One of his proudest moments was the match against China at the National Stadium. Krishnan scored Singapore’s equalizing goal in the first meeting between the two countries. The match ended 1-1.
“There was a crowd of about 60,000 or 70,000 people…I had a chance, I was able to beat one or two defenders,” he recalled. “They were a very good team.”
It was a frenzied time for Singaporean football. Thousands of people packed the stadium to cheer for their team.
“I was very proud to play for my country,” Krishnan said.
But even if you were having a bad day, your fans never hesitated to let you know. “If you have a bad game, they will scold you by name, like balik kampung (go home) or something like that.”
When the late Mr Pele came to Singapore in 1974, the Brazilian great managed to snag Mr Krishnan for a friendly against Bayswater United in Perth.
“I like Singapore’s style of play,” Pele told The Straits Times.
“The players are skilled and smart. Their playing pattern is similar to South American teams.”
During the handshake, he also said a few words to Mr. Krishnan, the 72-year-old recalled.
“He should be in Brazil as a left-winger, like Rivellino,” said Krishnan, who scored a hat-trick in that match. “I just said thank you…I wasn’t scared and I was so proud. (He) was the best player in the world.”
Office boy by day, soccer player by night
While playing for Singapore, Mr Krishnan’s full-time job was as a clerk at Singapore Pools.