Thailand then needed to beat Singapore by three goals in Bangkok to leapfrog China and snatch second place in Group C, which would have ended China’s World Cup hopes.
Thailand did beat basement side Singapore, but by only 3-1, thanks to Hassan making 11 saves in a man-of-the-match display.
The keeper told Singapore’s state broadcaster CNA that fans in China had used the Alipay account of his food stall in the city state to transfer money to him after photos of its payment QR code were circulated online.
While Hassan said he has been amazed by the acclaim, he wondered if being sent money for his performance was even legal.
“I did enjoy it for a while. I was like, oh OK, money coming in,” CNA quoted him as saying, without disclosing how much he had received.
“But having said that, I was thinking, when is this going to stop? Is this legal?”
Fans have posted screenshots of their transactions, sending from S$1 to S$10 (about 75 US cents to US$8) – or more – alongside comments of “Sincere appreciation from a soccer fan” or “Love from China”.
He is now urging Chinese fans to stop transferring him money.
“I think we have to stop somewhere,” he said.
Hassan made an announcement in Chinese on Instagram on Thursday night urging people to stop sending money and warning that some QR codes masquerading as his shop’s had been posted.
“Thank you for the support in the last a few days which allows me to fully feel the enthusiasm of Chinese fans,” he wrote. “I call for rational support, stop transferring money to me through the internet.”
Chinese citizens and visitors in Singapore have also been visiting Dapur Hassan, Hassan’s modest food stall located in the city’s eastern suburbs, to thank him.
The stall, which specialises in “nasi lemak” a popular rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves, quickly jumped to No 1 in the Singaporean snack and food section on Dianping, a Chinese restaurant review app.
The outlet ran out of food on Thursday because of strong demand, according to local reports.
Hassan said his phone has also been inundated with messages and emails since the final whistle on Tuesday night.
“My family is obviously a bit shocked by all these messages,” he said. “Especially my daughters. They’re like, ‘Why [do] I see your face everywhere?’”