Duric aims to continue golden run against Malaysia

Singapore striker Aleksander Duric is old enough to be a father of the Malaysian players but his boundless energy and fitness put all of them to shame in last weekend's World Cup qualifying second round, first leg match.

The 41-year-old turned in a memorable performance by scoring a brace and setting up another goal for Shi Jiayi in Singapore's 5-3 victory over Malaysia.

The Bosnia-born striker hopes to continue his scoring exploits in tomorrow's return leg in Bukit Jalil.

But it could be harder for him to find the net this time as experienced centreback Aidil Zafuan Abd Radzak is fit to play. The former national captain missed the first leg due to an injured ankle.

 

"I have faced him on several occasions before. He is a tough defender to play against. If he plays, I will have a harder time," said Duric after training at the Maybank Training Centre in Bangi yesterday.

"Aidil's return is a huge boost to Malaysia as he is an experienced player. Both of us will have different missions on Thursday (tomorrow). As for me, my job is to score goals while his will be to stop me. I am looking forward to this challenge."

Aidil will definitely need to be in his element as Duric has an excellent scoring record against Malaysia -- four goals in the last two matches between the teams.

Duric, who made his debut for Singapore in 2007, feels his experience will give him the edge over Aidil.

"I've scored against some of the best defenders over a span of 12 years in this region and none of them managed to stop me from getting my name onto the score-sheet. Aidil is a good player but he will need to be at his best to stop me," said Duric, who once represented Bosnia & Herzegovina in sprint canoeing at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games.

Duric, who stands at 1.92 metres, may be getting on in years but still has a sharp eye for goals. The Tampines Rovers player has already got five to his name for Singapore in three appearances this year.

On whether Malaysian fans could affect Singapore's game tomorrow, he said it could be tough for the younger players.

"Our young players must stay focused throughout the match. Fans can be quite intimidating at times. As for me, I am used to it," said Duric.

On his ability to keep himself fit, he said it has to do with a disciplined lifestyle.

"I eat the right food and also train hard. I do not stay up late. My love for football keeps me going," added Duric, who hopes to carry on as long as he stays free of serious injuries.