MIZUHO Blue Challenge: Paraguay Dismantle Singapore 4-1
A valiant first-half effort from the Lions was ultimately undone by South American firepower, as Paraguay secured a dominant 4-1 victory in their first-ever international meeting at the National Stadium.
Singapore’s November FIFA Matchday campaign opened with a harsh reality check on Friday night, as the Lions were outclassed 4-1 by a heavily favored Paraguay side under the lights at Singapore National Stadium, Kallang.
The South American visitors stamped their authority immediately from the opening whistle, dictating the tempo through the commanding midfield presence of Mathias Villasanti and Eduardo Delmas. The relentless early pressure paid off in the 7th minute when Gustavo Caballero rose highest to power home a clinical header from an Alexandro Maidana cross, putting Paraguay 1-0 ahead.
Singapore’s defense, anchored by veteran Safuwan Baharudin, was forced to weather a massive storm. Safuwan notably produced a crucial block in the 26th minute to deny a vicious strike from Delmas, keeping the Lions within striking distance.
Against the run of play, the hosts roared back to life. In the 30th minute, former Persebaya Surabaya midfielder Song Ui-young sent the home crowd into an absolute frenzy, perfectly timing his header to beat Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill following a pinpoint delivery from Kyogo Nakamura to level the tie at 1-1.
Singapore nearly pulled off a massive shock moments later, but striker Ilhan Fandi scuffed a golden opportunity right in front of goal with a weak effort. The visitors brutally punished the missed chance deep into first-half stoppage time, as Mauricio capitalized on an assist from Delmas to restore Paraguay's lead at 2-1 heading into the break.
Refusing to lower the intensity, Paraguay came out firing in the second half. Caballero bagged his second goal of the night in the 53rd minute to stretch the advantage, leaving the Lions with a massive mountain to climb. Premier League star Julio Enciso then put the final nail in the coffin in the 81st minute, sealing a comprehensive 4-1 demolition for the South Americans.
The Lions must now quickly regroup and rapidly fix their defensive frailties as they prepare for the ultimate acid test. Singapore is set to host five-time world champions Brazil in another blockbuster international friendly on Tuesday, November 17.
Credit Photo : HongZheng Lim/SNE-Photo
