Singapore fall 3-1 to Thailand in World Cup qualifier

SINGAPORE: Days after a 5-0 defeat by a dominant South Korea, the Lions were back in more familiar temperatures, in a more familiar environment as they faced Thailand at the National Stadium on Tuesday (Nov 21).

But the outcome was the same for Singapore, with a 3-1 defeat leaving them rooted to the bottom of their World Cup qualifying group. South Korea are top of the group after a 3-0 away win over China, who beat Thailand in the opening round of fixtures.

An early goal from Thailand's Supachok Sarachat put Mano Polking’s men in front, and while a first-half reply from substitute Shawal Anuar handed Singapore a route back into the game, a Suphanat Mueanta double wrapped up the victory for Thailand.

Last week, the Lions were soundly beaten by South Korea at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, with goals from Cho Gue-sung, Hwang Hee-chan, Son Heung-min, Hwang Ui-jo and Lee Kang-in sealing the victory.

And while the South Koreans may have laboured in the first 45 minutes, ASEAN kingpins Thailand took the game right to Singapore with Hassan Sunny forced into a good stop with less than a minute played.

Then came a low drive from Supachok four minutes later to silence the home crowd of 29,644.

Singapore’s last competitive fixture against Thailand was in 2021 when they lost 0-2 to the War Elephants in the group stage of the AFF Suzuki Cup (now the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup). The Lions last beat Thailand in 2012.

Singapore, who were without Shah Shahiran (suspension) and Irfan Fandi (injury), looked to soak up the pressure and hit the Thais on the counter but simply could not fashion a shot on target.

Hassan was kept busy in Singapore’s tie with South Korea last week. On Tuesday, he had to be alert in the 27th minute to