BANGKOK - BRYAN Robson was given a wake-up call on Wednesday when Singapore upset Thailand 1-0 in a crucial qualifier for the 2011 Asian Cup.

Striker Aleksandar Duric's 37th minute header sealed victory for the visitors, with Thailand unable to equalize despite several clear opportunities.

The result salvages Singapore's chances of finishing in the top two of Group E and progressing to the finals in Qatar in January, 2011. They badly needed a victory, coming into the game with just three points from three matches.

Thailand began in second place after one win and two draws, the win coming in the reverse fixture in Singapore on Saturday. That 3-1 victory was former England captain Robson's first in a competitive match as Thai coach.

Singapore are now second in the group, one point behind Iran who have played a game less.

Singapore coach Raddy Avramovic praised his side's performance. 'We played with one extra defender,' said the Serb. 'So they didn't have many opportunities to knock down balls in the penalty box.'