The young tigers started the tournament with a draw against Singapore. It was a game that had drawn so many critics and praises by the fans. Some say the boys didn't really performed well, but others said that the boys did pretty well as it was an opening game and it was important for them to not to lose the young lions.
Statistically, the boys actually did well. They had the most possession. Only the slacking of the attacking players that was a disappointment to the boys.
They went on to win their next 3 games including a win against the host nation, Indonesia, to top their group to proceed to the semi-finals.
The finals, for a second time in 5 days they defeated the host in a penalty shoot-out.
Looking at their overall performances in the competition, I do think that Malaysian football is on a rise.
We have been in the doldrums for so long but things have started to change. I watched how the young tigers, that was then coached by Dato K Rajagopal when the team won the sea games gold medals after 21 years.
The team basically won because of their honesty and hard work. They were also a bunch of determined players that went there and put their hearts into the tournament. They badly wanted to prove the nation that they can do it, and they came back with a gold medal!
The same happened for the current u-23 squad. It was not easy when the schedule was so tight and they also had to be mentally strong.
Khairul Fahmi, the keeper was outstanding throughout the tournament. Same goes to captain Baddrol Bakhtiar. The super cool captain really led the team by example.
The most promising player that caught my eye was the young Nazmi Faiz. He's only 17, but his game was so matured.
I have been wanting to see a Malaysian player that can play like Nazmi. A player that uses his skills and brains at a maximum capacity. He's still young and I'm sure he can surely gets better, as long as he keeps focus and keeps on working hard.
I do hope FAM can retain Rajagopal and Ong Kim Swee in the national team setup. The 2 coaches has proved to us that Malaysians can play good football.
I'm also proud of the players because their determination and their spirit showed when they play. I don't mind when they lose, but I do mind if they lose without giving a fight. We are the Harimau Malaya, any team that's fighting us should know, they won't get anything easily. We will fight! We will defend everything with honor.
Syabas Harimau Malaya. You are making us proud!
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device via Vodafone-Celcom Mobile.
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