Avramovic mindful that it's only 'half-time'

Football: Avramovic mindful that it's only 'half-time'

Radojko Avramovic (TODAY File Photo)

National coach Radojko Avramovic broke with form on Wednesday night at the post-match press conference.

Best known for his surly and serious demeanour, the 63-year-old Serbian could not stop himself from smiling as he addressed the media in the wake of his Lions' resounding 3-1 win over Thailand in the first-leg of the ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup, admitting "it felt good".

The feel-good factor, however, was due more to the way everything went to plan on Wednesday night.

"You know you have worked hard in wanting to achieve something, plan everything in detail and finally you see the result. That was what happened tonight," said Avramovic.

"But of course, we also put in our share of hard work, showed tremendous team spirit, which was crucial in a match like this."

Nonetheless, Avramovic did not allow himself nor his players to get carried away with the result, which means Thailand must chalk up a 2-0 result in the second leg on Saturday in Bangkok in order to win on the away goals rule.

"The Thais are an exceptionally gifted team and there is still another 90 minutes to be played in Bangkok on Saturday," warned Avramovic.

That was also why Thailand coach Winfried Schafer declared that his team's quest for a record fourth AFF title is not over yet.

"I know my players. I trust them and I have confidence in them," said the German. "And we still have time to work things out for the return match. I am sure Singapore will have a match on their hands come Saturday."

Meanwhile, it looks like the head injury that left-back Shaiful Esah had picked up in the final moments of the game is not as serious as had been initially feared. The 26-year-old, whose cross led to Baihakki Khaizan's goal in stoppage time, landed on the back of his head during an aerial challenge with a Thai player. Grimacing in pain as medical staff huddled over him, he was put in a neck brace and stretched off the pitch as his team-mates watched on anxiously.

However, team manager Eugene Loo later told the media that the defender was "all right".

"But we are not taking any chances. We are sending him to the hospital for further checks," said Loo.

- TODAY

Coaches agree best teams are in AFF Suzuki Cup final

Football: Coaches agree best teams are in AFF Suzuki Cup final

Winfried Schafer (L) and Raddy Avramovic (R) at a news conference before the AFF

Both Singapore's and Thailand's coaches have agreed that the two countries have performed the best in this year's AFF Suzuki Cup competition.

They have also said that it is no surprise both countries are in the final.

Singapore's preparations were not the best going into the tournament; the Lions have clawed their way into the final and can now make regional history by beating Thailand.

Lifting the Cup will be all the more special, given the speculation that it could be coach Raddy's last tournament with the team.

"I'm very happy that we are here because not many people gave us a chance. But our players have done an absolutely great job and we are in the finals, why don't we try to win," said Raddy Avramovic, head coach for Singapore's team.

Many expect Thailand to win; the team is seen by many as the favourites. Expectations are high back home as well, and the Thai coach is targeting a win.

"I hope we have a good result tomorrow and (recreate) the big success in Bangkok. That is our target, our goal," said Winfried Schafer, coach for the Thai team.

Some 180 Thai fans have followed the team to Singapore to lend their support.

The first leg kicks off Wednesday night at the Jalan Besar Stadium, with the return leg on Saturday in Bangkok.

Thailand and Singapore are the only two teams that have won this title on three previous occasions.

Both teams will not be holding back over the two legs as they vie for the honour of being the first country in Southeast Asia to win the Cup for the fourth time.

~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~