Plenty at stake for Singapore and Thailand at ASEAN Hyundai Cup semi-finals

Singapore's Calm Before the Storm [0:00]

• National coach Gavin Lee emphasizes keeping the team calm, relaxed, and focused ahead of the ASEAN Hyundai Cup semi-final.
• The first leg is against regional powerhouse Thailand at Jalan Besar Stadium.
• Singapore has earned respect from the seven-time champions, who are wary of striker Ilhan Fandi.

  "Singapore national football coach Gavin Lee says keeping his team calm, relaxed and focused is his priority ahead of the ASEAN Hyundai Cup semi-final first league match against regional powerhouse Thailand at Jalan Besar Stadium."

Unbeaten Lions Face Tough Test [0:37]

• Singapore is unbeaten in the ASEAN Hyundai Cup with two wins and two draws.
• This marks their second consecutive qualification into the knockout stages.
• They are set to face their toughest opponent yet in seven-time ASEAN champions Thailand.

  "With two wins and two draws the Lions have achieved a second straight qualification into the knockout stages but the team has yet to face a tougher opponent than the one taking the pitch at Jalan Besar Stadium on Saturday."

Thailand's Formidable Record [1:10]

• Thailand, ranked 54 places higher than Singapore, is described as a regional powerhouse.
• They have a young, talented front line and midfield, backed by experienced defenders.
• Thailand has kept clean sheets in their last four group games.

  "They're very young talented front line in midfield as well but backed by experienced players at the back and you have seen in the last four group games they have kept clean sheets."

Singapore's Self-Belief [1:37]

• Coach Lee states that while they respect Thailand, they respect themselves even more.
• The team's focus is on their own growth, plan, and execution.
• Almost a full squad is available, with Song Yu Yong being the only absentee due to suspension.

  "We respect them as our opposition but we respect ourselves even more for the growth that we have so again we put our attention on us we focus on our plan and we go out there and do our jobs."

Ilhan Fandi's Impact [2:05]

• Striker Ilhan Fandi acknowledges the absence of Song Yu Yong, calling him a big miss.
• Fandi believes the entire team and fans will miss his impact.

  "It's not only going to be me missing him on the pitch I think it's the fans and the team as well because we know how big of an impact he can be to our team and yeah everything he does for the team is amazing."

Thailand's Dominance and Singapore's Challenge [2:30]

• Thailand, known as the 'War Elephants', aims to continue their regional dominance.
• They have won four straight games and conceded no goals in the tournament.
• Despite Thailand's strong record, they are not taking Singapore lightly.

  "Four straight wins and no goals conceded so far. On paper it could be an easy win against Singapore but the ties are not taking anything for granted."

Key Matchups and Statistics [3:06]

• Thailand has won 10 consecutive matches against Singapore.
• Singapore's last victory was in December 2012.
• Thailand has the best defensive record, having not conceded a goal, while Singapore has scored half of Thailand's total goals.

  "10. That's the number of consecutive wins Thailand has against the Lions. Singapore's last victory December 2012 when the Lions beat the war elephants 3-1 in the first leg to win the ASEAN title."

Midfield Battle and Striker Prowess [3:45]

• The midfield battle is highlighted as a potential game-decider, with Kyoga Nakamura returning for Singapore.
• Nakamura faces experienced Thai star Sarat Yuyan, who has 92 caps and four ASEAN Championship medals.
• Ilhan Fandi has scored three of Singapore's goals, while Thailand's goals are spread across six players.

  "But where the game could be decided is the midfield. Singapore has Kyoga Nakamura back after suspension."