Commentary: It’s time to ask ourselves exactly how important football is to Singapore

A genuine momentum has been generated for local football in Singapore, a sport that has long struggled for attention. The Lions, Singapore's national team, entered the ASEAN Championship with some excitement, fueled by a historic Asian Cup qualification the previous year. Head coach Gavin Lee and his squad delivered, exiting the tournament in the semi-finals but not without notable achievements.

In a significant display, the Lions secured a rare 2-1 victory on Thailand's home ground, a feat not accomplished since 2012. They also managed draws against formidable opponents like defending champions Vietnam and Indonesia during the group stage, exceeding many fans' expectations. The team's performance under Lee marked a clear step up, combining the intensity of former coach Tsutomu Ogura with a more sophisticated passing game that allowed them to control possession and create chances.

However, bigger tests loom. The inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup next month will feature regional teams at full strength, with Singapore facing Indonesia and Malaysia. Following that, the AFC Asian Cup in January presents even tougher opposition in Australia, Iraq, and Tajikistan. While Lee has undoubtedly improved the team, questions linger about whether Singapore possesses the necessary player experience to compete at this elite level.

The article suggests that while youth development is crucial for long-term competitiveness, it won't yield results fast enough for the upcoming Asian Cup. This leads to the sensitive topic of player naturalization, a subject often avoided in Singaporean football circles, but one that may need open discussion to bridge the gap in talent and experience.