Singapore are but 90 minutes away from appearing in a South-east Asia Games soccer final for the first time since 1989, when they ended up with the silver.

The big obstacle in their way tonight are seven-time defending champions Thailand.

Said Shahril, who is set to captain Singapore in place of the suspended Baihakki Khaizan: 'All the pressure is on them.

'They're the hosts, and will have a capacity crowd backing them.

'For us, we have nothing to lose. But we didn't come this far to give up now.

'We don't want this journey to end.'

Singapore drew 1-1 with Malaysia on Saturday to move into the SEA Games semi-finals for the first time since the football competition was switched to an Under-23 format in 2001.

And Shahril, regarded as the most creative footballer of his generation, should reprise his free role behind Khairul Amri at the 20,000-seat His Majesty the King's 80th Birthday Anniversary Stadium.

Shahril's eye for the penetrative pass will be crucial if Singapore are to score against the Thais.

Said the Home United player, who netted the third goal in the round-robin 3-2 win over Vietnam: 'We know their attack is strong but, everywhere else, they have weaknesses.

'We'll be looking to exploit those.'

Thai coach Thongsuk Sampahangsit is likely to field Anon Sangsanoi and Teeratep Winothai in attack.

Both possess a quick turn and change of pace. Each has scored four times already.

Said Thongsuk yesterday: 'Singapore beat our senior side in the Asean Championship final earlier this year.

'We want to use this match to avenge that defeat.'

Vietnam and Myanmar will battle for the other spot in Friday's final.

limze@sph.com.sg

Thailand v Singapore
Channel 5, delayed, 11.30pm