Wednesday, September 17, 2014

3 blow in a day

It's rare to see 3 different national team from same country for same sports playing on same day. Malaysia had the opportunity but it was a disaster.

The under 16 football team was in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) cup quarterfinals. It was already an achievement qualifying for this level. Nevertheless, they were just inches away from making a surprise qualification to World youth cup next year. However, we fall short by losing with slim margin of 2-1 to mighty Australia. Though a win could have brought us to world cup, but we can still be proud that we were in the top 8 for the continent. The question is, will this team can sustain it's game which can me them future sea games champions 2017 and also to qualify to Asian Games in 2018. We used to be continental toppers for under 9 and under 12 teams under guidance of holger obermen during mid 90s. At least this shows some hope.

The under 23 team played their 1st match in Asian Games against South Korea and trashed 3-0. Though they opted for 4-4-1-1 (defensive strategy), yet the Koreans manage to break in and scored 3 goals. Most of the players were from last year's SEA Games. Today, they will play against Laos and need to win to keep their 2nd round qualifying hopes. The other team in the group is Saudi Arabia. Last round, we qualified to 2nd round but now, the hopes are slim. Perhaps, a lot more need to be done for the team.

Finally the senior team, whom are gearing up for the AFF cup for end of the year lost 2-0 to Indonesia in a international freindly match at Surabaya,Indonesia. It's the 2nd match in-charge for Dollah Salleh and also 2nd lost. Looks like he is testing the players and he may even drop all 22 for AFF cup and get new players. I hope, he can bring the team to final (at least).

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