Singapore Sorrow
It was a dark day for Singaporean soccer, as the U-20 team crashed out of World Cup participation, while the national team lost their opening game to Latvija in China.
U-20 Hong Kong, in all black, kept alive their tiniest of hopes by destroying U-20 Singapore 3-1 at Whiska's Bowl in Kowloon. A third minute goal by Liang Jee-Win and a follow-up double by Ni Shen-Min wrecked Singapore's dream.
Han Kok was depressed despite the fact that he would not be eligible to play in the U-20 World Cup proper anyway. "We gave it as good as we got, but neglected our defence. It's extra disappointing since I'm just hitting peak form for the team. Congrats to Peru and almost certainly Israel for getting through, we'll do our best against them and the Philippines although it's over for us."
Their seniors could do no better as they were stoppered by a Latvija's unbelievable defence. Singapore lost through no lack of vigour as the three strikers wore themselves out on that impenetratable wall, while Latvija relied on American-based winger Bartek Sibik to deliver the goods, and he did. An eighth minute penalty by Sibik and a late strike from Krisjanis Vindins left Singapore bottom of Group Three.
