Cruel loss, but Sambal soccer delights

TNP PICTURES: Gary Goh and Benjamin Seetor

THEY lost the final in the cruelest way possible - via a penalty shoot-out.

Yet, even though the Singapore U-16s had to settle for second spot in the Canon Lion City Cup to when they lost 4-3 on penalties to Flamengo CR following a goalless draw after 90 minutes, something new was born.

While their Brazilian opponents were versed in the ways of Samba football, the Cubs, who enthralled the nation during the inaugural Youth Olympic Games last August, had their own take with a more local flavour - Sambal soccer.

There was some cheer for Singapore football at least, as the U-15 side claimed third spot with a 4-0 thumping of the Juventus U-15s.

FINAL: SINGAPORE U-16 v FLAMENGO CR U-15

THIRD PLACE MATCH: SINGAPORE U-15 v JUVENTUS U-15