The Singapore Lions are looking to score an upset against Syria in their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier group match on Tuesday at the National Stadium in Singapore.

Singapore are currently third in Group E with 10 points from three wins, one draw and two defeats. Syria, on the other hand, are second in the group with 12 points from four wins and one defeat in five matches. They are both behind group leader Japan, who currently have 13 points in five games.

Singapore coach Bernd Stange admitted that they are facing a tall order on Tuesday because their opponents are much stronger than his players, but the German coach said that they will go all out to prove that they can compete with the favored teams in the qualifier.

"They are physically stronger, more dominating," Stange told reporters via Strait Times, referring to Syria. "We have to be realistic. We are not on the level of Middle Eastern teams. But we will try to close this gap, we are coming closer to them. I'm optimistic, I'm not afraid."

The Lions are coming off a 3-0 loss to Japan. But despite losing against the Japanese, who they forced to a scoreless draw during their first encounter earlier this year, Stange said that the game against their heavily-favored foes made them prepared for their crucial encounter against Syria, who edged the Lions, 1-0, during their first fixture.

"Our performance against Japan helps us draw confidence. My team shouldn't believe we are second," Stange added via Goal. "We lost to Syria 1-0 in Oman and I can say that we are almost on the same level as them. We will try to make a surprise and beat them at the National Stadium."

On the other hand, Syria coach Fajr Ibrahim said that they are also focused heading into the match despite the ongoing political turmoil back home after the terror attacks in Paris. Ibrahim said that they are determined to make their fans back home happy, especially now that their country is facing backlash.

"We are here to make our people happy," Ibrahim said via Yahoo. "All the world fights us and we will fight all the world at football."

Tuesday's game will be very important for both teams, as the winner will likely finish second in the group. Only the top teams in each of the eight groups and the four top second placers will advance to the third round.

The Singapore-Syria match will kick off at 7 a.m. ET. TV schedule and live stream information are available on Live Soccer TV.