AFF Suzuki Cup second-leg semi final showdown against the Philippines this evening. Following the first-leg scoreless draw in Manila with the "away-goals" regulation looming over them, the Lions are fully aware of what is in stake on Wednesday. Duric (pictured extreme right) cautioned the 'away-goals" rule With veteran Aleksandar Duric cautioned the impact of this ruling that would normally place the 'away' side on advantage, has on his team. "We must be cautious of 'away goals' rules," said the evergreen striker at the end of the one-and-half hour session at the Jalan Besar Stadium. "It's important for us to score in order to win the game with Philippines losing to us." he added. Coach Raddy (wearing white cap) put his team into drills In spite of that slight regulatory disadvantage, the affable striker remain

(This entry is formulated based on the media release obtained via CROWD Pte Ltd, the PR agency of “NexLions Cup” together with the images being provided, unless credited) Coach Aide is confident of his team (file picture) With his squad's opening game to face a team that comprised no less than four players with Europa League's experience, Singapore Youth Selection coach Aide Iskandar is unfazed of the challenge ahead posed by Liverpool Academy side in the upcoming Nex Lions Cup. Much of that confidence stemmed from the match that the former Lions' skipper's boys drew 2-2 with Johor FA side, who is coached by another ex-Singapore skipper, the legendary Fandi Ahmad at Larkin Stadium in Johor Bahru days ago. Said coach Aide:"I have seen the squad list for Liverpool and I understand that they are bringing a strong squad for the NexLions Cup," "We will have a tough game on our hands against them, but I think that the team is well prepared and read

Watched the game with LATW at Ogopogo It's the experience that counted in a match such as a semi-final like the one we saw earlier on TV. A depleted strength saw Aleksandar Duric starting the game for the second time in the AFF Suzuki Cup campaign for that physical presence upfront with Isa Halim added the much-needed steel alongside with Fahrudin Mustafic in the middle of the park. The tactical switch proved to be working as it helped to stabilise and buffered the pressure on the Lions' back four of Shaiful Esah, Baihakki Khaizan, Safuwan Baharudin and Daniel Bennett in the first half. While the visiting Singapore side may have the better chances of the two, but the excellent showing by the Azkals' keeper Sacapano had once again proved to be stumbling block of the Lions like he did against them weeks ago in Cebu. Much better showing from the Filipinos in the second half by playing more ground passing style of play using their pace to penalize the Lions on thei