Hosts' Fashah holds himself responsible for all of Thailand's goals
By
Wang Meng Meng
Yesterday's loss has left Singapore rooted firmly at the bottom of their group. Only a miracle will see them advance to the semi-finals. -- PHOTO: JOSEPH NAIR FOR THE STRAITS TIMES
STANDING at 1.81 metres, Fashah Iskandar was the tallest boy on the pitch yesterday afternoon.
But how the Singapore goalkeeper must have wished there was something else at the Jalan Besar Stadium yesterday to dwarf the magnitude of his errors.
The 14-year-old stood disconsolate as he reflected on the blunders that contributed to Singapore's 1-4 defeat by Thailand - and likely exit from the Asian Youth Games football competition.
Sobbing, the youngster held himself responsible for all of Thailand's goals.
'I'm disappointed with myself,' was the only way he explained his performance, before his emotions got the better of him.
A dismal performance is hard on any footballer, more so on a teenager who had been rated as one of Singapore's brightest young prospects.
Showing safe hands and sound aerial ability, the Sports School student gave a good account of himself when the national Under-14s lost 1-2 to Iran in their opening match last Saturday.
But there was no repeat of that fine showing against the Thais.
As the rain poured down at Jalan Besar, the battle between the two countries turned into a duel between Fashah and midfielder Charoenruen Insiri.
In front of 2,000 fans, it was the Thai with a jackhammer of a right foot who won the contest by scoring two goals and having a hand in the other two.
Read the full story in Tuesday's edition of The Straits Times.
