The Lions adopted a counter-attacking strategy in wintry conditions in the Iranian capital and the tactic appeared to be effective in the early stages of the match.

But right-back Ismail Yunos earned an immediate red card in the 40th minute after launching a two-footed lunge on an opponent. With a man short and facing Iran's superior firepower, the floodgates opened.

Goals from Majid Gholamnejad (42nd minute), Karim Bagheri (52), Gholamreza Rezaei (54), Maziar Zareh (79) and a brace from Mohamad Nouri (82 and 83) condemned Singapore to its second heaviest defeat under Serbian coach Raddy Avramovic.

In 2004, the Lions were hammered 0-7 by Oman in a World Cup qualifier.