Singapore need to 'embrace the occasion' against giants South Korea, says Lions captain Hariss

SEOUL: They may be up against the weather and world-class opposition but Singapore are raring to go ahead of their World Cup qualifier clash with South Korea on Thursday (Nov 16).

Speaking to CNA on Monday (Nov 13) at the team’s hotel on the outskirts of Seoul, captain Hariss Harun said Singapore would need to “embrace the occasion”.

“It is not (often) that we get the chance to play a team that plays regularly in the World Cup - one of the top teams in Asia … We have to embrace the occasion, look forward to it, try to show what we can do,” he said.

“It’s no secret that they are miles and way above our level … We are not expected to do anything magical. So for us, it's going out there, trying to prepare as best we can, set up nicely, try to be competitive, make sure they feel our presence and try make a game out of it.”

The current FIFA rankings underscore the task ahead: Singapore are ranked 155th, a good way off South Korea's 24th.

Vietnam, ASEAN's highest-ranked team, were on the wrong end of a 6-0 thrashing the last time South Korea faced Southeast Asian opposition. The win, which came in a friendly match in October, was head coach Jurgen Klinsmann's third on the trot.

On current form, a fourth looks likely on Thursday.

“The onus is on them being the home team, being the favourites in the group, top-ranked team in the group, to go out there and do something,” said Hariss.

“We have to really be ready for the challenge on Thursday and not shy away from a challenge.”

Tickets for the evening match at the Seoul World Cup Stadium are sold out, according to the Korea Football Association.

Playing away from home in front of a packed crowd, a good start could make all the difference, said Singapore head coach Takayuki Nishigaya. 

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