First, the team exceeded expectations to trounce Palestine 4-0 in the first round first leg of the 2010 World Cup qualifiers in Doha, Qatar.

Next, skipper Aide Iskandar celebrated the birth of his third child in Singapore.

Then coach Raddy Avramovic dropped the biggest hint that he could be staying with the national team.

The Serb has enjoyed much success in his four years in charge, as he masterminded consecutive Asean Football Championship triumphs in 2005 and 2007.

He has also built a balanced team with a winning mentality.

But, as his current deal is set to expire at the end of December, there is a worry that the 58-year-old would head for a new challenge.

And, should the Lions stumble in the qualifiers, Avramovic would leave knowing that he took the side as far as he could.

Also, the former Notts County goalkeeper will have no major assignments next year, as the Asean Football Championship and the South-east Asia Games will not be held until 2009.

However, the handsome win in neutral Doha will push him closer to the negotiation table and ink the new contract.

Avramovic said: 'If I want to sign a new contract simply because we beat Palestine, then I should resign.

'The question of me staying or leaving does not depend on one result.

'After four years here, I think I have a wonderful group of players. And I'm looking forward to taking them into the third round of the World Cup qualifiers.'

With four away goals in the bag, the Lions are firmly on course to meet Tajikistan or Thailand in the second round.

The third round, where big guns such as Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia and South Korea await, will be held in March.

In Doha, a brace from Shi Jiayi (44th and 53rd minutes) and goals from John Wilkinson (73rd) and Mohd Noh Alam Shah (86th) sealed victory.

It was feared that Palestine's aggressive style would overwhelm the Lions, who lost to the same opponents 0-1 in last year's Asian Cup qualifiers.

But Avramovic made key changes to his 4-4-2 system, and it paid dividends.

'The key battle was in midfield, where Palestine were trying to dominate,' he said.

'To stifle them, I allowed my midfielders to play in the roles they play for their clubs.

'Jiayi was switched from the middle to the right, where he normally operates for Home United.

'And Wilkinson was given an advanced role, where he usually plays for SAFFC.'

Instead of just relying on counter-attacks, the Lions took the game to the Palestinians and hit the jackpot.

Shi drifted in from the flank and scored with a downward header and a powerful drive.

Wilkinson struck when he burst through a gap in the middle and lifted the ball over the goalkeeper.

Alam Shah capped the splendid performance with a header off Khairul Amri's cross.

Avramovic said: 'The whole team played well. The players deserve credit for the way they dominated Palestine from start to finish.

'I'm very pleased with the performance. In our friendlies against Australia, UAE and Bahrain, we created plenty of chances but didn't score.

'It looks like our hard work on the training ground paid off against Palestine.'

meng@sph.com.sg