Malaysia put up a good fight but they were beaten by Brazil at the Shenzhen Bao An Xi Xiang Stadium yesterday.(I should have posted this earlier, haihhh!!)
Malaysia started the match positively, earning themselves a free kick in a dangerous position but Muhammad Nursalam Zainal Abidin hit wide in the fourth minute.
Two minutes later, a goalmouth melee almost saw Mohd Nasril Izzat Jalil put the national team ahead if not for the quick reflexes of Brazil goalkeeper Carlos Nunes.
The trend was however not to last for long as Brazil soon settled down into their flowing short passing game which kept the Malaysians frustrated and allowed striker Jefersom Beger to test Malaysia keeper Norhadi Ubaidillah from close range in the 11th minute but was tipped wide by the latter.Brazil made the breakthrough in the 19th minute through an individual effort by Berger who slid the ball past Norhadi from close range to give his side the lead, going into the break.
The second half played out to the same tune with Brazil having the majority of possession and had numerous shots saved by an on-form Norhadi.
Brazil took advantage of an increasingly pressured Malaysian side in search of an equaliser by scoring on the counter-attack, again through Berger in the 69th minute.
Malaysia's constant pressure yielded dividends in the 88th minute when substitute Muhammad Afham Zulkipeli was felled in the penalty box.
Midfielder Bunyamin Umar calmly stepped up to the spot to convert but the goal was not enough to stop the team from losing the match 2-1.
The loss to Brazil, after a defeat by Ukraine in their first match, had put Malaysia out of the running for the quarterfinals. The team will face Russia in their last group match tomorrow.- News Straits Times
Wannabe's statement They may be footballers from various IPTA's around Malaysia, but they have certainly made us proud when they put on a gallant fight against the book smart Brazilians.
Malaysia having the likes of seasoned pros such as Hisyamuddin Shaari, Perak's libero, Bunyamin Umar, Selangor's utility man and Norhadi Ubaidullah, Kelantan's backup goalkeeper have made us proud although losing to their much fancied opponents.
With Ukraine, Russia and Brazil in their group, many woudln't have fancied our chances but at least they are making impression for themselves at China. Losing to Ukraine and Brazil shouldn't be looked as a dismal performance.
Based on the reviews and performances that I've read from newspapers, these players have the potential to be drafted into the national squad based on their showing.
Bunyamin and Hisyamuddin are proven players in the Super League as Hisyamuddin has been called up by K. Rajagopal before. However, injuries hindered him from playing with Harimau Malaya whereas Bunyamin is back from a long term injury.
Bunyamin, who once trained with Chelsea at Cobham is one of the best talents that Malaysia has. The 22 year old has proven himself with UPB My Team, Kedah and now with Selangor. Both of them are young, and time is on their side.
Hisyammudiin has been pivotal to Perak's resuregence in the Super League as he and veteran defender, Khairi Zainuddin have been rock solid in defence.
Selangor are glad to have Bunyamin back as he is able to deputise in any position. Currently, he has been drafted into many defensive positions and he has been able to perform in the various positions that K. Devan has placed him.
Though Khairul Fahmi Che Mat is the man to beat at Kelantan, Norhadi Ubaidullah has the potential to excel in any team. He will surely provide some competition to the 22 year old Apek and if he is committed to the cause, who knows he might topple the great Khairul Fahmi one day.
Against Brazil, who do not have glittery stars like Neymar, Ganso, Robinho or Kaka in their University team but the talent pool in Brazil is huge and any player selected to play for the national team at any level would surely perform.
Malaysian being able to hold them at 2-1 is no mean feat as they are able to counter the Samba-laden football shown by the Brazilians. Ukraine, who are physically stronger than the Malaysian players in their squad wouldn't have expected such tough fight from the Malaysians.
What is more important is, The Malaysian footballers will one day become a force to be reckoned with in the years to come. K.Rajagopal should look at the Universiade players as he may need to improve his pool of players for the National team. I'm still not happy that he hasn't drafted in the ever reliable S.Subramaniam and even the veteran, Khairi Zainuddin merits a place in the National squad.(One day, I'm surely going to inteview him, because he is one lad that I am really impressed with)
Who knows, Bunyamin and Hisyamuddin might be the answer for the defensive problems that K. Rajagopal is facing( I may be overzealous but why not give it a shot, Muslim and Fadhli should be taught a lesson)
Avinesh's verdict: Win, Draw or lose, you have made us proud in Shenzhen..Keep your heads up high and keep the flag flying in the coming games... Malaysia Boleh!!!
nice post~ ^^
ReplyDeletethanks cha..=)
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