The return Malaysia/Singapore World Cup Asian zone qualifying round was played at the Bukit Jalil stadium to a more than full crowd. Though initially I was not keen on going however an old football buddy of mine made an offer of a F.O.C ticket that I can't resist. After all it has been years I have not seen the national team in action. Conveniently I took the LRT and the Bandar Tun Razak station looked normal as I saw no rush, business as usual. While the LRT chugged on I began to wonder what was the crowd going to be like.The electrifying atmosphere at Bukit Jalil stadium was felt once I stepped out of the station. It was like walking through a mardi gras festival.
Crowds gathered outside the gates in great numbers even when it was about 5 minutes to kick off. Congestion can be seen at the walkways and the staircase leading to the terraces an indication that no more seats were available.Horns blasting and the cheers from the crowd present was somewhat similar to the experience I had in the 2006 World Cup. Never was the situation this vibrant here and completely different from that of the 70s.
Crowds gathered outside the gates in great numbers even when it was about 5 minutes to kick off. Congestion can be seen at the walkways and the staircase leading to the terraces an indication that no more seats were available.Horns blasting and the cheers from the crowd present was somewhat similar to the experience I had in the 2006 World Cup. Never was the situation this vibrant here and completely different from that of the 70s.
I wandered through the crowd and entered through the turnstile only to realise later that I got myself into the wrong section as my ticket indicated the main entrance. I guess this must have been fated so let it be.
Squeezing myself forward I manage to get a tight spot where I can only watch the game in between shoulders and ears of the layer in front, but honestly it was all worth the while. After all my ticket was F.O.C
Squeezing myself forward I manage to get a tight spot where I can only watch the game in between shoulders and ears of the layer in front, but honestly it was all worth the while. After all my ticket was F.O.C
The fantastic crowd must have broken an all time record but deep inside me I prayed to Almighty Allah for the safety of all in Bukit Jalil stadium. It would be unthinkable if disaster were to strike. Alhamdullilah all went well that evening even though I felt just out of a sauna.
When both teams entered the field ,whistles and horns blared.A disappointment with our supporters not giving the due respect to the national anthem of the Republic of Singapore. Happened on most football matches where the crowd don't even stand to honour the national anthem. Why must we behave this way and when can all this nonsense be all over.
Seemed like a tit for tat situation but why can't we just put them to shame about their uncalled for behaviour by showing some respect to their country here even though we were accorded the same treatment in the Lion City.I now wonder whether playing the national anthem is really a good idea and necessary?
Seemed like a tit for tat situation but why can't we just put them to shame about their uncalled for behaviour by showing some respect to their country here even though we were accorded the same treatment in the Lion City.I now wonder whether playing the national anthem is really a good idea and necessary?
Now, let's comment about the game. Our team play a different ball game as compared to the away game. Our mid field needed scrutiny and must dominate the center of play.The Singaporeans were tormenting our half of the pitch. Our attacking force was not given the needed support at times out numbered by the opponents in the Singapore goal area.
Last Thursday night saw our team sank under pressure and a lapse in defence in the last quarter of the game broke every Malaysian's heart. Our midfield failed to supply the ammunition for the forwards to torment the opponent's goal. Shafie Sali played his best but support deserted him.His goal shackled the Singapore custodian but no shots were aimed at the opponent's goal.Yes we are sad that we should lose to an arch rival but that's football. 'Harimau Malaya' team must be commended as they were not intimidated by the 'mercenaries' on the other side and this is great spirit.
Keeping possession was lacking and loosing the ball up front must be reduced.The absence of some key players change the Malaysian ball game.Such a situation should not worry the coach as I believe those on the bench should be equally competent to be called upon any time. They must know that they are as good as the 11 on the field. This has to be so as football is a game of only 11 at a time. So those on the bench must have the fire in them ever ready to go to destroy the opponent.
Special credit goes to the goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi who brought out the best in him and displayed a brilliant game with some unexpected saves.Only a late defensive error gave the visitors the draw they came for and our hearts sunk.
Last Thursday night saw our team sank under pressure and a lapse in defence in the last quarter of the game broke every Malaysian's heart. Our midfield failed to supply the ammunition for the forwards to torment the opponent's goal. Shafie Sali played his best but support deserted him.His goal shackled the Singapore custodian but no shots were aimed at the opponent's goal.Yes we are sad that we should lose to an arch rival but that's football. 'Harimau Malaya' team must be commended as they were not intimidated by the 'mercenaries' on the other side and this is great spirit.
Keeping possession was lacking and loosing the ball up front must be reduced.The absence of some key players change the Malaysian ball game.Such a situation should not worry the coach as I believe those on the bench should be equally competent to be called upon any time. They must know that they are as good as the 11 on the field. This has to be so as football is a game of only 11 at a time. So those on the bench must have the fire in them ever ready to go to destroy the opponent.
Special credit goes to the goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi who brought out the best in him and displayed a brilliant game with some unexpected saves.Only a late defensive error gave the visitors the draw they came for and our hearts sunk.
Undoubtedly this team needed more self confidence and for us to judge them on a couple of games with weak opponents can give us false hope. A conclusive opinion can only be reached over a certain set period and pitting ourselves with stronger opponents will give us the opportunity to make a more precise assessment. Players has to be consistent like players of bygone era who remained in the national squad for quite some time whereas present players find this feat hard to match.
Now a general observation on this.Outside the stadium vendors have a field day selling team jerseys, both local as well as that of notable foreign teams. The notable foreign teams, whether club or country the jersey will bear the player's name and the number worn. As for Malaysia they do not carry the player's name but only "Malaysia" with a number because the players in the squad may not be in the national team for long. The change can come too fast. That's how I see it anyway.
The players can and must now focus themselves on discipline.This is most important.Representing the nation is not good enough as they must endeavour to penetrate into the more prestigious leagues like the Serie A, EPL or the Bundesliga. Even playing in the 'J League' is a great achievement already.This ambition is not a walk in the park and needed sacrifices but all worth the while. Whatever the circumstances prevailing now, our 'Harimau Malaya' team must focus themselves on future major tournaments and leave the past as history.
Losing by a narrow margin to a credible and formidable team is no shame if their game was played within expected standards which is indeed hard to achieve but, not impossible. Many players emulate their idols,in hair style and play attire.How wonderful if their style of play too matched the style of play of these classic players? Our players need to have the passion to win planted deep in their hearts.
Oh yes! Bukit Jalil stadium is indeed a fantastic arena. Last Thursday really exposed that the time has come that the country should have a stadium solely for football like those in England. The overflowing crowd could have been averted if standing only were made available by stripping off the seats at the terraces except those at the VIP area. Athletic meets can be at hosted at Stadium Merdeka as the crowd is much less.
Last exciting game I witness was the Penang/Singapore Malaysia Cup final in 1977 if I am not mistaken when Singapore beat Penang 3-2 in the extra time.That was a great final at the Stadium Merdeka with the big turn out of Singapore fans. At that time too, our hearts broke.
Now a general observation on this.Outside the stadium vendors have a field day selling team jerseys, both local as well as that of notable foreign teams. The notable foreign teams, whether club or country the jersey will bear the player's name and the number worn. As for Malaysia they do not carry the player's name but only "Malaysia" with a number because the players in the squad may not be in the national team for long. The change can come too fast. That's how I see it anyway.
The players can and must now focus themselves on discipline.This is most important.Representing the nation is not good enough as they must endeavour to penetrate into the more prestigious leagues like the Serie A, EPL or the Bundesliga. Even playing in the 'J League' is a great achievement already.This ambition is not a walk in the park and needed sacrifices but all worth the while. Whatever the circumstances prevailing now, our 'Harimau Malaya' team must focus themselves on future major tournaments and leave the past as history.
Losing by a narrow margin to a credible and formidable team is no shame if their game was played within expected standards which is indeed hard to achieve but, not impossible. Many players emulate their idols,in hair style and play attire.How wonderful if their style of play too matched the style of play of these classic players? Our players need to have the passion to win planted deep in their hearts.
Oh yes! Bukit Jalil stadium is indeed a fantastic arena. Last Thursday really exposed that the time has come that the country should have a stadium solely for football like those in England. The overflowing crowd could have been averted if standing only were made available by stripping off the seats at the terraces except those at the VIP area. Athletic meets can be at hosted at Stadium Merdeka as the crowd is much less.
Last exciting game I witness was the Penang/Singapore Malaysia Cup final in 1977 if I am not mistaken when Singapore beat Penang 3-2 in the extra time.That was a great final at the Stadium Merdeka with the big turn out of Singapore fans. At that time too, our hearts broke.
To ' Harimau Malaya' don't be disheartened we are with you so look up and roar all the way.
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