Saturday, Mohd Shahril of Singapore holds off Jehad Al Houssain
of Syria in their clash at the Al Ahli stadiumSingapore and Syria
battled out a nervous 0-0 draw as they started their 15th Asian
Games campaigns in front of an expectant crowd in Group B of the
men's football tournament at Al Ahli Sports Club.
Despite a festival atmosphere created inside the stadium by the
fans, players from both sides failed to create the same passion on
the pitch as they refused to give anything away and were obviously
aware that an opening match loss would add more pressure in the
remaining fixtures.
Both teams tried to claim the vital opening goal in the second
half and Syria came closest to breaking the deadlock, but saw its
goal-bound effort shave the post.
In an edgy finale, chances were created as the teams strived to
find a late winner, but failed to convert their opportunities.
For the Lions of Singapore, another match without finding the
net will be worrying for the goal-shy team, who face 2005 West
Asian Games winners Iraq in its next match. Meanwhile, Syria will
play Indonesia in the next round on Tuesday 21 November.
(dohaasiangames.org?November 18, 2006)