Skip to main content

Advertisement

Advertisement

Resolute Lions hold Japan to goalless draw

SAITAMA — Singapore today pulled off a surprise 0-0 draw with Asian giants Japan in a 2018 World Cup qualifier in Saitama.

SAITAMA — Singapore today (June 16) pulled off a surprise 0-0 draw with Asian giants Japan in a 2018 World Cup qualifier in Saitama.

Despite Japan coach Vahid Halilhodzic having included the likes of Borussia Dortmund star Shinji Kagawa, AC Milan’s Keisuke Honda and Eintracht Frankurt midfielder Makoto Hasebe in his line-up, the former Asian champions were unable to break down the resolute Lions, who spent much of the game in their own half.

Much credit had to go to Singapore goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud, who produced some spectacular saves. One of Izwan’s best saves was when he swatted away Shinji Okazaki’s header just before it crossed the line, 10 minutes after halftime.

Moments later, the Singaporean dived to his left to get a hand on a Honda header. Honda had another golden opportunity in the 72nd minute but his free kick from 25m hit the post.

The result means Singapore, who are 154th in the world rankings, top Group E of the second round of the 2018 World Cup Asian Zone qualifying competition after two matches, having beaten Cambodia 4-0 in Phnom Penh last week.

Singapore lead with four points, ahead of Syria (3), Japan (1), Cambodia and Afghanistan. The Republic’s next World Cup qualifier is against Syria on Sept 3, possibly to be held in Oman, while Japan host Cambodia on the same date.

Today, Guam also pulled off only their second qualifying win when they beat India 2-1 in Group D. Guam’s first successful qualifier was last week, 1-0 against Turkmenistan.

Brandon McDonald put hosts Guam ahead in the 38th minute in Tamuning, and Travis Nicklaw doubled the advantage in the 62nd. Sunil Chhetri pulled one back for the visitors in stoppage time but India were handed their second defeat.

North Korea scored four first-half goals en route to a 4-2 win over Uzbekistan to top Group H with their second win. Uzbekistan got late goals from Igor Sergeev and Sardor Rashidov but remained winless.

Omar Abdulrahman scored with 10 minutes to go for United Arab Emirates to beat East Timor 1-0, and lead Group A. AGENCIES

Read more of the latest in

Advertisement

Advertisement

Stay in the know. Anytime. Anywhere.

Subscribe to get daily news updates, insights and must reads delivered straight to your inbox.

By clicking subscribe, I agree for my personal data to be used to send me TODAY newsletters, promotional offers and for research and analysis.