A satisfactory display

MALAYSIA 1 SINGAPORE 1


I was satisfied. It was great to be back in the old familiar territory of passion and undivided support for your country. I was there in Shah Alam stadium witnessing a true grit performance by our football team. Expecting them to play in the likes of Brazil , Argentina or Germany is definitely out of reach. Even the EPL standard is far much better than the mediocre game play we have here. From a lowly ranked team of 153rd in the world what do you expect ? Be mindful and realize where we are.

We played a good game last night against the defending champions of ASEAN champion , our once upon a time small neighbour - Singapore. I reckon it was the first time that the national side was cheered all along the game and not the usual jeer and frustration. We played all our might and i believe the fans could feel the determination and motivation to win. It was satisfying to see the national heroes fighting for every ball and displaying their best performance. Game play ? It was not smooth but enough to entertain the fans all around Malaysia.

We scored through our "zidane" - Hardi Jaafar with a beautifully executed shooting way outside the box that went to the top left corner of Lionel Lewis ( Singapore goalkeeper ). Eventhough we are not quite sure whether it was the real intention to score or a fluke from a cross - who cares ! We scored the first goal and the stadium erupted !! Suddenly all hopes were high and the sight of glory was beyond beckoning. Unfortunately , due to our lack of concentration - Mohd Noh Alam scored through a free header - our short centre back not able to shackle him off from a beautfully executed cross. Memories of our national heroes fumbling was at sight.

Uncharacteristicly , we showed character. We fought back - clawing and threatening to score. There were few chances which was wasted by Hairuddin by his bad first touch and Eddy Helmi after a brilliant dribble ! It was exhilarating and exciting. Adrenaline was running high and everybody cheered well. When the no 5 Singapore defender tried to waste time during the final minutes of the game - all Malaysians stood up and roared in anger ! He was showed the red card for showing the unsportmanshiplike behaviour and the whole stadium became havoc ! Some even shouted.. YAHUDI !! YAHUDI !!! to everyone's tickle bone.

We really fought hard during the dying minutes and I can tell you we tried till the whistle blown by the undecisive referee. It was such an experience.

I wish I didn't have the dinner this Saturday night - more being in the organizing committee. Damn !! I would have skipped it to attend the return leg in Singapore.

Viva MALAYSIA !! I wish you all the best in the second leg. I would not expect much though - as it is tough to win in Kallang but nevertheless , if it is the same gutsy display showed on Saturday - I am happy as there is hope for Malaysian football.