YOG soccer team: What we can take away

Hey all,
  Recently, there has been a huge buzz over the successes of the YOG soccer team. As I am typing this, the outcome between the semi-final match between Haiti and Singapore is still unkown. However, beating Zimbabwe and Montenegro, who were relatively bigger and more skilful than them, is certainly no mean feat. The fact that this comes on the back of a horribly poor AYG showing makes their performances in the YOG all the more impressive. So, what is the secret to their success?
 
  Unsurprisingly, it is none other than the rather cliche attitudes needed for success: Hunger, determination, and teamwork. At least, this is according to my friend, the team captain Jeffrey Lightfoot. Indeed, the bunch of boys in the team have been playing together for four years. The interplay between Hanafi and Suhaimi for the first goal was brilliant: The movement of Suhaimi was superb, and the through ball from Hanafi displayed the fact that he knew where and how Suhaimi will time his run. This is a perfect example of the understanding between the players forged over time. The importance of teamwork certainly cannot be undermined, especially in a team sport. Despite being under pressure, the defensive unit remained cohesive, and this ensured that they kept Montenegro at bay after conceding two rather sloppy goals. As such, they managed to keep possesion well, and when Montenegro had the ball, ensured they could not get a clear sight of goal. I have to admit that, I did not think Singapore stood a chance of winning, seeing that Montenegro were launching repeated attacks on the Singapore goal. However, the players stuck together, and this wonderful spirit ensured they managed to score on the counter attack and see out the rest of the game.

  Their determination was also not to be questioned. The best example would be none other than the Singapore goalkeeper Fashah, who launched himself into the face of danger to bail Singapore out of trouble countless number of times. He made a mistake in the match, which allowed Montenegro to equalise. However, he managed to bounce back and his determination to see Singapore through as group winners really impressed me.

  What was really nice in the match was to see a full house in Jalan Besar stadium, with even Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew among the enthusiastic supporters. Noone can stress the importance of supporters getting behind the players, and you could see how the support really gave the Singapore players a huge boost during the game. They chased every ball despite their fatigue, and after the match, they acknowledged the supporters for their backing of the players. Hopefully, the support for the team will not waiver, and the supporters will turn out in hordes tonight.

  Many say sports can teach us values, and as such, we must be able to channel the spirit of the Singapore team into our lives. They are really a good example for us to learn from, and no doubt we can learn a few important values required on the road to success. So, let us get behind the Cubs tonight, and hope that together with each and every Singaporean, they would be able to overcome Haiti with their spirited play, and get a result for Singapore.

Thank you for reading(: