Despite Singapore being beaten 3-1, Hassan pulled off many point-blank saves that ensured that China went through to the next round at that Thais’ expense, achieving overnight celebrity.
“It’s amazing to see how much love and support I’m getting here,” said Hassan, who will be in Shanghai until Tuesday.
At 40, Hassan is at an age most professional footballers would have already retired, but the Singapore keeper has other plans.
“I have a few more years to go, as of so now it’s all about doing things to make sure I prolong my career, because I still have the interest and the love for the game,” he said.
THE TOAST OF CHINA
After his goalkeeping display that indirectly helped China advance, Hassan began receiving messages of support.
The next day, grateful Chinese fans in Singapore thronged Dapur Hassan, his family’s food stall in Tampines, causing it to sell out early.
Fans in China who wanted to express their gratitude transferred money to the stall’s Alipay account, after netizens circulated photos of its payment QR code online.
