ONE MORE WEEK TO WCQ! ;

Preparations on the pitch for the Lions are paralleled by preparations off the pitch from the fans...

LATW crew members at the front of the queue on Monday
(photo from FAS facebook page)

The Lions left for their preparations for their all important clash against the dragons on Monday morning and just a couple of hours later, fans were seen flocking to the Jalan Besar Stadium to get their hands on the precious tickets for the home games of the World Cup Qualifiers.

There was already a long queue before the ticket office was opened and even though only about 1000 tickets sold by the end of the first day, this is a sign that interest is slowly creeping its way back in Singapore football, well at least for the national team.

Geared up for the game after a good run out against Thailand came around the same time that it was "facebooked" that the gallery tickets for the Iraq game have been sold out.

And when the Lions left for Kunming on Thursday, it was reported that 30 Singaporeans will be supporting them at the heights of the Tuodong Stadium in one week's time. Again, this is a far cry as to how it was like a few months ago. At least, now, there is talk of away support when there wasn't much interest since a couple of years back.

Kudos to the FAS team running the website and facebook team as they have been able to provide updates, personal stories and pictures of the Lions. Again, this is so much better than it used to be. And yes, even flight timings have been included in stories in a bid to get supporters well informed so they can send off the players for away matches. Now, this is much more like it!

In a week's time, LATW will be travelling to a road less traveled as they hope to continue to represent for the Lions. In a bid to ensure that the Lions will not be alone when they take on China.

Fixture timings don't always fit with the work schedules and school schedules of Singaporeans. And there is also an issue of cost. But as and when possible, LATW pledges to try and make it possible for away support. This is no guarantee but we will surely try.

And when Majulah Singapura is played next Friday on Tuodong Stadium next Friday, at least we will know that at least someone in the stands will sing to the tune of it.

Keep the faith Lions and have no fear.

BELIEVE!