Jubilance turned into despair when Singapore fell to Thailand at the National Stadium after initially showing a first-half performance for the ages
It was a night that had it all. Six goals, a pumped up 22,611-strong crowd, a hard-fought comeback, game-decisive VAR decisions and last-ditch tackles — all encapsulating the triumphs of football, and just how everything can be taken away in a split second.
Singapore squandered their 2-0 lead before succumbing to a 4-2 defeat at the death. Last night's results secured the reigning champions, Thailand a spot in the semi-finals. Singapore still sit in second, albeit only two points ahead of third and fourth placed Malaysia and Cambodia.
Having never tasted victory against the War Elephants in their previous eight meetings, Singapore were never really poised to have a comfortable game. But they came charging out of the blocks, and it was Shawal Anuar who scored the first of six goals in the ninth minute.
Singapore's bench erupted in celebrations, with Syazwan Buhari directing his excitement towards fellow goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud, whose pinpoint long ball had set up the goal. Spotting Shawal Anuar's run, the new number one sent an early ball far and high, splitting Thailand's defence. Shawal then cushioned the ball expertly before pummelling it into the net from distance.
Then, in the 33d minute, elation turned into hysteria. Singapore struck again, and it was Faris Ramli this time who had the honour of sending the Singapore National Stadium into a sea of limbs.
The Tampines Rovers forward received the ball from Hami Syahin out on the left wing and while he had two attackers in the box and Ryhan Stewart making an in-field run, Faris decided to cut inside and take it on himself. With one curling sweep of the ball, Singapore found themselves two goals up against the Southeast Asian giants.
Singapore's grit was clear for all, with Ryhan making a goal-line clearance not long after to protect the two-goal lead. Though it was still The Lions very much on the front foot, a lack in concentration led to Thailand taking one back right before half-time.
After a long ball over the defence and two cut-backs, Patrik Gustavsson — who was left unmarked — slotted it past Izwan to make it 2-1.
Thailand's newfound confidence paid off in the 52nd minute, when Suphanat Mueanta headed in a cross delivered by Anan Yodsangwal, who had also assisted Gustavsson previously.
What then ensued was a rollercoaster of emotions for both the home and away fans alike. In the 70th minute, The Thais thought they had found their third, but VAR ruled the goal out due to a foul on Izwan. While the decision once again sent a chorus of cheers ringing out throughout the stadium, the home team were still hanging on by a thread.
At the death, jubilation turned into despair for Singapore, and the Thais made sure to celebrate this time.
In the 92nd minute, Peeradon Chamrasamee volleyed a ball in from Worachit Kanitsribampen. The home fans were once again ecstatic to see that the goal had been disallowed due to offside, but a VAR review overturned the decision in favour of the Thais, breaking the hearts of the home side.
Singapore saw several chances to equalise, with Abdul Rasaq having the closest of them all. The Thai defence however, made sure that the lead was theirs. In the 104th minute, Thailand put the game to bed, with Teerasak Poeiphimai tapping in the sixth and final goal of the night.
With only one group stage game left, The Lions now have no other route to the semi-finals but to avoid a loss against their long-standing Causeway Rivals at Bukit Jalil Stadium on Friday night (20 December).
While a draw will suffice, it will be anything but comfortable for Singapore, as hostility awaits in the Malaysian capital.
Here are more highlights from the clash between Singapore and Thailand.
Faris Ramli is embraced by his teammates after scoring a curling stunner and putting Singapore two goals ahead.
Mueanta sends a back heel pass towards Yodsangwal, who cut it back to Gustavsson for Thailand's first goal of the night just before half time.
Ryhan wins the ball back from Mueanta, who was a powerhouse in last night's Thai team. Similarly, Ryhan was responsible for several dangerous crosses, before being taken off for Christopher Van Huizen in the second half.
Irfan Najeeb makes a sliding challenge against Thitathorn Auksornsri.
Chamrasamee plays a dangerous cross into the box, eventually cleared by the Singapore defence.
The home fans, who were sent into a frenzy after every decision in favour of The Lions, celebrate Thailand's disallowed goal.
Rasaq misses the opportunity to equalise right after Thailand took the lead. Despite the disappointment, songs still rang out from the fans in the stadium, albeit a little quieter now.
While several home fans began leaving the stadium, Lionel Tan consoles Rasaq after Thailand lethally scores their fourth and final goal.
Glenn Kweh and Auksornsri battle for the ball in the air in the first half. Glenn was a key player in driving Singapore forward while the team was in the lead, before he was taken off in the second half.
Gustavsson, with Amirul Adli hot on his heels, chases the ball down in the box. With an onrushing Izwan Mahbud also challenging for the ball, it eventually rolls out of play to the relief of the Singaporean players.
The 22,661-strong crowd were in high spirits, and despite the loss, the fans were still electrified by the fight shown by Singapore.
Singa Brigade's drummers were responsible for keeping the beat alive, and getting the crowd to join in on the songs and starting the famous Kallang Wave.
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