THEY are arguably Singapore's most successful national football team to date.

They have two regional titles and have gone the furthest in the World Cup qualifiers. And now, Raddy Avramovic's Lions are bidding to qualify for the 2011 Asian Cup. Yet, they have not won the widespread affection of their countrymen.

On Saturday, Singapore will battle Thailand in the Asian Cup qualifiers, with the winners having a fair chance of earning a ticket to the Finals in Qatar. If that happens, it will be the first time the Lions have qualified directly for the tournament, apart from 1984, when Singapore were hosts.

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