We came. We played. We got three points.

Final Score: Malaysia 2-1 Yemen. We came. We played. We got three points.

National Football Team Head Coach K. Rajagopal will be sleeping much better after Malaysia's win against Yemen. The three points will be a much need boost for our campaign to qualify for the 2015 Asian Cup.

When the starting eleven was announced, many were surprise for the inclusion of Wan Zack Haikal who was thought to be injured prior to the game. Nonetheless his inclusion to the starting line up was a huge boost especially for his former Harimau Muda captain and team mate Mahali Jasuli.

Malaysia started pretty decent in the early stages of the game. Until Yemen took a chance on our loose defensive pass which they scored 1-0. It got really nervy for the Malaysians after that. But then the momentum shifted to Malaysia. Mahali's overlapping run and cross caused trouble in the Yemen penalty box which lead to Azamuddin Akil scoring the equaliser. Game on 1-1 on the 26th minute.

Mahali just minutes later almost got another one for the home side. After that it was back and forth between routine saves from both goalkeepers until half-time.

The second half begin with both teams being cautious early on. But Malaysia was determined to earn the three points. It's seemed the Yemen's 2nd half game plan was to catch Malaysia on the counter almost game to fruition on a couple of occasion.

Up steps the second half substitute Khyril Muhymeen on came and headed in the winning goal! The Malaysian fans went crazy!

2-1 it remained until the final whistle.

The chemistry between Wan Zack Haikal and Mahali Jasuli was indeed lovely to watch from the stand. Both players understanding each other's playing style very well. These two players will be Malaysia's poster boys on the right hand side for many years to come. Watch out Dani Alves and Lionel Messi!

Safiq Rahim deserves some credit, he did very well for the team during the game. Same goes to K. Gurusamy he did well do hold the midfield restricting the opposition to the flanks.

Norshahrul needs to find his goalscoring boots real fast. But his ability to open up space and assist his teammates was valuable to the cause.

Malaysians get to see Badhri Radzi and Safiq Rahim partnering up for the first time even it's only for like 12 or so minutes. Piya added a much needed composure to the Malaysian side after grabbing the lead. Helping to see out the favourable score line of 2-1 to Malaysia.

I Love The Scoreline

By Khalilul Rahman

Post Saudi.

International Friendly Final Score: Malaysia 1-4 Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia exploited major defensive frailties on the left hand side of Malaysia's defence 2-0 in the first half.

K. Rajagobal rang in the changes at the start of the 2nd half. Which helped in the cause with subs Safiq Rahim scored via a Hanaf Mamat lay-off.

Pushing to get the equaliser Malaysia were caught off from the break with a two late goals. It finished 1-4 to the visitors at the Shah Alam Stadium.

So what were the positives?

-Well Norazlan had the chance to impress and prove his worth. With this development I'm expecting a very healthy competition for the number 1 jersey. All three goalkeepers we have are indeed quality.

-Fahdli Shas, Zubir and Mahali are our currently capable defenders. Aidil was at fault for not closing down for the 3rd goal.

-Gurusamy is the answer for our defensive midfield situation. Shakir was slow and poor. His key attributes of positioning and passing let him down tonight.

-Khyril had a shocker tonight. Maybe Asaruddin contributed that.

-Amri Yahya was pulling the strings in the attack Norshahrul was only decent his decision making was a let down.

-Ashari and Gopinathan added some flair in the attack and were coming with a purpose.

-Azamuddin Akil tactically he is the best player who sticks to his job of tracking back went Mahali is bombing forward. But he needs to take risks to help the team to get a goal.

-Hanaf Mamat showed real intelligences when he came on for Norshahrul.


the big game vs Yemen:

Goalkeeper: I don't mind who starts for this one both Norazlan and Apex are fine goalkeepers in my book. 

Defenders: Mahali, Shas and Zubir must start the game. The defender to partner Fadhli is gonna be Aidil I feel as we all know K. Rajagobal. If it were me and if he's fit it'd be Amiridwan or Nik Shahrul.

Midfield: Gurusamny must sit in front of the back four. He is such a natural defensive midfielder after Gary Steven Robbat who is with Harimau Muda A. It'd be interesting if the boss picks a Piya-Safiq combo.

Wings: Ashari and Gopinathan both came on the Saudi game very well. Their bag of tricks can prove vital against Yemen.

Forward: Amri and Norshahrul both very good both must understand each other more to create chances.

Who to come on if all else fails:

-Alex! When out back is against the wall Mr.100% will help us out!

-If Wan Zack is fit enough to come on as a sub why not. Show us why FC Ryukyu signed you!

-Piya-Safiq whoever starts and not doing well please replace the one who started the game regardless if it's Piya or Safiq.

-Kunalan if he enters the squad late he's pace can help us out. Yemen are a slow team according to my Arab football friend.

We must fill up the Stadium this Friday! Come on Malaysia!

Stadiums.

As we all know our next two Malaysian games will be held at the Shah Alam Stadium. Many fans are quite disappointed with the decision to have the game at Shah Alam including myself. To the simple fact we have created more national football history at Bukit Jalil.

Back in January, I planned to do a short video documentary called a 'A night at Bukit Jalil.' It's a simple idea of showing what it is all about. Malaysians coming together to support the national team in one huge voice of support. So this plan will have to be delayed until we host games at Bukit Jalil.

Regardless I will be at Stadium Shah Alam on both occasions, the friendly versus Saudi Arabia and the all important group game vs Yemen.

Malaysian stadiums, whoever had the luxury of going know what it feels like. The atmosphere is always uniquely Malaysian.

Just want to touch on how FAM, Stadium owners and people associated with the club can improve their stadiums:

1. Improve the PA System. I had a hard time listening to the substitutions made, time added on or important announcements. Need to find a way to improve the PA system at all stadium. I had this problem at Stadium MBPJ, Bukit Jalil and elsewhere.

2. The traffic flow must be organised by members of the police or rela or stadium officials. This is a big problem after full time. Especially people with their families trying to go home early.

3. Quality of Food must have standards and able to be sold at affordable prices as well. No need to explain here.

4. Public transportation must be easily accessible and extended on Match night's.

5. If possible have a section of the stadium dedicated to people bringing their families. Since a group of fans have made a section of the stadium as their own why can't people with their families have one. Again if this is all possible.

6. Improve the facilities around the stadium, i.e. gate entrance, parking spaces, toilet, the place of worship and other necessities.

Do increase the number of security personal. Also even though it's in their job to protect us. But do smile when the country score. That's all I'm asking.

That's it salam and take care!

MSL Round 10

Malaysia Super League Results.

Kelantan fell behind to a late goal in Singapore. Chances to regain the league is now dead in the water. Ambitions now should be to gain a spot place for next year's AFC Cup via winning either the FA Cup or Malaysia Cup.

While the big game at the Shah Alam Stadium, sees the host Selangor with ten-men defeated big spenders Johor Darul Takzim 4-1. The Red Giants now are red hot favourites to capture the league tittle. Questions will be asked about the Southern Tigers. 

Adil Zafuan is a poor excuse of a defender. Simply not good enough. Safiq Rahim is only good at free-kicks nothing else. These two players shouldn't be representing our country. Simply not good enough if Malaysia wants to raise the bar.

Mahali, Amri Yahya, K Gurusamy, S. Kunalan, Nadriq, Norazlan Razali were really fantastic.

To sum it all up: