*Safee, Amirulhadi & Khairul Fahmi apologizing to the fans*
It was a sad end to Malaysia's quest to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Our hopes were dashed by our neighbours, Singapore, last night at Bukit Jalil Stadium. We lost 6-4 on aggregates but the fans gave them a standing ovation (definitely deserved) for taking us to such a wonderful ride. We lost, but there's a long way to go. And as far as I can remember, we're planning for the Asian Cup 2015. Disappointed, yes. But we all know that our Malaysian football is back and we're heading the right direction. We also have the Olympic qualifying to look forward to.
*3-0 was the scoreline needed to progress through*
I'm very proud of what our boys have achieved and will definitely be looking forward to more great matches and experience with them. Here's a thought.. When was the last time you folks experience this kinda hype or excitement about Malaysian football? Probably the last time was in the 80's.
*Safee celebrates scoring a goal*
Last night's match saw a home crowd of nearly 95,000 supporters come to cheer our boys and make life a living hell for the Singaporeans. There were some mind games between the managers and the fans wasted no time in making their voices heard. I am especially livid that the Singaporeans easily give foreign players nationality access in order for them to represent their national team. Give me a break folks!!! They're trying to say that they have a small population and all kinds of crap. It only takes 23 players to represent any country in any football tournament around the world. For qualifying, you may only need 50 players (50 is already a very high number). Don't say that you can't find 23 home grown players???
*Singapore celebrate their equalizer*
I can understand like certain cases e.g. Lukas Podolski (Polish born German international) or Mesut Ozil (Turkish born German international) where they have the luxury to choose which national team they want to represent because of their family backgrounds. Plus they both have represented their country at youth level. But to give nationality rights to a 41 year old and represent Singapore??? To a Chinese player that are not up to the China national team standards??? Are you kidding me???
*Ahmad Faruqi, a huge disappointment last night*
The best (in a super sarcastic tone) part of the match was the play acting from the Singaporean players. I was like WOW!!! I've seen worse before, back in 2003 when FC Porto under then Jose Mourinho beat Celtic 3-2 in the final of UEFA Cup. The Porto players should be given an Academy Award each for their play acting but yesterday was far worse from the UEFA Cup Final. I can assure you that the physio (a lady) ran a lot more than the cry babies. Every tackle they fell down like flies. Those who saw the match on tv said most of them didn't even had any contact. The ref got conned easily.
*Khairul Fahmi and Mat Boyot (fans called him that)*
The crowd last night was magnificent and we all made sure that Bukit Jalil Stadium was a fortress. It definitely felt that way. I just wished we could turn it like the famous Attaturk Stadium in Turkey. Many players claim that it was a fortress and a hostile that gave them the chills when step foot into the field. Aside from that, great praise should be awarded to stand-in skipper, the outstanding Safee Sali, the talismanic captain marvel Safiq Rahim (although suspended last night), Mohd Amirulhadi Yahya, Muslim Ahmad, Aidil Zafuan, Amar Rohidan and Khairul Fahmi for their stellar performace. I was especially impress with Safee as he showed he's "THE MAN" on the field last night. Quick turns, great awareness, great possession, great reading of the game and most definitely great finishing. If Malaysia is benefiting from Safee's stint in Indonesia, why not send other top players there and learn their trade. I personally believe that it will elavate the Harimau Malaya into another level. Not forgetting the coach, Dato' K. Rajagopal and his staff. Without them, we could not achieve this great feat. Let us come together again and support our Harimau Malayas in the future!!!
*Harimau Malaya fans showed great support*
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