Big test for Singapore against Vietnam in ASEAN Championship semis, but Jalan Besar Stadium could be a boost

There have been some good passages of play from the Lions throughout the tournament, particularly in the first half against Thailand.

However, the Lions must improve in terms of keeping possession, said Mr Shasi.

“When Malaysia started to press higher up, it was difficult for us to try to get away from that,” he said.

“Vietnam will do the same and try to press high up the pitch and Singapore in that sense have got to do better.”

He stressed that the Lions need to be clinical against Vietnam. When they get opportunities, they have got to score, he added.

Singapore have shown the ability to hit teams on the counter-attack, with tournament top scorer Shawal proving lethal in front of goal.

“In any game of football, if you take your chances on the counter-attack – as Singapore have shown that they have the capacity to do – that’s something that could cause a bit of an issue against Vietnam,” said Mr Rai.

“It probably will be a case of trying to frustrate Vietnam, looking for quick breaks forward and perhaps making use of set-piece situations.”

SON ON SONG

Kim Sang-sik’s men started the tournament with wins over Laos (4-1) and Indonesia (1-0). But a 1-1 draw with the Philippines raised eyebrows, with an equaliser right at the death securing a precious point.

However, the second-highest ranked Southeast Asian side in the FIFA world rankings put Myanmar to the sword 5-0 in their final group game. Vietnam are ranked 114th while Singapore are 160th.

“I don’t think they are playing at their best but they’ve got players who are top class,” said Mr Shasi.

“They are a very, very strong side … They are definitely favourites to win this (tie and the tournament).

“The fact that they are not playing to their best won’t bother them because it’s tournament football, it’s just about winning (and) getting to the next stage.”

Describing Vietnam as a team with “good balance”, Mr Rai pointed out that they have brought their “A team” to the tournament.

And if they didn’t already have enough firepower in the form of star midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai and experienced striker Nguyen Tien Linh, Vietnam have another weapon – Brazil-born striker Nguyen Xuan Son, formerly known as Rafaelson.

“It’s a fantastic addition to the squad,” said Mr Rai. “It’s complementing a side that is really pretty strong.”