The Lions Roar Again
Just came back not too long ago, switched on the TV, and found out that the match between Singapore and Malaysia was still going on, as both teams were tied at one a piece in the second half of extra time. And then it went on to penalties, as my heart was thumping fast. And as Singapore converted all 5 penalties, Malaysia's next penalty taker took his spot, ran up, kicked and missed! Lionel Lewis saved it! Despite the cheers of the crowd being rather muffled on TV, I knew that the crowd had gone wild at the National Stadium. How I wish I was there.
Well since the start of this week, I have heard of many friends who wanted to go for the match. Even today when I saw Tianhao at Bedok, he asked me too. But I had not met my girlfriend for the entire week as we were both busy, so there was no way I was going to give up my day for something else. While sending her home just now, as we were walking amongst a few housing blocks, we heard echoes of cheers from the front, sides and back. They were coming from many different blocks at one same time. At first we thought what had happened, but then I remembered of the match, and assumed that Singapore had scored. And I was right. In fact it was Singapore's equaliser. At that moment my girlfriend was saying how surprised she was that there are so many patriotic Singaporeans out there.
Well I personally feel that Singaporeans are actually quite patriotic, just that we don't really show it. I myself can be rather patriotic. But just somehow or rather, don't know is it because of the influence of our culture or for some other reason, patriotism is seen as something 'embarrasing'. Not sure if that is the best word I can come up with, but too often I hear the phrase 'wow, you so patriotic meh'.
But today, I am proud of Singapore, proud of the Lions, and proud of Singaporeans. After having only 5000 seats filled in the 11-0 trashing against Laos, and all the big hoo haa in the news and papers about the lack of support, I expected the stadium to have at least 30,000 fans today. But guess what, it was full. A total of 55,000! Thats why I said I wished I was there, as I am sure the atmosphere must have been great! This is perhaps one of the only times apart from National Day where the stadium is filled with cheers, and a sense of patrotism and pride.
I think the national team's standard has definitely improved, and now with the confirmation of the nation behind them, I am confident of the chances of The Lions winning in the finals. All the way Lions!
Well since the start of this week, I have heard of many friends who wanted to go for the match. Even today when I saw Tianhao at Bedok, he asked me too. But I had not met my girlfriend for the entire week as we were both busy, so there was no way I was going to give up my day for something else. While sending her home just now, as we were walking amongst a few housing blocks, we heard echoes of cheers from the front, sides and back. They were coming from many different blocks at one same time. At first we thought what had happened, but then I remembered of the match, and assumed that Singapore had scored. And I was right. In fact it was Singapore's equaliser. At that moment my girlfriend was saying how surprised she was that there are so many patriotic Singaporeans out there.
Well I personally feel that Singaporeans are actually quite patriotic, just that we don't really show it. I myself can be rather patriotic. But just somehow or rather, don't know is it because of the influence of our culture or for some other reason, patriotism is seen as something 'embarrasing'. Not sure if that is the best word I can come up with, but too often I hear the phrase 'wow, you so patriotic meh'.
But today, I am proud of Singapore, proud of the Lions, and proud of Singaporeans. After having only 5000 seats filled in the 11-0 trashing against Laos, and all the big hoo haa in the news and papers about the lack of support, I expected the stadium to have at least 30,000 fans today. But guess what, it was full. A total of 55,000! Thats why I said I wished I was there, as I am sure the atmosphere must have been great! This is perhaps one of the only times apart from National Day where the stadium is filled with cheers, and a sense of patrotism and pride.
I think the national team's standard has definitely improved, and now with the confirmation of the nation behind them, I am confident of the chances of The Lions winning in the finals. All the way Lions!
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