November 21, 2011, a date cherished by every Malaysians. On that day, I had a meeting and I was unable to witness the historic moment. The Malaysian U-23 team or fondly known as 'Harimau Muda' won the SEA games gold medal after beating regional rivals, Indonesia through a penalty shootout.
I only received SMS updates of the game and the moment I received this particular message 'MACHI OPEN THE BOTTLE' (Start your celebrations(correct me if i'm wrong!)), i was rooted in one place without knowing what to do. I wanted to celebrate but I couldn't! I could only control myself.
It was a great day and according to Bernama, 2.8 Million Malaysians watched the final. Reading that article made me realise that Malaysian football is back to its pinnacle. Every Malaysians are beginning to notice the exploits of our youngsters. Zubir Azmi, Baddrol Bakhtiar,Muslim Ahmad, Fadhli Shas and K.Gurusamy are hot commodities and they have etched their names in the hearts of the Malaysians(Other players pun ada la..)
However, this is the second straight gold medal we have won and for three years in a row, we have nailed the rights of being called the Football King of ASEAN! 2009 Sea Games gold medal, AFF Suzuki Cup Champions and now, 2011 SEA Games gold medal! We have conquered ASEAN in a way!
However, reality check comes into play. When you are the Kings of ASEAN, you are expected to perform well in the Asian stage. In Malaysia's case, we are still the whipping boys! If Khairul Fahmi Che Mat is not in goal, we will be minced by the top teams in Asia! That's for sure! One fact, which we need to accept!
Having qualified for the group stages of Olympic Qualifiers, it was a heavy task for Ong Kim Swee's side but optimism was high and many were expecting the team to go on a cindarella run. It could have happened but our boys were outclassed by their much fancied opponents.
Japan and Syria proved to be a thorn for the young Malaysian side. Being beaten 2-0 in both games, Kim Swee's boys were minuscule against the Young Samurai and Syrians! Losing their first 2 games, many were expecting them to bounce back against Bahrain and they were close to upsetting them but they let their laurels down.
Leading 2-0 till the 80th minute, the youngsters blew their lead and allowed Bahrain to peg back and win the game 3-2. Before they came back, I was at a mamak restaurant watching the game and one uncle told me that the youngsters are better than the senior squad. I nodded my head and told that this was the creme of the crop and boom!! the scored the second goal!
I left the place and moments later, my friend told me that they lost 3-2! I was in disbelief! The uncle's thoughts came into my mind and I told myself, don't tell me that they have learnt to blow a lead from their senior lads! 17 year old Nazmi Faiz Mansor's performance was just overshadowed by our shoddy defense!
Losing their first three games and out of contention for the olympics, FAM should brainstorm and find ways to continue this momentum. Not the losing momentum but continuing from where they have left off, the SEA games gold medal!
Looking at the side, Ong Kim Swee has got talents like Nazmi Faiz Mansor, Gary Steven Robbat, Syahrol Azwari and A.Thamil Arasu to rely on as these players will be available for the next SEA games and Olympic qualifiers. They have got bags of experiences now and they should make it count in their coming assignments.
Furthermore, we need to improve technically as many Asian sides are beginning to mould themselves technically. Look at Japan, their passing, ball control and awareness is just immaculate! Against Malaysia, they were just too good and they were only disappointed by the exploits of Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, who put up a virtuoso performance!
The youngsters are doing better than the senior squad as they have proved themselves in the SEA games and even in the qualifiers. Eventhough they were outclassed by their opponents but they have significantly improved. Harsh it may sound but K.Rajagopal should learn a thing or two from Ong Kim Swee. Ong Kim Swee is brave yet he has the brains to make sure that his bravery counts!
Now, we should look at conquering Asian and become one of the best in the region in the coming years. It may be a distant possibility but nothing is impossible. Trust me, Ong Kim Swee has what it takes to take Malaysian football a notch higher.
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