CAMPIONE, CAMPIONE, OLE OLE OLE!!!

CAMPIONE, CAMPIONE, OLE OLE OLE!!! CHAMPIONS!!! CHAMPIONS!!! It echoed throughout the nite as Malaysia were crowned as the Champions of AFF Suzuki Cup after a 4-2 aggregate win in the final against our neighbours, Indonesia. Where did you folks watched the game? Home? Mamak? Dataran Merdeka? I watched the game with my Jalan Eaton family. Had a blast watching the 1st leg there and kinda like a lucky charm too. So I headed there after prayers and bought McDonald's for dinner. Kak Nana & Ieja were already on their Twitter accounts. They just loved reading the tweets regarding the match. Hehehe..

*Before the match at Bung Karno Stadium*

*Upin & Ipin dolls been burnt*

*More laser issues*

*The Indonesian fans*

 It was a hostile atmosphere in the Bung Karno Stadium as Safiq Rahim led his team out into the field. Even though most of Malaysians watched it on tv, we all felt the chills from the crowd in Indonesia. An unrest feeling are always going to be there when we face Indonesia.

*Khairul Fahmi in action*

As the game started, Indonesia went for the attack (as expected) and Malaysia had to hold on and defend. I was quite surprise to see our boys played to wide. There were early scares in the game but Safiq Rahim marshalled the midfield well last night. They boys started to cramped the midfield area and made it difficult for the Indonesians to push forward and made them play the long ball style. I bet everybody feared the worse when we conceded a soft penalty in the 18th minute. The ever so superb Khairul Fahmi made a fantastic save to keep the host at bay. In case you didn't know, he became an instant hit at Facebook and Twitter. Updates by Malaysians on Twitter and Facebook hit an all time high. Girls just keep daydreaming about him. Ok, back into the game. Malaysia had another scare. Had Amar Rohidan not headed off Ridwan's lob in first half stoppage time, with the aid of the cross bar, Malaysia would have trooped off at half-time with their lead slashed.

 Malaysia parked their blue bus well and in second half, and out of the blue we took the lead with a great counter attack goal by Safee Sali (Selangor legend to be, surely). He was focused and let fly a deadly left footed drive into the back of the net. GgGgGoOoOAaAaLLLL!!!4-0 on aggregate!!! I thought that's it, it's done, we're Champions. I was proved wrong as Indonesians pulled a goal back and then took the lead. Suddenly it's 2-1 with just 10 minutes left. As they say in football, anything can happen. Those last 10 minutes felt like an hour. Everyone was stressed out and praying that our boys maintain the composure and focus. When the final whistle finally came, FuUuUuhHhH.. Everybody felt relief that the boys has done the whole nation proud by becoming Champions.

*Muslim Ahmad, being congratulated*

*Fans at Dataran Merdeka*

*Fans jump for joy*

HEROES, every single one of them. From the outstanding goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi, to the back four led by the 21 year old Muslim Ahmad at the heart of the defence, to Safiq Rahim who marshalled the midfield area like no other and to the deadly finishing of Safee Sali. Not forgetting the coach, K. Rajagopal and his staff, who did tremendously well in bringing up the boys. Dude, they ROCK!!!

*Champions*

Even Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd & England defender) had this to say to our boys via his Twitter account - @rioferdy5 "Congratulations 2 Malaysia who beat Indonesia in the Suzuki cup final. I played against Malaysian u23 team 18 months ago, quite a good team". Echoing on Jason Lo's shout from Twitter yesterday, he believed that our Harimau Muda boys has a chance in qualifying for the World Cup soon!!! I believe it too!!! But let's focus on the Asian Cup first. And we cannot let this amazing team lose their heads. Success is very sweet. But retaining the title will be the biggest task.

MALAYSIA BOLEH!!! BOLEH MENANG!!!

*Picture courtesy of NST (taken from my Blackberry)*

*Safee Sali, Golden Boot Winner*

I would have to say that a number of Indonesian fans showed their true sportsmanship as they didn't leave the stadium straight away. They congratulated their own team for their performances leading up to the final and also congratulated Malaysia as the Champions. A big thank you to them for making it a memorable AFF Suzuki Cup. Not forgetting Bambang Pamungkas (former Selangor legend) who also showed his true sportsmanship by congratulating our boys and also had few words with Safee Sali (Selangor connection it seems). My dear friend Rizal would probably be saluting me for mentioning Selangor in this post. Hahaha..

After the game, Me & my sisters treated ouselves to ...

*Tutti Frutti*