The Lions were hammered last time out 4-0 by Palestine, and are now looking for redemption against second-placed Uzbekistan in Group D of the Asian Qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Palestine now sit third in the group, just edging over Singapore on goal differences.
“It’s because of my management and it’s on me.” Tatsuma Yoshida blames Singapore’s recent loss on his very own tactical plans. Tatsuma also revealed that the players felt nervous during the first 45 mins of the game as they conceded three goals in the first half.
Singapore was looking forward to claiming all three points in order to have a good chance to move to second place in Group D in order to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup. But it went otherwise.
However, Tatsuma believes it is not the time to dwell on the loss but to move on from it. “It’s our issue, it’s our problem that we have to change and we can improve almost all things, and we can show our potential in the next match,” said the Lions’ gaffer as they look forward to claiming points against Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan’s recent game was a friendly against five times Suzuki Cup champions Thailand. The White Wolves emerged victorious with a scoreline of 4-1. All four goals from Uzbekistan’s side came in the second half from Khusniddin Alikulov, Odil Akhmedov and two goals from Temurkhuja Abdukhalikov.
The Uzbeks are favourites to get their name on the scoresheet again when they face Singapore on Tuesday.
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Uzbekistan vs Singapore head-to-head
Uzbekistan had faced Singapore thrice, with Uzbekistan winning all of them. The last time the two sides faced each other in this competition was in 2019 with the match ending 3-1 in favour of Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan form guide: L-L-W-W-L
Singapore form guide: L-L-W-D-L
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Uzbekistan vs Singapore team news
There are no reported injuries or suspension.
Injured: None
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Madhu Mohana had picked up a yellow card in the previous game against Palestine. There are no injuries reported from the game. However, the Lions will still be playing their upcoming game against the White Wolves without their star striker, Ikhsan Fandi, and skipper, Hariss Harun.
Injured: Ikhsan Fandi
Suspended: None
Doubtful: Idraki Adnan & Shawal Anuar
Other reasons: Hariss Harun
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Uzbekistan vs Singapore Predicted XI
Uzbekistan Predicted XI (4-5-1): Abduvokhid Nematov (GK), Islomjon Kobilov, Khojiakbar Alijonov, Sanjar Kodirkulov, Rustamjon Ashurmatov, Otabek Shukurov, Jaloliddin Masharipov, Dostonbek Khamdamov, Odil Akhmedov, Vagiz Galiulin, Temurkhuja Abdukhalikov.
Singapore predicted XI (4-3-3): Izwan Mahbud (GK), Shakir Hamzah, Madhu Mohana, Baihakki Khaizan, Nazrul Nazari, M Anumanthan, Shahdan Sulaiman, Yasir Hanapi, Saifullah Akbar, Faris Ramli, Gabriel Quak.
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Uzbekistan vs Singapore Prediction
The White Wolves would look to cause more damage to the Lions as they are looking to challenge Saudi Arabia for first place in the group. However, an already beaten Singapore side will still be looking to cause an upset to the home team for a chance to qualify as one of the best four runners up to advance to the next stage of the tournament.
“We have two matches coming up and we have to move on from here. If we don’t want a repeat of this, we need to get over it and learn from these mistakes and try to come back stronger.” Singaporean midfielder Shahdan Sulaiman believes his team needs to bounce back from their previous loss and look forward to the lessons learnt in order to prove a better performance against Uzbekistan.
Prediction: Uzbekistan 5-0 Singapore