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Young Lions hope to get third time lucky against Iran

SINGAPORE — Back in March this year, the Singapore national U-21 football team played two international friendlies against Iran with plenty of uncertainty and doubt after the disappointment of crashing out in the group stages of last year’s SEA Games on home soil.

The Singapore national Under 21 football team will be playing their Iran counterparts in the final of the FAS U21 Challenge Cup on Saturday, July 23, at Bishan Stadium. Photo: FAS Facebook page.

The Singapore national Under 21 football team will be playing their Iran counterparts in the final of the FAS U21 Challenge Cup on Saturday, July 23, at Bishan Stadium. Photo: FAS Facebook page.

SINGAPORE — Back in March this year, the Singapore national U-21 football team played two international friendlies against Iran with plenty of uncertainty and doubt after the disappointment of crashing out in the group stages of last year’s SEA Games on home soil.

To their credit, they put on a decent showing against one of the top ranked youth teams in Asia, despite losing narrowly 0-1 and 0-2.

On Saturday (July 23), the Young Lions will be hoping it is a case of third time lucky for them as they host their Iranian counterparts in the final of the inaugural Football Association of Singapore (FAS) U-21 International Challenge Cup at the Bishan Stadium.

They come into the match on the back of a stunning 5-0 win over Hong Kong in the semi-final on Wednesday, where they put on a matured and technically-accomplished display.

Forward Amiruldin Asraf, who scored Singapore’s final goal, told TODAY that he and his team-mates are raring to go once again.

“Of course, our morale is high after Wednesday and we are all motivated to do our best for the final,” said Amiruldin. “However, Iran are a very strong team and their senior team is the top FIFA-ranked team in Asia, so we (will) have to put in maximum effort, and work together as a team.”

The 19-year-old Home United forward added: “There is pressure, but it is good pressure and I am excited as well. I am really looking forward to the final and linking up with my team-mates again to show what we can do.”

National youth teams head coach Richard Tardy reckons that the clash against Iran will be totally different from the match against Hong Kong.

“It will be a totally different game against Iran,” said Tardy. “Against Hong Kong we had plenty of possession and managed to create many chances, but against Iran that might not be possible because they are a top team.

"This is the third time we are playing Iran in recent months and so both teams know each other well,” added the Frenchman. “The first two matches were really tight so you can expect something similar once again.”

While his side were mostly untroubled against Hong Kong, Tardy wants his boys to continue to work on their organisation and start on the front foot. “Against Hong Kong we played really well but we started both halves slowly and I feel we can improve on that,” he explained.

“Technically we can do better and I constantly want us to improve on our technique and organisation because this will help us for the SEA Games next year.”

FIXTURES
Saturday (Jul7 23) : Hong Kong v Uzbekistan (5pm); Singapore vs Iran (8pm).
Venue: Bishan Stadium
* On-site ticket sales will take place on match days from 3.30pm onwards at the Bishan Stadium. For more ticketing details, go to http://www.globaltickets.sg

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