S'poreans who wore blue: Deep down, they still support S'pore

Among the sea of red at the Singapore National Stadium last night were also waves of blue.

Close to a third of the spectators were supporting Japan, but not all of them were Japanese.

Among the Singaporeans wearing Samurai Blue jerseys was a fitness trainer who explained why he was cheering for the "enemy": "We like Japan for its people and culture. My friend Lin visits Japan twice a year."

The 24-year-old, who wanted to be known only as Khairul, had watched the match with a group of friends who were also decked out in Japan jerseys.

He said with a laugh: "We're conflicted but we try to keep a balance between both countries by carrying red bags.

"The match was great but I think Japan could have scored more goals."

TOGETHER: Mrs Mori Tomomi (foreground) watched the match with her husband, Mr Mori Hisato, and their three children, Ikuto, Izumi, and Ibuki.

Another Singaporean, Ms Nurul Dalila, who watched the match with her fiance, said that she supported Japan because she likes Japanese superstar Keisuke Honda.

The 22-year-old customer service officer said: "I'm not really conflicted because I still support Singapore deep inside my heart.

"Though I felt a bit like a traitor wearing the Japan jersey while sitting in the Singapore side, it's okay because there were others doing the same."

Full-time national serviceman Haikal Said, 23, said: "The Japan team have overseas stars and their style is very attractive, but I'm Singaporean so it's still the Singapore team for me."

His girlfriend, Ms Nur Farzanah, 19, a student, added: "Kudos to the Japanese fans who did the Kallang Wave along with the Singaporeans, even though they aren't locals."

Among the Japanese supporters was Mrs Mori Tomomi, 37, who watched the match with her husband, Mr Mori Hisato, and their three children, Ikuto, four, Izumi, eight, and Ibuki, 10.

"It's our first time attending a Japan football match and the atmosphere was great," she said.

"Compared to watching it on television, here you can cheer along with the crowd - it's like a big party."

The family, who has lived in Singapore for four years, spent about $250 on Japan jerseys for the occasion.

Die-hard fan Hirokazu Tsunoda was the centre of attention with his eye-catching samurai costume.

He said: "I have followed the Japan team throughout the South-east Asian leg of the World Cup Qualifiers.

"I flew to Singapore to watch this match and my next stop will be Cambodia, which Japan will next play against."