Its always a foregone conclusion in world cup matches against China, Thailand and even Vietnam. Our Lions are no match against them in skills and play. Whether part-timers or professionals, our Lion players are  simply just too small and weak to match ther opponents in skills and stamina. Even if all become professionals in Singapore, will they have good teams to play with locally. Our league is a miniscule compared to say the likes of the Engloag FA Cup league or for that matter the Malaysian Football leagues. When we were in the Malaysia Cup, our Lions were exposed to play with all the other Malaysian states and were able to improve on their skills and play. Post- Malaysia Cup, our Lions have just gone downhill. Over the years till today, the Lions have improved but sad to say we are still a tiny team lacking in world class skills to match our formidable opponents in the world cup. At best we manahe to earn a draw like the last match against China last week. Lets be realistic. We are just too small to be in the big league in competitions. Yes just stay on the sales pitch for the time being until most if not all Lions become professionals overseas and return to play for the country just like the France, where many play in overseas leagues and return to play for their country when world cup comes around.