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Sundram confident of finding solution to goalscoring woes

SINGAPORE — When the Lions play Indonesia in their final Suzuki Cup group stage match on Friday, they will have to do something that they have yet to do in the tournament, if they are to achieve their target of reaching the semi-finals.

Singapore before the game against the Philippines during their AFF Suzuki Cup group stage match on Nov 19, 2016. Photo: Jason Quah/TODAY

Singapore before the game against the Philippines during their AFF Suzuki Cup group stage match on Nov 19, 2016. Photo: Jason Quah/TODAY

SINGAPORE — When the Lions play Indonesia in their final Suzuki Cup group stage match on Friday, they will have to do something that they have yet to do in the tournament, if they are to achieve their target of reaching the semi-finals.

Score.

With Singapore currently third in the group with one point from two games, they will likely need a victory against Indonesia if they are to stand a chance of reaching the knockout stages. Singapore’s previous two matches in the tournament saw them play out a goalless draw against the Philippines last Saturday before suffering a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Thailand on Tuesday.

They remain the only team in the tournament who have yet to find the back of the net, and face the prospect of suffering the ignominy of being eliminated without a victory or goal to their name.

But national head coach V Sundramoorthy is remaining calm.

Highlighting Indonesia’s defensive frailties — they have conceded six goals in two games — the 51-year-old told TODAY: “Looking at the statistics (of both teams), we have issues scoring while they have problems defending. So both sides have their weaknesses and strengths.

“There can be many reasons why we haven’t been scoring. But we have analysed each game and I’m sure we’ll come up with a solution.

“I believe with a proper tactical approach, we can nick a victory and qualify for the semi-finals.”

Sundram enjoyed success during his time in charge of the now-defunct LionsXII side, adopting a defensive approach as he led the team to the Malaysian Super League (MSL) title in 2013. And he has adopted a similar strategy since his appointment in May as national head coach on a one-year contract earlier.

While this safety-first philosophy has earned him some critics, Sundram insists he will continue to do what he believes is needed in order to achieve success. “Is it in the Fifa rules that we can’t play defensive football? I don’t see in any rulebook that we can’t play this style,” said Sundram.

“For me, results are the key and I believe that we should work hard as a team and stay compact. For example, in the past two games, the boys have put themselves about and worked their socks off. They know each other really well and have developed a good understanding.

“I’m really honoured to have this bunch of boys and I’m really proud to have been given this opportunity to coach them. I’ll continue do my best to prepare the team to the best of their abilities, to work on their strengths, minimise their weakness and inspire them to do their best in every match.” NOAH TAN IN MANILA

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