Ignorance is bliss.

I haven't been following Singaporean football for long and I'm far from an expert. A good example of this is the fact that I spent 45 minutes marveling at Hariss Harun spraying the ball around in midfield only to be politely told that he was actually on the bench (I'm pretty sure it was Anu who caught my eye). It's this childish ignorance that I enjoy, like the 7 year old who had no doubt that England would win Italia 90, I fully expect Singapore to win every game and I can't quite understand when it doesn't happen. Not weighed down by 30 years of hurt I can still view the local game through the rose tinted glasses of youth, the first cracks began to appear last night.

This is NOT Hariss Harun

I was in no rush to criticise new manager Tatsuma Yoshida. I felt quite positive about the appointment. Granted I could give no reason for this optimism but also I had no reason to be pessimistic, the joy of knowing nothing. I know a little after last night. It was a surprising selection from Tatsuma. I understand that friendlies are a time for experimentation, but it felt like an important game to win, not a practice game. Obviously the ranking points were important, but also, following the impressive Merlion Cup performances, it felt like momentum was starting to build ahead of the world cup qualifiers. No Hariss, Swandi or Khairul and no obvious formation. It was only after reading the manager's post match comments that I understood that Singapore were playing three at the back.

A surprising selection

Despite what Gabriel Quak said last week about hugging the touchline, there was no obvious width up front. I'm not sure if Faris or Quak were suppose to be providing this but neither were in the first half. Irwan Shah started to provide this width more in the second half as did Faritz when he came on, but there was an obvious lack of crosses. Instead, Singapore tried to battle through the middle. By crowding the centre they played into the hands of Myanmar who looked adept at short, quick intricate passing.

Everything seemed to go through the middle

There was no sign of the quick transitions between defence and attack we had been promised. Singapore kept possession well but it felt a bit like watching Everton during Martinez's darker times, a team keeping possession just for the sake of it. It was Myanmar that showed pace and incisiveness in attack, their counter attacks were a joy to watch.

After the games against Malaysia and Oman I felt I had a good idea of what Singapore were all about. A hardworking team with a solid defence. I guess I should have paid more attention to the Solomon Island game instead of being blinded by the victory. The defence looked shaky last night and the team at times seemed to switch off a bit at the back. After just five minutes, Shakir Hamzah gave the ball away carelessly straight to danger man Aung Thu who was allowed to run more than half the length of the pitch without being challenged and set up the opening goal.

I know more about Singapore than I did. But as my ignorance slowly begins to fade so does my optimism. Perhaps this is the natural evolution of a fan. I've been through it before with England and Everton, am halfway along the path with Bournemouth and now am starting again with Singapore. I'll be back to watch the world cup qualifiers, but I'm already nervous. Not only about the national team's chances but also about having to drink the awful beer that they serve at the National Stadium.