Laos 1 - Malaysia 4
Difficult job well delivered by the host nation, on the night of must win situation and the entire nation stood by their team to defend the cup at all cost. Suprisingly the size of the crowd for tonight's game was not that bad, as presumed by many after 3-0 defeat at the hands of Singapore.
The introduction of Kelantan pass master Shakir Shaari in deeper role behind skipper Safiq Rahim and the return of fans favourite Mahali Jasuli on the right back transformed Harimau Malaya into a more organized, adventorous side.
Well taken free kick by Safiq Rahim in the first half delighted the home fans and the manner of longer celebration by supporters shows how important the goal was and a big relief for everybody.
However, a careless pass by free kick hero Safiq fell nicely for the opponents and punished the host nation with a neat finish.
I am happy with the result, but i am happier if the team being more clinical in front of goal, converting chances into goal. Safee Sali and Norshahrul Idlan Talaha missed host of chances after chances supplied by Wan Zack haikal and Mahali from the right.
I would like to see the team to improve in term of shooting from distance, move the ball around quicker and supported by off the ball movement.
Good performance by Farizal Marlias, great consistency by Fadhli Shas, fantastic effort by S kunanlan this time as i saw he was moving around intelligently, good level of concentration shown by Aidil. Azmi Muslim, Safiq Rahim, Nurshahrul, Safee Sali,Wan Zack need to double up their effort in the next game.
Man of the match for me: Shakir Shaari. His presence give more composure in midfield and the team started to play more football than previous game. Great effort defensively, tracking back the strikers, close down the opponents and important tackle in vital areas.
Hoping the team will do well in their final group stage match against Indonesia, which is another must win game for Harimau Malaya.
Unfinished Business: Malaysian Football
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Monday, November 26, 2012
Tacticaly outdated HM outclassed by The old enemy on home soil
Yang Berbahagia Dato K Rajagobal was flying high since 2009, and his success in Laos gave some new momentum on local football to rise again. And followed by the unthinkable 2010 AFF victory in Jakarta further endorsed his philosophy who started the revolution with the national under 16 team. Since then, he seems to work on his own way, and the reluctance to change the style of play is exactly what i am going to write tonight. This is because i care for my national team.
And he was brought down to earth yesterday by the old enemy Singapore on our own backyard...the reality starts to bite.
In 2010, there was no expectation, nobody care to take Malaysia seriously. We went to Jakarta without a numbers of supposedly 'core players'. Slaughtered in the first game, however went on unnotice by many and suddenly lifted the cup in a quite remarkable dramatic fashion.
Two years on, series of friendly matches saw some signs of stagnancy, where the formation of 4-4-2 remain as the catalyst of our game plan. The pattern of positioning, distribution of the ball also unchange. The selection of players for each position has been increasingly expected.
S Kunanlan for instance, has been playing as a left winger regularly for 2 or 3 years. During the game, there was no position exchange between him and fellow wide man from the opposite flanks. He will stay there on the left flank for the entire game. Very predictable.
The return of Aidil Zafuan means one of the two cup winning centre backs have to be sacrificed. For me, this was the starting point, the solidity of the back four has been broken. A returning player should compete for his place instead of given an automatic spot. An automatic spot in the national team for a player who played in second division added more insult to the rest. The dressing room harmony could be an unknown issue for the public. But if it is, the damage done could be unreconcilable.
Skipper Safiq Rahim is another untouchable asset. Unchallenge, his call up to the squad means that they will be no other attacking playmaker in the squad. Dato build his team around Safiq. His limited style of cross field passes is now very common for south east asian teams. Lack of pace, lack of physical presence, and make things worse, his form has been declining in recent weeks. No healthy rivalry in the squad has put him in a very relax and complacent situation.
Besides talking about personel, the formation used by Dato was also very predictable. Flat 4-4-2 with the creativity much coming from Nurshahrul, the rest was easily read by Baihaki and the gangs.
No real penetration on the lions defence as they quickly defending in numbers once the ball reach Wan Zack or Kuna. Either flanks were well shut, as the two hardworking midfielders in Harris Harun and Mustafic always helping the fullbacks to clamp the threat from wide arears.
When supplies from the flanks were limited, the chances to get the ball into the area has been decreasing. That desperate situation forced Safee Sali to come deep just to collect passes.
For me, outdated tactics, identical personel and Maybe dressing room unrest could be the factor for this defeat. I just hope the national team set up could consider radical changes for the next game. We need the 3 points very badly.
And he was brought down to earth yesterday by the old enemy Singapore on our own backyard...the reality starts to bite.
In 2010, there was no expectation, nobody care to take Malaysia seriously. We went to Jakarta without a numbers of supposedly 'core players'. Slaughtered in the first game, however went on unnotice by many and suddenly lifted the cup in a quite remarkable dramatic fashion.
Two years on, series of friendly matches saw some signs of stagnancy, where the formation of 4-4-2 remain as the catalyst of our game plan. The pattern of positioning, distribution of the ball also unchange. The selection of players for each position has been increasingly expected.
S Kunanlan for instance, has been playing as a left winger regularly for 2 or 3 years. During the game, there was no position exchange between him and fellow wide man from the opposite flanks. He will stay there on the left flank for the entire game. Very predictable.
The return of Aidil Zafuan means one of the two cup winning centre backs have to be sacrificed. For me, this was the starting point, the solidity of the back four has been broken. A returning player should compete for his place instead of given an automatic spot. An automatic spot in the national team for a player who played in second division added more insult to the rest. The dressing room harmony could be an unknown issue for the public. But if it is, the damage done could be unreconcilable.
Skipper Safiq Rahim is another untouchable asset. Unchallenge, his call up to the squad means that they will be no other attacking playmaker in the squad. Dato build his team around Safiq. His limited style of cross field passes is now very common for south east asian teams. Lack of pace, lack of physical presence, and make things worse, his form has been declining in recent weeks. No healthy rivalry in the squad has put him in a very relax and complacent situation.
Besides talking about personel, the formation used by Dato was also very predictable. Flat 4-4-2 with the creativity much coming from Nurshahrul, the rest was easily read by Baihaki and the gangs.
No real penetration on the lions defence as they quickly defending in numbers once the ball reach Wan Zack or Kuna. Either flanks were well shut, as the two hardworking midfielders in Harris Harun and Mustafic always helping the fullbacks to clamp the threat from wide arears.
When supplies from the flanks were limited, the chances to get the ball into the area has been decreasing. That desperate situation forced Safee Sali to come deep just to collect passes.
For me, outdated tactics, identical personel and Maybe dressing room unrest could be the factor for this defeat. I just hope the national team set up could consider radical changes for the next game. We need the 3 points very badly.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
6 days to 2012 AFF Cup kick off, and welcome to MALAYSIA
At this point of time, football community in Malaysia is focusing on 'our own version of world cup' which will be held here in the capital of Kuala Lumpur and Shah Alam. The Suzuki AFF cup is coming to town and fans at all level can't wait for the moment of that mouthwatering kick off against old enemy Singapore.
Kids on the street wearing the national jersey either home or away kit, symbolised the level of acceptance by the next generations of supporters and could be next generations of footballer as well.
On promotional activities, i wish more publicity or awareness programs to be engaged with football fans in a more interactive mode. Contest, give aways, main subjects in local radio stations, TV talk show, community event such as futsal or 7 a side and many more to build the hype and attract public attention to the tournament. The organizer need to do more to match Harimau Malaya's reputation as defending champions and host nations.
Malaysia will play on Sunday 25 November, against Laos on Wednesday and Indonesia on Saturday 1 December. My advice to the fans, please maximize the public transportation especially the LRT and buses. Please buy the match tickets via online service, leave your home early during matchdays to avoid traffic conggestions.
For Singapore fans, you are welcome with our football spirits, you may feel familiar with the ground of Bukit Jalil, but in the same time hope you will enjoy the football carnival on our soil, we are not hooligans and please enjoy your stay in our capital city.
For Laos fans, maybe we don't have much history between us in term of bloody rivalry, but we will respect our guest in the best possible manner. Maybe majority of them will be consisting of foreign workers who worked here in various industry. Enjoy the football and your stay in the capital.
For Indonesian fans, either worked here in malaysia or travelling from Jakarta, my advice for you guys: YOU ARE ABOUT TO ENTER A MORE CIVILISED LAND WITH GREATER CULTURED PEOPLE. So we will not haunt your national team like a group of hungry lions chasing a little prey, just what you have done to ours in 2010 and 2011. Don't worry, your team will not be disturbed at the hotels, training ground or during traveling from hotel to the stadium. Your team will be travelling in a first class executive bus, unlike our team had to use Baracuda in 2010 and 2011. We will display our first class mentality to you, and you may have to agree later on that Bangsa Malaysia is well cultured people.
Whoever you are, this coming weekend will make your life a bit different. The trend will be Suzuki AFF cup 2012 and the whole world will wonder what is this cup all about? Come over to malaysia, book your hotel room now and enjoy your stay. Enjoy the football, welcome to Malaysia!
Kids on the street wearing the national jersey either home or away kit, symbolised the level of acceptance by the next generations of supporters and could be next generations of footballer as well.
On promotional activities, i wish more publicity or awareness programs to be engaged with football fans in a more interactive mode. Contest, give aways, main subjects in local radio stations, TV talk show, community event such as futsal or 7 a side and many more to build the hype and attract public attention to the tournament. The organizer need to do more to match Harimau Malaya's reputation as defending champions and host nations.
Malaysia will play on Sunday 25 November, against Laos on Wednesday and Indonesia on Saturday 1 December. My advice to the fans, please maximize the public transportation especially the LRT and buses. Please buy the match tickets via online service, leave your home early during matchdays to avoid traffic conggestions.
For Singapore fans, you are welcome with our football spirits, you may feel familiar with the ground of Bukit Jalil, but in the same time hope you will enjoy the football carnival on our soil, we are not hooligans and please enjoy your stay in our capital city.
For Laos fans, maybe we don't have much history between us in term of bloody rivalry, but we will respect our guest in the best possible manner. Maybe majority of them will be consisting of foreign workers who worked here in various industry. Enjoy the football and your stay in the capital.
For Indonesian fans, either worked here in malaysia or travelling from Jakarta, my advice for you guys: YOU ARE ABOUT TO ENTER A MORE CIVILISED LAND WITH GREATER CULTURED PEOPLE. So we will not haunt your national team like a group of hungry lions chasing a little prey, just what you have done to ours in 2010 and 2011. Don't worry, your team will not be disturbed at the hotels, training ground or during traveling from hotel to the stadium. Your team will be travelling in a first class executive bus, unlike our team had to use Baracuda in 2010 and 2011. We will display our first class mentality to you, and you may have to agree later on that Bangsa Malaysia is well cultured people.
Whoever you are, this coming weekend will make your life a bit different. The trend will be Suzuki AFF cup 2012 and the whole world will wonder what is this cup all about? Come over to malaysia, book your hotel room now and enjoy your stay. Enjoy the football, welcome to Malaysia!
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
DISARRAYED Harimau Malaya set to enter AFF cup under poor form
Mysteriously under performed, disjointed, lack of creativity, same old game plan from the coach since 2010, never looked comfortable with ball possesion, not enough pressing, lack off the ball movement and of course some individual mistake.
The only consistent performer were coming from the stands, the chants and encouraging songs by Ultras Malaya.
I do care for my national team performance. I always wanted to see our football rise to another level. It is important to be vocal, because we need the issue to be addressed in the right manner.
After series of friendlies, including tonight's drew with Hong Kong, my personal observation is that we were technically way behind Thailand and Vietnam. Even after we took the lead through Safee's header, i was never convinced with our approach to the game. Hong Kong took the game to us even with 10 men. And most of the time, Malaysia looked more like an away team.
I really hope that the boys would respond in the most positive attitude for the next and could be the last friendly. I don't feel good this time around, the preparations is not up to the expectations and the team is totaly off form. Can we retain the cup if keep on playing like tonight?
The only consistent performer were coming from the stands, the chants and encouraging songs by Ultras Malaya.
I do care for my national team performance. I always wanted to see our football rise to another level. It is important to be vocal, because we need the issue to be addressed in the right manner.
After series of friendlies, including tonight's drew with Hong Kong, my personal observation is that we were technically way behind Thailand and Vietnam. Even after we took the lead through Safee's header, i was never convinced with our approach to the game. Hong Kong took the game to us even with 10 men. And most of the time, Malaysia looked more like an away team.
I really hope that the boys would respond in the most positive attitude for the next and could be the last friendly. I don't feel good this time around, the preparations is not up to the expectations and the team is totaly off form. Can we retain the cup if keep on playing like tonight?
Monday, November 5, 2012
DANI GUIZA's arrival will spice up the M League
Majority of footie fans in Malaysia were very sceptical in response to the news that Johor interested in bringing Daniel Gonzalez Guiza to Larkin Stadium in Johor, Malaysia. Johor fans, local football pundits, mainstream media and also neutral fans opted for wait and see approach while they were also some sections of fans called it as rubbish, wasting time & money, and some other negatives jibes.
Football at the south have so little to talk about for the last 20 years or so. Last winning the double in 1991 and FA cup triumph in 1997 (Steve Darby team), Johor, the most populated state after Klang Valley is in need of massive football re engineering. With the new ownership came in, lead by His Royal Highness Tunku Ismail Idris Sultan Ibrahim (Johor Crown Prince), a glimpse of long desired hope is finaly restored.
Tunku Ismail, or well known as TMJ, roll out a new comprehensive and structured football plan for the state. Enhancing the local state league, plan to develop a new football academy in Nusajaya, plan to re develop the legendary Larkin Stadium, recruiting top coaches such as Fandi Ahmad (Former FC Gronigen, Holland) and also plan to build a very competitive team to challenge for honours domesticaly & continentaly.
With the arrival of Dani Guiza in Johor Bahru (Capital city of Johor) yesterday, marked as a big statement of intend by the southern Tigers to the rest of the country and Asia as well. TMJ realy mean business this time. The news spread so quickly across the nations via mainstream media, social networks and people on the streets talking about it with mixed reactions.
Fans across the causeway (singapore), and Indonesia also talked about the suprise move. At 32, Guiza is seen as a footballing bridge between Malaysian super league and La Liga in Spain. The multiple effect caused by this move is that: more football agents from La Liga will start to take a look at Malaysia Super League. Secondly, More quality and high profile players from La Liga wil come over to Johor and MSL in future, Third, potential marketing & commercial opportunities for both leagues such as TV rights and other related football products, fourth, will create awareness in Spain on Malaysian football and lastly, will attract local fans to the stadium to watch the local league.
Personaly, i am excited with the signing and i hope more high profile players will join in and trade their football in the hottest league in south east asia - MALAYSIA SUPER LEAGUE.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Ong Kim swee is the best coach in 2012
I can't properly put in writing, on how to describe the wonderful work done by coach Ong Kim Swee for the past 12 months (Including Jakarta SEA games). The major differences between this new generations of our footballer, with the previous project under Alan Harris is that our young footballer now understand on how important it is to keep possesion of the ball. Keep the ball as long as you can.
The main reason for our previous national teams failure was that they seems to get tired very early. When you spend so much running chasing the ball, you will lose your energy very quickly. And for sure your team can't compete for the entire 90 minutes competitively.
But now, there is a glimpse of hope for our team to play like a modern football team. Ong Kim Swee recognised this, and he promoted a more passing & possesion football. SEA games gold medal, Newspaper cup and third place in S league proved his coaching qualities. Not to mentioned other competition such as AFC U21 qualifiers where our team finished third behind contraversial host Myanmar. In that tournament, he unleashed the true quality of another young talented striker, Rozaimi Abd Rahman.
His favorite formation was 4-2-3-1, but sometimes changed to 4-4-2 according to the style of the opponents. His all round qualities in man to man management, tactical knowledge, great awareness on each players progress, great vision in scouting young talents and get the best out of the players, has convinced me that Ong Kim Swee is the best coach in 2012.
Coach, i wish your career will continue to grow, internationaly and all the best.
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