More than 45,000 football fans flocked to the National Stadium last night to watch the friendly between Singapore and Liverpool. (Or was it just Liverpool?) The overwhelming attendance brought life and energy to what was a drab, decrepit stadium, turning it into a bustling "Red" Stadium if only for a few hours. Fans turned up in droves in their favorite Liverpool jerseys - with caps, scarfs, banners and hooters to boot.
The match kicked off with the singing of the two anthems, but fans can be forgiven on such a sacred occasion for forgetting the lyrics of our national anthem. Even President Nathan and DPM Teo Chee Hean could be seen from a distance singing "You'll Never Walk Alone" - the Liverpool anthem!
Fans came from all over for the sole purpose of seeing the Liverpool players in the flesh - in action. Team coach Rafa did not disappoint. He fielded all his players who were fit to play. Never mind that some of them played for only a quarter of an hour, but fans get to see players like Kuyt setting up goals for Voronin, Nemeth, Riera and Torres; Alonso and Carragher making precision 40-meter passes; Mascherano showing off his deadly sliding tackles; and Babel and Benayoun dribbling past Singapore defenders into the 12-yard box. This alone is value for money for the football fans. Anything else, including the 5-0 final scoreline, is a bonus.
Singapore team also made 13 changes, not so much to display the home-grown talents (if there are any) as to replace the tired or injured players.
It has been 32 years since I last stepped into the National Stadium. An icon it no longer is, but last night, it was special. It was Anfield! The Kop was here. I am happy I was there!
Writer: Peter Chang
email: peterchanglc@gmail.com
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