What a performance from the 22 year old goalkeeper from Kelantan! One of my senior writers told me that Khairul Fahmi is of world class standards. I've got to say, Khairul Fahmi is closing in into that status cause he single handedly saved Malaysia's blushes during the Olympic qualifiers game against Japan!
The likes of Keigo Higashi, Kensuke Nagai, Genki Haraguchi and Ryohei Yamazaki found it hard to score past the lad from Kota Bharu. The defense was in shambles but the last line of defense proved a sturdy task for the Japanese attackers as Khairul Fahmi made numerous saves.
Muslim Ahmad was terrible in the first half but he picked himself up in the second half but the Japanese were just too strong for Malaysia. Fadhli Shas, currently on loan with FC Vion Zlate Moravce, has improved a little bit after his debacle against Singapore during the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers.
Mahali Jasuli and Zubir Azmi were not their usual selves as the were exposed many times by the brilliant passing of Japan. Mahali who was impressive in the AFF Suzuki Cup did not impress in this game as he allowed too many crosses and I'm just hopeful that he bounces back for the next game. Though Zubir did save the Malaysia defense twice in the game, he still looked weary against the likes of Haraguchi, Nagai and Kiyotake.
Japan has certainly improved tenfold as their young samurai squad is technically brilliant and they what it takes to face the likes of Brazil, England or Spain. Such was their dominance during the game that i was in awe with their passes, through passes, ball control and anticipation towards the game.
Even though, they did not start with their star striker, Kensuke Nagai, Japan still dominated and looked stromng. They could have shipped in 6 tp 7 goals, if not for Khairul Fahmi's heroics! The 2 goals scored by Japan were technically good as their passing as just immaculate and Takashi Sekizuka has moulded a group of youngsters with such ease.
Ong Kim Swee has got a lot of work to do, if Harimau Muda were to create a good impression in their group. Having yet to face Bahrain and Syria, our youngsters need to improve their techniques and they should be brave hen fcing sides like Bharain and Japan. I felt that the team gave too much respect towards their opponents.
The only outfield player who impressed me was Wan Zaharulnizam Zakaria. Being small in stature, 'Kecik' used his size well and threatened Gotoku Sakai several times when he was brought on for the injured Wan Zack Wan Haikal. His ball control was impressive and his final ball seems to be improving.
Ong should tap into his potential and maybe he could be the secret weapon to unlock Bahrain's defense in their next game. Another player he should start using is Izuan Solehuddin. The Kelantan winger is an exciting prospect and he has what it takes to bring Harimau Muda to the next level. His deliveries, close control and anticipation should be utilised by Kim Swee to ensure Malaysia qualifies from the group stage.
Whatever it is, Malaysia would have learnt their lesson and I'm sure the players woould use Khairul Fahmi as an inspiration as he showed no nerves during the match at Tosu Stadium. Other players should now take up the challenge and spur Malaysia to greater heights! We should aim for our 3rd qualification to olympics and the likes of Ong Kim Swee would surely be aiming for a spot in the history books!
Avinesh's verdict: Apek might be going to J League. With such performance, he deserves to play in a stronger league! and he deserves every accloade that he is getting!
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