Singapore vs Saudi Arabia: A Night of Grit and Determination in the World Cup Qualifiers

On a warm night at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia hosted Singapore in a critical Group D match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. While the final score read 3-0 in favor of the hosts, the match was far more competitive than the scoreboard suggested. Singapore came into the game as underdogs but managed to put on a performance full of discipline, energy, and resilience—until the final few minutes when Saudi Arabia’s class ultimately prevailed.

Match Overview

• Date: June 11, 2021

• Competition: 2022 FIFA World Cup AFC Qualifiers – Second Round

• Venue: King Saud University Stadium, Riyadh

• Final Score: Singapore 0 – 3 Saudi Arabia

This fixture was crucial for both teams. For Saudi Arabia, it was a must-win to maintain their spot at the top of the group. For Singapore, it was an opportunity to test themselves against one of Asia’s strongest footballing nations.

First Half: Tactical Discipline from the Lions

Singapore started the game on the back foot, with Saudi Arabia dominating possession from the very first whistle. The Green Falcons showed intent with fluid passing and clever off-the-ball movement. However, Singapore’s defensive shape and tactical discipline ensured the home side was unable to break through in the first half.

Goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud was outstanding, making a string of saves that frustrated Saudi Arabia’s attackers. The backline, marshaled by Safuwan Baharudin and Irfan Fandi, held firm and cleared multiple threatening crosses and through balls.

Despite Saudi Arabia’s dominance, the first half ended 0-0, with Singapore growing in confidence. Their plan to absorb pressure and counterattack through pacey wingers like Faris Ramli and Yasir Hanapi showed glimpses of promise.

Second Half: The Wall Begins to Crack

As the second half kicked off, Saudi Arabia intensified their attacks. They began pressing higher and increased the tempo of their passing. Singapore, by now visibly tired, continued to defend with determination but struggled to maintain possession.

Midfielders Hariss Harun and Shahdan Sulaiman worked tirelessly to shield the defense, while Zulqarnaen Suzliman and Darren Teh were tested constantly down the flanks.

Despite their brave efforts, cracks began to show. In the 83rd minute, Saudi Arabia finally broke the deadlock through Salem Al-Dawsari, who curled a beautiful shot into the top corner after a slick passing move on the edge of the box.

The floodgates opened after that. Just three minutes later, Fahad Al-Muwallad doubled the lead with a clinical finish following a defensive error from Singapore, and in stoppage time, Saleh Al-Shehri completed the 3-0 victory with a powerful header from a corner.

Team Lineups

Singapore Starting XI:

• Izwan Mahbud (GK)

• Zulqarnaen Suzliman

• Baihakki Khaizan

• Safuwan Baharudin

• Irfan Fandi

• Darren Teh

• Shahdan Sulaiman

• Hariss Harun (C)

• Yasir Hanapi

• Faris Ramli

• Ikhsan Fandi

Saudi Arabia Starting XI:

• Mohammed Al-Owais (GK)

• Yasser Al-Shahrani

• Ziyad Al-Sahafi

• Abdullah Madu

• Mohammed Al-Breik

• Abdulellah Al-Malki

• Yahya Al-Shehri (C)

• Abdullah Otayf

• Hattan Bahebri

• Abdulfattah Asiri

• Abdullah Al-Hamdan

Tactical Analysis

Singapore adopted a deep defensive block, with five players often staying behind the ball even during transitions. They aimed to close down central spaces and force Saudi Arabia to go wide. The plan worked for most of the game until fatigue and lack of depth began to tell.

Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, showcased their technical superiority. Their fullbacks overlapped constantly, and their midfielders rotated positions to create triangles and overloads on the flanks. Their patience finally paid off in the closing minutes, proving their ability to wear down opponents.

Post-Match Reactions

Tatsuma Yoshida, Singapore’s head coach, praised his team for their work ethic and tactical execution for most of the match. While disappointed with the late goals, he acknowledged the gap in experience and depth between the two sides.

The players, especially Izwan Mahbud, received praise for their commitment and bravery. Defensive lapses in the final minutes were a painful reminder of the level needed to consistently compete at the highest stages.

Implications for the Qualifiers

For Saudi Arabia, the win strengthened their position at the top of Group D and kept their World Cup hopes alive. Their unbeaten run in the qualifiers continued, and their attack looked sharp when it mattered most.

Singapore, although out of contention for World Cup qualification, gained invaluable experience. Matches like these are part of the learning curve for a team that is building a new identity under coach Yoshida.

Conclusion

The match between Singapore and Saudi Arabia was a tale of two contrasting footballing philosophies—grit and organization versus flair and persistence. While Saudi Arabia walked away with the win, Singapore earned respect for their determination and defensive structure.

This encounter serves as a reminder that football is not only about goals and results. It’s about courage, strategy, growth, and resilience. Singapore may have lost on the night, but they left Riyadh with lessons that could shape the future of their national team.