Singapore faces mount Fansipan-like challenge in ASEAN Cup semifinal against Vietnam: newspaper

"The peak of Fansipan, towering at 3,147 meters in Vietnam, requires strength and determination to conquer," the Singapore-based newspaper said in a Friday article. "It is similar to the challenge Singapore is facing as they need to win by at least three goals in the second-leg semifinal at Viet Tri Stadium (Hanoi) on Dec. 29."

In the first-leg match at Jalan Besar Stadium on Thursday, Singapore lost 0-2 to Vietnam. Since the away goals rule is not applied, the Singapore team, led by coach Tsutomu Ogura, will need to win by a margin of three goals to advance or by two goals to force extra time.

Striker Nguyen Tien Linh (number 22) celebrates the opening goal in Vietnam's 2-0 win over Singapore at Jalan Besar Stadium on Dec. 26, 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Hieu Luong

The Singapore team’s predictable style of play is also a problem. They started too directly, passed too slowly, and failed to exploit the spaces on the field, making their tactics easy for opponents to read.

"With Vietnam playing five defenders, we need to find another way to break through, instead of just sending long balls," the article said.

In the first leg, the absence of suspended naturalized midfielder Kyoga Nakamura partially affected Singapore's strength. His return is expected to improve the team’s ball control, attack, and scoring.

However, Berita Harian Singapore noted the most important task for the team is to closely mark naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son, who scored the goal that secured Vietnam’s victory in the first leg.

Striker Nguyen Xuan Son scores the goal that sealed Vietnam’s 2-0 victory. Photo by VnExpress/Hieu Luong

"Singapore can be proud of their efforts to neutralize Xuan Son throughout the first 90 minutes of the first leg. However, in the final moments, he broke through our defense to get them a penalty and score a goal. The 'Lions' must maintain control over this threat in the next match," the article said.

Singapore last defeated Vietnam in the ASEAN Cup in 1998 with a 1-0 victory at Hang Day Stadium in Hanoi.

Since the introduction of two-legged semifinals in 2004, no team in the ASEAN Cup—formerly known as the AFF Cup and Tiger Cup—has reached the final after losing by a two-goal margin in the first leg.

However, Singapore players remain determined.

"It’s a difficult job, but it’s not an impossible job," midfielder Hami Syahin said.

"We (will) go out there with full belief, (and in) full throttle to get the win, because that’s all that matters. I believe we can do it."

The second leg of the semifinals is scheduled for 8 p.m. (Hanoi time) on Sunday.