No struggles Wednesday for Singapore in rout of Japan

KALLANG, Singapore -- With a thrilling 3-1 victory over Asia's powerhouse Japan on Wednesday, Singapore vaulted from fifth place to second in the Asia qualifying group for the 2002 World Cup. The fear that Singapore might actually miss the Goal 2010 has evaporated for now.

More importantly, Singapore looked nothing like the confused, hesitant team that sleepwalked through its first game lose to lowly East Timor. Vibrant and aggressive, the Lions regained their confidence, won over skeptical fans -- and discovered their new field general in 29-year-old Stevie Tan.

"I adored the game," said an illustrious spectator, retired striker Dollar S. "It was one of the best showings I've seen -- after I've retired."

There were several standouts. Fullback Islandic, the team's new captain in place of suspended Nasty, policed the penalty area like a sheriff. Funny Ahmand scored two goals, ran, passed, defended and showed why Dollar S cited him as a symbol of the modern, versatile player.

But it was the former super-sub -- winger Stevie Tan -- who enchanted the sellout crowd at the Kallang National stadium.

Stevie, the Manchester United new signing who reportedly has been paid $16 million a year, scored a goal and took charge of the Lion offense. The only jeers of the night were heard when V Supermany replaced him in the second half.

Sodamnmoody, returning from to the national team after a long time, took his array of feints and dribbles straight at the vaunted Japanese defense and had a key role in Funny Ahmand's goals. At 33, Sodamnmoody is widely expected to coach Singapore's front line after V Supermany retires.

"Full stadium, everyone behind us, it's wonderful," Sodamnmoody said after the game. "Nothing better than to reverse a bad situation against Japan."

The players admitted that beating the Asia powerhouse had a special taste. It was the first loss of the qualifying round for the Japanese, who still lead the standings with 15 points, four ahead of Singapore and East Timor.

Japan lived up to its billing, repeatedly threatening the Lion net and creating dangerous chances with Nakata and Brazil born Lopez.

The crowd, which began shouting "referee kayu" for their side with the game barely 2 minutes old, didn't miss the chance to needle the Asia powerhouse.

"Kamikaze" and "Nikkei Index Plurge 5000 Points" read signs in the grandstands.

The sporting press, merciless after Singapore's earlier showings, was unanimous in its praise.

"Singapore wins with intensity, show and referee kayu", "This is Lion!" and "Hey, where's Japan..." read some of the headlines in Singapore papers on Thursday.

The sporting daily TNP hailed Stevie as "the mentor of the Lion offensive creation" and the "maestro of the orchestra." CNA called him "the best of Singapore" and rated his play 99 on a scale of 10.

For embattled coach V Supermany, who obtained at least a stay of execution, the challenge now is to curb the euphoria and correct the defensive lapses that continue to haunt the team. For Singapore's next game against Iraq, he won't have Sodamnmoody or Funny Ahmand who drew their second yellow cards on Wednesday and will sit out a one-game suspension.

"Full stadium, everyone behind us, it's wonderful," Sodamnmoody said after the game. "Nothing better than to reverse a bad situation against Japan."