What can i say, yesterday's match has to be one of the most nail-bitting, hair-raising and seat breaking matches i've watched till date. Fortunately, i had the company of a football loving Ms. S to join me in the celebrations and thrill of watching a match live and in person at the stadium. =) To all those who went, you would have agreed with me rather unanimously that the match was definitely memorable and exciting as hell!
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Prior to the match, my dad had problems sending Ms. S and myself to the stadium due to the overwhelming, sell-out crowd at the National Stadium. All dressed in red, there were streams after streams of people making a beeline from Kallang MRT to the Stadium. Cars were not spared either, hapless cars, trapped in the ensuing horde of traffic had problems manuevering through the tight gaps and some resorted to weaving in and out of traffic so as to be able to scrape through cars - just barely.
It was a classic scene from any Big Match. Sell out crowds, electric atmosphere and fierce rivalry set the tempo and atmosphere for what was to be one of the most electric matches i've seen Singapore played till date. Not since the Malaysian Cup have i actually been to a full-house at the Kallang Stadium to cheer on the lions. Just years post Malaysia Cup, the National team failed to packed the stadium due to less than satisfactory performance. Not the mention that the 4-0 drubbing of SIngapore at the hands of Malaysia, right in our very own home, in front of a equally sell-out crowd made it worse. The nation lost faith in the team. But today was different, you could see it in the faces of the fans. WE KNEW WE COULD WIN THIS.
Malaysian detractors often say (and i've been reading Malaysian blogs and their newspapers) that the goal by Hardi Jaafar in the 54th minute during the first leg was Spectacular, sensational and "one of the best goals of the tournament". With no offence to any "Abangs" i would like to differ. From a very neutral POV, i felt that it was a rather lucky goal. In that, i believe, it was a very badly kicked cross that somehow or another, found its way into the net. I'm not here to convince you of that fact. By watching the video, you would have agreed with me too.
Anyways, back to yesterday's match. Yes the atmosphere was good and the fans definitely held nothing back to show who they were supporting and who they wanted to win. It was quite obvious.
The Kallang Wave, the Kallang Roars and the Thunder Legs all were back in full strength ala the Malaysia Cup days of yore when coming to Kallang was coming to the Gallows for any team from Malaysia. If i had a chance to relive that good old days againg, yesterday was that.
I filmed this, sitting at the corner of the stadium just prior to the kick off of the second half. I apologise for the grainy image near the end. =)
Ms. S and i finally reached the stadium at 6.15, by then it was so packed with people, we had to squeeze and slip our way in and out of families to eventually get ourselves to the entrance. The atmposphere in the stadium was nothing short of raccous. People were cheering, buying kerpoks and walking around in red. It really made me relive my younger days when i watched matches at Kallang with my dad.
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So it was to be about and hour and a half of anxious waiting till the match started. More Kallang waves and more Kallang roars set the tempo for the crowd of fans. Then something peculiar happened, some flag tottering Malaysian fans appeared out of nowhere and immediately, those cheers morphed into collective Boos that filled the stadium almost immediately.
Well, if they always said that Singapore was like a pimple, a sea of red. Then i'm sorry my dear Abangs, today you were the Pus in that very pimple. We were gonna squeeze you out dry. Haha.
Disclaimer : the term "pus" is used in this context with relevance to us being "Pimples". It is in no way degratorty and is used entirely in jest.
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The first half i felt, really belonged to SIngapore. We were excellent down the flanks, creative and at the same time, speedy and decisive. The defence held on well too, winning the ball almost every single time Malaysia had possession. The defence could really wrestle the ball effectively from the Malaysians. A few fluffed chances if not Singapore could have been in the lead and subsequently a few scares from the Pus camp as well. But the score at half-time was 0-0.
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The second half was equally if not more exciting than the first. Precious let crack a fiery rocket in the dying miutes of regulation time only for it to be tipped off my the M'sian keeper - barely. If it had gone in, the game would have been sealed for Singapore. I was soundly impressed with the way Daniel Bennet, Precious, Shi Jia Yi and Muhd Ridhuan played today. The right wingers were fast and decisive, always up to the task of wrestling the ball away from the Malaysians and winning it back every time they lost the ball. Played the M;sian defence a fool a couple of time with the help of a few nifty one-to-ones with eachother and spun the Malaysian defence into confusion. But the Malaysian defence were suffice to say, up to it at times as they knew how to close in on an attacker, but that was where SIngapore thrived. When Malaysian defenders were closing in on a plyer, in this case, i would name Shi Jia Yi, he knew how to run around in circles, while still holding possession of the ball and finally put it out long and wide to the flanks for the right winger to deliver in a cross. It was spectacular. They knew how to thrill the crowds.
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My guess is, for the pus camp, many nearly died from cathartic infarctions (that is heart attack for those who do not know) seeing thier goal constantly being attacked relentlessly by the aggresive and never-say-die combo of the defence and the right wing.
in the 54th minute however, Malaysia drew first blood via a hard shot down their right flank. The ball was caught by Lionel, but it slipped and subsequently trickled its way into the net, despite Lionel's vain attempts at pouncing on the ball. The Pimple camp went dead quiet and silence was resonating throughout the stadium. For once, the Malaysians were cheering, chanting and singing. The players lost a little focus after that and the Malaysians charged with renew vigor and spirit. However, the defence could always be counted on to hold back and fluff out any Malaysian attackers.
However, it was not to be a lead that Malaysia could hold on to. 23 minutes later, in the 73rd minute, after a series of excellent flank and center play, Malaysia's defence buckled under the pressure and Muhd. Ridhuan, appearing out of nowhere, slammed home the equaliser for Singapore after Alam Shah cushioned a cross from the flanks.
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THE CROWD WENT CRAZY! Suddenly the crowds were cheering, dwarfing the pus camp. The pus camp stood there speechless and a series of scuffles between the pimples and the pus broke out, which eventually led to a few of the respective fans being led out of the stadium. You could say that the pus camp was literally being squeezed by the Singaporeans as they were surrounded left, right and back by us, the pimples!
The Singaporean Lions never stopped fighting till the end, even in spite of being a goal down, they never failed to dominate the match and win back balls and create chances. As i told Ms. S, Singapore's game set up was good. They had what it takes to penetrate the defence. The Malaysian team obviously looked weary having to fend of volleys after volleys of blue waves hitting them time and tiem again. But Singapore Failed to captitalise on that advantage and were sorely punished early in the second half. But the Lions were up to it and fought back gallantly to claim back the equaliser.
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It was the same throughout the 30 minutes of extra time. Singapore setting the pace of the match and dominating every aspect of the game, lest a few let ups with gave the Pimple camp a few heart attacks. It was clearly nobody wanted the game to go into Penalties since Singapore were playing very well and it was only a matter of tiem before Singapore could score again. But it was not to be. Singapore obviously did not find their groove to finish well despite very gallant efforts to find the back of the net. Alot of wasted opportunities, but nonetheless, they held on well and kept placing pressure on the tigers who by now, ere still fighting to survive, but only barely.
However, one thing i noticed was that as the game progressed on towards penalties, the Malaysian players were falling more frequently and they were really taking their own time to do things. For example, the Malaysian keeper, kept falling when the ball was near his goal, only to get up , miraculously healed when the stretcher came on the field. Obviously, the Pimples saw that and started booing. It did not just happen once, it happened about 2 times. Even when there was a substituition int he tigers team. The substituted player took his own sweet time to walk off the field. He did not run, nor did he walk fast, he merely strolled off the field. Obviously, there were lots of booing and jeering.
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PENALTIES
Penalty Kick
Singapore 5 Indra Sahdan Noh Alam Shah Mustafic Fahrudin Fazrul Nawaz Shi Jia Yi
Malaysia 4
Muhammad Hardi Jaafar Rezal Zambery Yahya Sanramsak Kram Thirumurugan Veeran Mohd Khyril Muhymeen Zambri (Saved by Lionel Lewis)
What was most interesting about the penalty kicks was that whenever a Singapore player kicked the ball, all the fans would be cheering "GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL!" but when the Malaysian player stepped up to take his shot, the cheers went immediately to jeers. Haha
Down to the last shot. The tension was high, it was reaching critical boiling point already and when the shot was saved by a outstretched Lionel Lewis, it was as if the stadium exploded! I hugged Ms. S so tight in Jubilation that i eventually carried her into the air! Hahaha. It took me awhile before i actually registered the Save. Haha. BY then, it was clear, SINGAPORE WON! They have made their way into the finals! HOORAY!!!
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Ms. S was cheering and screaming just as i was as well, we were so happy i kept hugging her and carrying her up in the air. Hahaha. It was indeed a memorable match and it was one which i would never EVER forget in my life.
Thank you Ms. S for making this match even more wonderful for me!!! I love yOU!
When you think you are right, Step back and take a look around. You could be the only person thinking.
When you feel maligned, Step back and take a look around You could be the real cause of it.
When you feel unloved, Step back and take a look around. You could be barrier that stops love.
When you feel upset, Step back and take a look around. You might just be the one stopping happiness.
Self-denial = Pride = a feeling of self-worth
Pride stops us from accepting the truth. But as a guy. Should Pride matter most to us? Or succumb ourselves to the pressures of society and in the process give up our Pride till we have nothing left.
Its a fine balance. Keeping Pride (as a benchmark of self-worth) VS Giving it up. Which side would you choose?
Society condemns men for their ego and Pride. But without these few qualities, are we still accepted as Men? Should we, for the sake of societal pressures, give up the only quality that makes us who we are. Our steadfastness, decisiveness and Courage? But yet, it is this same quality that we are often said to be full of that spoils relationships, friendships and contacts. So, its rather ambiguous, no?
So should we keep it? or Discard it?
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Time for a change in my lifestyle.
I think i have rested enough for these past few months.
Seeing my army friends holding down jobs and earning a respectable keep
is a good wake up call.
A Guy must have a reason in life to improve himself. If not..
he will just be a wallpaper in society.
Pretty, but of what use?
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No longer a time to be picky or choosy, just take a job and live with it.
Get on with life. No more procrastinating. Enough rest for now. =)
enough...enough....
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You know sometimes when people say that it is good to be optimistic?
That being optimistic is good for one's development?
But what If...just for a second, ponder over this.
What if being too overly optimistic is in fact a bad thing? Simply because,
by being overly optimistic, we often gloss over unhappiness and refuse to accept
that things may not always work out. But in truth. There is always a 50-50
chance of an event swinging both ways. That is of course unless you administer
a bias or a deliberate effort to tip the scales. It blurs us from reality...sort of.
But being optimistic all the time, is in fact tiring, because I have to simply
place alot of mental blocks and mental diversions. Force myself to think positive
and force myself to reject negative thoughts. It is a tiring process for those who
know.
Perhaps it is my own innate protection mechanism. I do it to prevent myself from
falling too hard. But when reality strikes and no amount of energy can divert
all my sadness, insecurities or anger into positive energy.
I break down and cry.
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Its really a paradox when one says that an optimist does not cry. Optimists do cry.
But the tears are hidden for a very simple fact.
Optimists do not like showing weaknesses, not as a show of pride or ego.
But rather, Its like how we would rather
embrace happiness than sadness.
We prefer our sadness to be under wraps.
Alas, our strong point is also our weakness.
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Did some thinking just now. About my direction i'm heading in life. My conclusion?
I'm in a total complete mess. As of now, ever since i left the army. I've lost all
direction. I've lost that drive (sad to say) that held me up in the Army.
Its like, i'm now a boat floating without oars or paddles. Just waiting to be swayed
by the currents.
I did badly in my A levels and so now, i have to do a course in Uni that i have
no interest in.
I no longer have the aspirations to join the Army as i did not become an Officer.
I'm still jobless and living off my parents (pathetic huh).
Many people often think that i'm Ok with everything. But i'm not.
I'm just as affected as everyone else. I just do not show it. How can i be honest
with people i love when to begin with, i cannot be honest with myself?
Accepting my current state?
Where is that Alan who worked his ass off in the army? Where is he?
His body needs his soul back.
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I'm living day to day, minute to minute.
I need to get my life back on track before
it is too late.
I must. I have to. I Will.
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Hope i will feel better about myself tomorrow.
Its another day and i want to accomplish things which have been on hold till now.
Well, i know that i have not been blogging much recently. But well, things happening in my life right now are rather similiar in nature in that nothing finger-bitingly spectacular is happening to me right now. Apart from the fact that I've started formal driving lessons for almost 2 weeks now and its been a great eye-opener, being able to see things from the driver's POV, as opposed to that of a passenger. Really makes you appreciate all the ffort drivers put into making every ride a safe one. =)
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Ms. S and i celebrated our 10th month on Monday with a Big BANG!. =) It was easily one of our best celebrations to date. =) Loving, caring, sweet and memorable. =)We may have bumped into a rough patch lately and stepped on each other's toes on some occasions, but what is magical about our bond that we share is that, no matter how much we argue or end up hurting eachother, we will always find a solution together and at the end of the day, end up in eachother arms, ever more loving than before =) Its true. Truthfully, how many of us can boast that we have a relationship that can withstand potentially R/s-ending arguements but yet at the end of the day, are able to look past the hurt and instead concentrate on the love that exists and move on? =)
I know mine can. And as what Ms. S says, this to her, is security in its most basic form. That we can move on and forgive and forget. =) I totally agree with her too, this is what makes our love so special to me and so endearing even now more than ever!
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Oh well, we started off our special day with a nice movie at Vivocity, The Queen now, before you go yawning away and pan it as a lifeless movie that is boring, allow me to elucidate the movie.
As opposed to what people often think of such movie, i actually found it to be a very good movie, it was memorable in that the Character development was good. You could really feel for the characters, especially the Queen. The actress that portrayed the Queen could evoke an emotion that was so deep in nuances that she need not say it for you to understand how she felt at that time. =)
I would not say that it is a very serious movie, but rather a movie that was light hearted yet serious at the same time about the Struggles of one women not to only come to terms with the Death of someone who was once Part of the Royal Family, but also to deal with the public outpouring of emotions and its effects on the monarchy.
She had to strike a fine balance between acceeding to the demands of her Subjects in holding a High profile Public Funeral or keep to the traditions of the British Monarchy and keep the funeral a wholly private one (since Princess D was no longer part of the Royal Family).
It was really a clash of the old and the new, modern and the traditional. At the end, the Queen was portrayed (deservingly so) as a strong woman of Character and a deep passion for her Subjects. This is a truly well made piece of film that embodies the innate strengths of women. Its a very Woman-POWER! movie. =)
Overall, a good movie if you want something relaxing, truly truly heartwarming and in some ways, inspiring. =) Good as a Sunday Afternoon movie or maybe an evening movie. =)
I Give it ****/***** !! Easily one of the best movies i;'ve watched so far. =)
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The movie was made even more wonderful with the company of my dearest Ms. S by my side to enjoy it with me. =). Well apart from the fact that we were smearing eachother's lips with Nacho Cheese, we had a great time discussing about the movie and laughing at the glaring similiarities of the characters to the real McCoys. Tony Blair for example was played by a Guy who had the same look in his eyes! Haha. A rather endearing movie i must say. =)
After our wonderful movie date, we had a short walk over to Harbourfront center where we had the highlight of our date. SPIZZA! Spizza, for those who do not know, is a classic Italian restaurant which serves authentic Italian Wood-Stove pizzas. Unlike the usual ones you get at Pizza Hut, both Ms. S and i concurred that this pizza is much more delicious than the former.
The pizzas are made differently. Its like comparing hmmm....Kopi-O from a Kopitiam and a Coffee brew from Starbucks. Both are coffees but they taste different and the method of making is much different too. Think of the Pizza Hut version as the Starbucks one. Highly popular, very "modern" and very mechanised in it's production. The tastes is suited more to the Junk Food crowd. Lol. But the Spizza Pizza, oooo.....Think of it as the old old Kopitiam version. Yes it is not as popular...but it has a certain charm to it.It does not have the whole popularity thing in the pizza, instead, like the Kopi-O, it is made with attention to taste and traditions. =)
The pizza was good. The crust was thin and the toppings were simple yet delicious in a light way. its not cloying like Pizza Hut's. Instead, it was very light and simply delectable. In addition, the Restaurant layout is very Italian and very classy, not like Pizza Huts. =) Oh and to top it off, they play REAL ITALIAN music. Haha. It is definitely worth a second visit! I would definitely reccomend it to everyone. =) Thanks to my dear Ms. S for reccommending it to me! =*
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Well, needless to say, we walked around Vivo after our meal and had a blast of a time taking pictures and tickling eachother. =) Such close and candid times together really makes our love grow stronger and more intense than ever before. =) Many people often hit a dead-end after a few months because they simply lack activities that they can do together. I feel that we are different in this sense because we always try to find special things to do to spice up our lives together =) Well i really do hope that we will be able to keep up this flame. =) I know we will, we definitely have what it takes!
Oh did i mention that for the first time, we actually raced together at the Vivocity arcade? Haha my girl can really drive! WOW! Darling, i am impressed at your driving! It really was a close racing match wasn't it? Hahaha.
I had so much fun on monday and from my POV, it can only get better from now on. =) Yes, we may argue from time to time, we may feel unloved at times, but the thought that at the end of the day, we will still be in eachother's arms simply puts a big big smile on my face. =) I know she loves me and she knows i love her. =) Its a simple equation with a simple enough answer.
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Well its been 10 wonderful months with her. =) Looking forward to many more months and years. =) Ms. S i love you! *MUACKS*
Well well well, it has been almost a week into the new year and i've buckled the trend of most blogs by not typing reflective posts about how the past year has been.
Simply said, i would say that 2006 has been one of my best years so far. =) I did well in my service to the SAF and i had Ms. S to accompany me through the tough, rough and high times of this year.
I ended 2006 with somewhat of a tinge of regret that it couldn't have been longer. =)
I won't make any new Year Resolutions as i know myself that by the time Feb comes, i would have cleanly forgotten them. Haha.
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A short Update of my life!
- I've started formal driving practical lessons already. =) Drove almost 10km in the first lesson. =) Driving is fun! Haha
- I've applied to many schools to be a relief teacher. =) Now all i have to do is wait!
- Ms. S and i will be spending our 10th month together soon. =) Haha. Love you to bits dear!
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That is all i can think of at the moment. Haha.
Anyway, the COuncil Chalet at the end of the year was a total "blast". I mean, it was fun lah, the 30th were sporting, but it was just the usual few who came. The 31st was a sore disappointment. They totally undercut us. Promising Terry with attendance of upwards of 20, yet at the end of the day, only less than 10 came and to make matters worse, only 1 stayed over. The 31st, dammit, clearly knew we had a chalet organised for them, went on to organise thier own gathering, totally ignoring the efforts and time spent into the chalet. -_-"
The 30th too, promising terry that up to 20 would come. Yet it was not to be.
Poor Terry calculated that about 60+ people would come. So we indented food for that amount. You can guess what happened next.
Less than 20 actually arrived. We had a surplus of food, especially the wings!
I mean, if you have no intention to come or have the intention to treat this yearly event as a back up plan B, just in case your own New Year Plans do not go through, f**king hell, then don't promise you will come. Be decisive and do not vacillate between "i will come", "I have to see first" or "I don't know...see how".
Des and i have learnt our lesson, as long as your answer is not "I WILL COME! CONFIRM", everything else is not worth trusting or believing, lest we burn ourselves again. Do they not realise that every year, Des and i burn our pockets in deficit so that all the councillors can have a time to catch up and have fun?
Assholes.
But on a brighter note, i had Ms. S to accompany me through out the whole 3 days. =) What can i say, she can make a mean fire too! Haha. Yay, next time for any of our BBQs, we can be sure that we will alawyas have a fire. Dear, we ROCKZ! Haha.
This year was particularly important as it will be the very first time Ms. S and i will cross the new Year Together. =) Many More years to come dear!
Ronald and his Gf come over too, so did Sabrina to help us finish up the food. haha. Sab can surely eat man. Haha, 5 chicken wings all by herself, not to mention chocolates too. =P But poor Ms. S, she had to eat the drumlets for her as Sab doesn't like them. haha. My dear Ms. S acquired a "Crumletnophobia" there after haha. CUTE~
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Well, this year has been rather kind to me. =) I really enjoyed most parts of it. I would definitely hope 2007 will be just as good, if not better than 2006. =)
Cheers everyone!
I do realise that my sentence structure, word flow and content is rather unlike of me. I do not know what happened to. I seem to have lost my flair? Hahaha! Must be all the donuts i've been eating from DONUT FACTORY seriously, you all should try it sometime. The donuts are worth queing for. =D
= Alan a.k.a Scionfire =
= 21 yr old M =
= Was from CJC =
= Ex-29th CJC SC Councillor =
= Hails from Pioneer and Proud of it =
= Enjoys Jazz, Zen and Gregorian =
= Jay Chou RAWKS =
= Loves living the simple life =
= Operationally Ready NS-MAN and Proud of it =
= Guards Specialist : Ready to Strike! =
= Has a wonderful Girlfriend =
= Struggling undergrad in NTU =
