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2009 SEA Games. 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup. What’s Next For These Young Harimau Malaya?

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Malaysia Football The Champion of AFF Suzuki Cup 2010

Malaysia Football Team Celebrates As They Are Now The Champions of AFF Suzuki Cup 2010

The Malaysian Football Team bagged another title last night. They are the current champions of the AFF Suzuki Cup. The team won the finals by a 4 – 2 aggregate.

Champions of South East Asia

Last night, in the second leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 finals, the match ended with Indonesia 2 – 1 Malaysia. However, Malaysia still won the trophy, thanks to the Malaysia 3 – 0 Indonesia scoreline in the first leg. Yes, the AFF Suzuki Cup have a home and away format even for the finals.

Kudos to the Harimau Malaya football team. They’ve created history as this is the first time Malaysia have ever captured the AFF Suzuki Cup title. This is also just the second time Malaysia got into the finals. The last time they did it was in 1996. Almost 15 years ago. Last night, Malaysia became the Champions of the South East Asia region.

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The Youngest Team In The Tournament

Malaysia came into the tournament with a relatively young team. As a matter of fact, we have the youngest set of players in the tournament. The core of the team is made up of the under 23 team. These are the players who won the SEA Games gold medal in 2009.

We have a 19 year old playing at the center of our defense. A 21 year old manning the goal. A 23 year old as team captain. These young and talented set of players have shown and proved themselves yet again this year in the AFF Suzuki Cup. No one, probably not even the Malaysian football fans gave them any hope of capturing the title. Especially after they were trashed by Indonesia in the very first match of the tournament. They were only expected to proceed to the second round.

However, thanks to the winning mindset that have been instilled in them, they have certainly over achieved their expectations.

Malaysia Football Exposure Amri Yahya and Rio Ferdinand

The Coming of Age of Malaysian Football

Two excellent results back to back in two straight years. No recent Malaysian Football team has ever achieved such results. Kudos to the FAM. They have managed to develop a winning team in these youngsters. All the international exposures given to this team are now bearing fruit. They even went face to face twice with Manchester United in their Asian Tour in 2009. Imagine the experience our centre back gained when he went up against Rooney and Michael Owen in that match.

The coming of age for these young set of players is inevitable. We saw that in the AFF Suzuki Cup. The young lads have matured through every single game they played in the tournament. They’ve displayed true grit, focus, determination and skills through out the matches played. The most important thing to note, they have shown that we now have players who are really playing their hearts out for the country.

Malaysian Football In The Media Limelight

The Malaysian Football team is now enjoying the limelight once again. The media and local fans are now back in full force behind them. Even the players are enjoying newly found fame. The currently in form keeper, Khairul Fahmi is currently among the top trenders in Tweeter. His fame is also spilling over to his girlfriend’s blog. Too bad, he doesn’t have a blog of his own.

Both Safee and Norshahrul are also enjoying renewed fame on the internet. One Manchester United player also congratulated the Malaysian team in his tweet.

The Future of Malaysian Football

So, after two back to back years of success, what is next for the current set of Malaysian Football players? Well, too bad we did not qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2011 in January. If we did, can the team stand up to the likes of Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia and Australia? These teams have featured in the World Cup Finals.

At the moment, Malaysia is the King of Football in South East Asia. If the current team stays true to form and improve, we stand to be the team to beat in the next few years in this region. However, we should now set our eyes on becoming as good as, if not better then, then likes of Korea and Japan.

It was a job well done in the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010. Not a small feat by any measure since the squad is very young. However, FAM needs to keep nurturing these youngsters. Groom them to become a power house, at least in the Asian region.

Malaysian Football Players In South East Asian Clubs?

For these youngsters, they still have a long way to go. I only hope they don’t end up like so many other young potentials we had – no where. Given the right exposure, they can play anywhere in the region and outside. I do hope, if given the chance, they take it. Get the exposure of playing abroad. Bring back the experience into our national team.

Among the players whom I think is capable of playing abroad is Safee Sali, Khairul Fahmi and Safiq Ali. For Malaysia Football to get to the World level, our players must have the desire to play outside of Malaysia. Again, if you want it, you need to believe in it and work on it. Only then can you achieve it.

Malaysia Footballers, Do You Want To Play Outside Malaysia?

My question to the Malaysian Football players right now.. Who among you would love to play for a club outside from Malaysia? No, not for an English team. That’s too wishful thinking, at least at the moment. Be realistic. How about in this region? In the Singapore League? In the Indonesia League? In the Thailand League? Why are we always looking at countries so far away from here?

Yes, I know we should target for the best. We would really love to see our players playing for the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United. However, that should be our long term goal. Our short term goal should be to have our players play for clubs in the South East Asia region first. Then extend it to the Asian region. Only after that can we look at the world.

What’s your take on Malaysian Football future? Would you like to see Malaysian players playing outside even if it’s just for teams in Singapore, Thailand or Indonesia? Share your views in here.

Malaysia’s Last 90 Minutes To Glory – Believe It, You Achieve It

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AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 Malaysia in BlueThe Harimau Malaya have just another 90 minutes or so to bring the AFF Suzuki Cup back to Malaysia. After a brilliant display at the Bukit Jalil Stadium, where the Malaysian Football team outplayed Indonesia’s more fancied football team, with a 3 – 0 result, the team now is just minutes away from glory. Provided they can produce an even more spectacular performance tonight. I believe they can.

Malaysia has long waited for football success. Even at the South East Asia region, we have not seen much success in terms of football. Yes, we had the SEA Games gold medal last year. That, however is an under 23 event. While the gold was meaningful, it was still not the kind of success that quenches the thirst for success for fans of the national team.

Tonight, at the Gelora Bung Karno stadium in Indonesia, our senior squad has the chance to quench that thirst. The last time we got this chance was in 1996. We lost 1-0 to Thailand. Tonight, after a long 14 year wait, Malaysia is once again in the limelight.

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The last time Malaysia faced Indonesia at the GBK, the home side totally trashed our team. It was the first match of the tournament for both team. Since then, Malaysia, as everyone who follows the team’s performance in this tournament knows, has improved tremendously.

After allowing 5 goals past them, the Malaysian team have developed a pretty stout defense. Since that first game, they have only let in one single goal. Thailand have failed. Vietnam tried twice and failed. Indonesia, who have been scoring in every single match thus far, before Bukit Jalil, have failed. No matter how they tried, none of them have been able to pry open the Malaysian defense and score.

Some might say that it’s all just luck. Well, I do have to admit, luck does play a part to some extent. However, one goal allowed in over 450 minutes of football, I don’t think that’s sheer luck. The Malaysian defense is probably the best defense unit in South East Asia at the moment.

In attack, our strikers and attacking midfielders are no pushovers either. Safee, NorShahrul, Kuna, Safiq, Amirulhadi and Ashraf are all capable of striking it and creating for others. As a matter of fact, Safee is currently the top scorer of the tournament with four goals to his name. This is after being quiet during the group stage.

Rising to the occasion and hitting form at the right time. That’s what it’s all about. The Malaysian Football team – officials, coaches and players have timed their performance to peak correctly this year. After crashing in the Asian Games and the first game of this tourney, the team has bounced back with a vengeance.

One could probably say that Malaysia has played out their worst games during the Asian Games and reached rock bottom in the first match against Indonesia. After that, the only route they can go is up. Certainly, that’s where they are at the moment. Almost reaching the pinnacle of their performance for the year 2010.

To the Malaysian Football team. You have the entire nation believing in you tonight. We believe that you will reach the highs of your performance. We believe you can bring back the glory days of Malaysian Football. All you need to do is believe in yourselves and play to your utmost for Malaysia.

Fikirkan Boleh! Enjoy the best performance of your 2010. Lets bring home the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010! Indonesia 0 – 2 Malaysia.

How many goals are we going to score tonight?

AFF Suzuki Cup 2010: Can Malaysia Take The Title? Yes We Can!

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AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 Malaysia Team

The team that can bring home the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010

Malaysia can win the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010. They have only 180 minutes to go. All they have to do is score some goals and prevent Indonesia from doing the same.

Malaysia was humbled by Indonesia in their opening match in the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010. The then young but talented Malaysian team made too many mistakes and allowed Indonesia too much space. As a result, Indonesia won the match 5-1.

Nobody, gave any hope for that young team. However, thanks to a never give up attitude and the Malaysia Boleh mindset, these youngsters are now in the Finals of the prestigious South East Asian football tournament. They have put their worst behind them.

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From that one humbling game, they have improved in leaps and bounds. We have seen them at their worst. Have we seen them at their best? No. The team have managed to peak just at the right moment in the tournament. That is the key to their success. Plus, their winning mindset. Thus, we are about to see the Malaysian team at their very best in these two legs of the finals.

It has been a while since Malaysian have seen a national team with such promise. This team, is probably that team at the moment for Malaysia. This team brought back the SEA Games Gold medal last year. That was the beginning of their promising journey.

This year, even without so many first choice players, they have stayed united as a team on the field. They have shown that Malaysia can defend as a unit. Vietnam, the defending champion got a taste of it as they failed to break down our stout defensive unit.

This young set of players have also shown that they can break down defense when they want to. Yes, we only saw glimpses of attack in the second leg of semi final in Vietnam. However, when we did move forward, it was promising indeed.

Malaysia will do well if they come out tonight with an attacking mindset. Everyone knows that we can defend. They probably expect us to defend. So, going all out to attack will probably surprise them and cause them to readjust their tactics.

In these two legs of the final, the Malaysian striking duo of Safee Sali and NorShahrul Idlan will have to make good all the chances that come their way. We have proven that we can attack. Our midfielders can open up defenses if they want to and create chances for the top two. It’s the strikers’ job to finish up on the opportunities.

We have three players who are just a couple of goals away from the top scorer title. Safee, NorShahrul and Amri have two goals to their credit at the moment. One shy of Indonesia’s Gonzales who have three to his name.

Are we going to see a lot of goals in the finals? Yes, certainly, if both teams were to put on an attacking mindset. Both teams have looked sharp in front of goals. They both have proven that they can score goals.

Only one team will be crowned the champion. Looking at the performances of both teams in the two legged semi finals, I would have to say that Malaysia is the more likely winner. While Indonesia looks better on paper, they are a team whose form is on the dipping side while Malaysia is rising.

Malaysia, goes on the field tonight as the under dogs. However, these young boys of K. Rajagopal have shown that they are truly focused on winning the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 Champions title. I’ve specified 12 reasons why Malaysia can be in the Finals. The same 12 reasons will also bring the Cup home. Malaysia 3 – 0 Indonesia.

How many goals will the young Harimau Malaya score tonight? Can Indonesia score against us tonight?

10 Reasons Why Malaysia Will Play In The AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 Final

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AFF Suzuki Cup 2010Tonight Malaysia face Vietnam in the second leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 Semi Final Leg 2. The match will be played in Hanoi. Can the relatively young Malaysian team continue their fairy tale journey to the final?

I believe that Rajagobal’s young boys can indeed make it into the final this year. Following are the reasons why.
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  1. Malaysia have a team playing as a team. One of Rajagobal’s success is in instilling team play into the current set of players. In the past few matches, I see 11 players that play and work together on the field as one team. They defended and move together. Their teamwork has seen the fall of two great teams so far – Thailand and Vietnam. I believe if they can continue to play as a team, they will only become stronger.
  2. Malaysia have no “Star” player. One good thing about this relatively young team is none of them have the “I am a Star” mentality. On the field and off the field, they are all very much down to earth. They are playing solely for Malaysia and nothing else.
  3. Malaysia have played the worst. Every team will have a bad day out. Malaysia have had theirs already in this tournament. The very first match – against Indonesia. They’ve made their mistakes and have learned from it. From then on, they can only go up.
  4. Malaysia have peaked at the right moment. After the disastrous outing in the first match against Indonesia, the Malaysian team have been improving. In every single game afterwards, the team have showed that they are getting better. They are defending better. They are attacking better. They are working together and communicating better. This Malaysian Football team have peaked at just the right moment in this tournament.
  5. Malaysia have nothing to lose. What have they got to lose? No one gave them any chance of progressing this far. Especially after falling 1-5 in the first match. Yet, they are now in the semi final, with a two goal advantage. It’s all bonus from here on.
  6. Malaysia have everything to gain. When you have nothing to lose, then every success is a gain. No matter what happens in tonight’s game, this team has gained a lot of respect from every one. They have put Malaysia’s name back on the right track in terms of football in this region.
  7. Malaysia have defended well. Defense is an area where I’ve seen the most improvement. Just look at the scoreline in all our games. Apart from the 5 goal drubbing Malaysia suffered in the first match, the team have allowed only one goal. They have managed to keep a clean sheet in two matches. Both against relatively stronger teams. Keep it up and the final is in the bag.
  8. Malaysia have taken chances well. In the last two matches, Malaysia have managed to convert the chances that came their way. 5 times against Laos and twice against Vietnam. They just need to continue taking all the chances that come their way.
  9. Malaysia have the backing of the fans. The fans are now back after a long hiatus. Yes, the team have the backing of the supporters now. I believe that the fans will continue to support this team even if they lose. That’s important for the morale of these young players. It helps them stay motivated and may even provide them with that extra push to win a match.
  10. Malaysia have a winning mentality. During the dark ages of Malaysian football, I always hear the Malaysian coach playing down their chance at winning a game. This is not what I’m hearing from this team and the coach. This team – the coach, players and officers all believe that the team can produce. By believing, they have already won half the battle. This time around, we have a Malaysia Football team that really believes in “Malaysia Boleh”

Lets take a look at one of the team’s finest moments this year shall we?

What do you think? Will Malaysia make it all the way?

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Two Goal Safee Brings Malaysia One Step Closer At AFF Suzuki Cup Final

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Malaysia secured a memorable win against favorite Vietnam in the first leg of AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 semi final match in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur. The current Champion, Vietnam, failed to break down the Malaysian defense as they let in two goals to let Malaysia win 2-0 at home. The win puts Malaysia up as favorites to move on to the Final.

Nobody, I repeat, nobody would have ever thought that the game would end with such a score line. I for one, didn’t. I was sure that Malaysia would win. However, I only gave Malaysia a one goal advantage. Either 1-0 or 2-1. That was my expectation.

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Malaysia didn’t get off to a very good start. For some strange reasons, they could not get any decent passing in the first 10 minutes of the match. Defense would get the ball and just kick it out upfield, only to be collected by Vietnam. Malaysia played rather deeply in their own backyard.

Vietnam, on the other hand, enjoyed superior possession of the ball. However, they were finding it hard to penetrate the stoic Malaysian defense. All that they could muster from all the possession time they had was a couple of long distance shots at goal. These long distance attempts hardly troubled the Malaysia keeper, Khairul Fahmi Che Mat.

At half time, the score stood at 0-0. Both teams failed to break the deadlock.

In the second half, both teams pretty much continued where they left off. Malaysia continued to play deep in their own half. Vietnam kept on trying to break that solid Malaysian defense. However, in the second half, I saw that Malaysia was slowly getting their passing act together.

We kept the ball for longer periods and move it with greater purpose towards the Vietnamese goal. The boys did not solely rely on counter attacks. There were less hopeful upfield passes from defense straight to the strikers. The midfielders was actually part of the attacking game plan.

Midway through the second half, Malaysia was awarded a free kick deep in Vietnam territory. Off the freekick, Safee Sali who was marked closely by a Vietnam defender, rose and connected with a glancing header back towards goal. At first, Vietnam’s keeper seemed to have the ball covered. However, instead of palming the ball away, he tried to catch it. That proved to be a mistake. The ball bounced off his hands and continued its momentum into the Vietnam goal. Thus, Malaysia gets to celebrate.

That first goal probably shook the Vietnam players a bit. They began to lose their composure. As a result, Malaysia enjoyed more possession time and get to build up a few more advances into the Vietnam goalmouth.

Vietnam tried really hard to break down the Malaysia back four. However, no matter what they tried, our solid defensive wall did not crumble. Whenever Vietnam had the ball, we had at least six to eight man behind the ball.

With about 10 minutes to play, Malaysia got their second. This time around, Malaysian skipper, Safiq Rahim received the ball just outside the Vietnam penalty box. He managed to find for himself a few yards of space to let off a strong low drive towards goal.

That strong low drive from Safiq was parried away by the Vietnam keeper. Guess who was the quickest to the free ball? None other than Safee Sali. He reacted swifter than the other Vietnamese defenders around him. Pouncing on the rebound, Safee then drove the ball crashing into the net, right under the legs of the charging Vietnam keeper. Once again, the Malaysian team gets to celebrate.

All in all, the Malaysian team performed admirably. I would say, K.Rajagopal and the entire Malaysian team executed their game plan perfectly. What was their game plan? I would have to say that it’s to defend and absorb the Vietnam attacks. Frustrate and tire them and hit back with counter attacks.

That’s exactly what the team did to a tee. They defended in numbers. The only player who stayed topside was Safee Sali.

The ball is now in Malaysia’s hand. There is still another leg of the semi final to play. This time in Vietnam, this Saturday. Previously, K.Rajagopal claimed that we have nothing to lose. Today, with a 2 goal advantage, we have everything to lose when we play away in Vietnam.

The match this Saturday will certainly test the mental strength of the Malaysian team. The pressure is on them now. Expectations will certainly be mounting up.

Imagine, just two weeks ago, this team was greatly humbled by Indonesia with a 5-1 bashing. Today, we are just one step away from going into the Final match.

I’m dreaming of a Malaysia vs Indonesia final. Do you think it’s possible?

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