Singapore's squad in Japan was missing many of their most experienced players. With the start of the AFF Suzuki Cup less than four months away, Singapore were given another wake up call after being thrashed 3-0 by Japanese side Albirex Niigata in a friendly match at the Denka Big Swan Stadium in Niigata City on Sunday. After conceding three times in the first quarter of an hour, the Lions showed greater defensive steel in the second half to be spared from a heavier defeat. Albirex Niigata are only in 15th spot in the 18-team J-League.