Pre-World Cup...Malaysia against Singapore 1st Leg..

It was 23 July 2011, after so many years in wilderness on Malaysian football, I was looking forward to this game. I have been texting, emailing and informing all my friends on this game. The game was showed live on Astro Awani channel 801 & TV3.

The first leg was played in Singapore (Jalan Besar Stadium)...why not at National Stadium? not sure. The return will be played at Bukit Jalil, KL on 28 July 2011. The game started at 7.30pm.

When the team sheet was released, the only surprise for me was the Malaysian goalkeeper. I was expecting Khairul Fahmi aka "apek" to play. But coach Rajagopal has opted for Mohd Sharbinee who I think was the wrong choice. He didn't play well against Taiwan in the earlier game. His reflexes are not so good and he is not so commanding in the heart the defence. With "apek" fully fit after the friendly against Liverpool, I do expect him to play. He was instrumental for Malaysia in the AFF Suzuki tournament where we emerged champion.

Khairul "apek" Fahmi ... we want you...

Malaysia started well, with Safee Sali fully fit again, was on target on the first minute where Safee scored. What a start for Malaysia. An away goal on the first minute. What else do you expect?..... Then, come the nightmare. Singapore started to settle down and controlling the midfield and using the height of their "imported" player to test our defence and our goalkeeper. They managed to score four goals, two through set pieces. From all the four goals, I think... if Sharbinee reflexes are better, he would at least be able to save one if not two of the goals scored. He didn't even managed to touch the balls for all the four goals that went in. Besides, the defences were all around everywhere.... total miscomunication and no understanding among the defenders. Half time finally arrived. What should we do? Inside my heart, I was thinking to myself, well guys, let's forget about what happened in the first half. Now this is what we are going to do. First, tighten the defence, make sure no more goal leak thru and we will nick a goal. That's it. The rest we will settle in Bukit Jalil.

We started well, controlling, attacking and showing some promising run at Singapore's goal mouth. Well, everything as per plan until.....hmmmmmm.... our captain ...Safiq, flying a high kick at at a Singapore player and off he goes....red carded. Thru the replay, I was hoping the referee got it wrong but .... he got it spot on. Well, I would say...stupid mistake.... With 1-4 down, captain off, what should we do? To my surprise, Malaysia fought on and couple of minutes later, with a lttle bit of luck a one-two between Kunalan and Safee found Kunalan's speeding on the left wing overpassing the Singapore's left back. The leftback who is on a yellow card pulled Kunalan down....guess what? Second yellow card and off he goes..yahooo....a lifeline for Malaysia..  Within minutes of play, Malaysia managed to score two goals thru Abdul Hadi Yahaya and Safee Sali. What a turn around. 4-3 the score with 20 minutes to go. Three away goals, beyond expectation during the half time.....wow...what a game...!!!  It did not end there. However, on the 81st minute, Aleksandar Duric (this guy is definately not from Singapore) managed to snatch Singapore's fifth goal. And again, Sharbinee not able to save (or even touch the ball)...pity on him....pity on Malaysia.

Well, it finally end with 5-3 to Singapore. But on the positive note, we will bring 3 away goals back to Bukit Jalil.
Rajagopal has to tidy up the defence....Rajagopal must get this right.. and "apek" coming in. Than, we get the first goal without conceeding within the first 60 minutes and Singapore will be under a  lot  pressure .... tension....

 I have good feeling, we will go thru' with 2-0............Malaysia ....Boleh....!!!!! Support Malaysia on 28 July 2011...

I will start reminding my friends on the game.........


I TOLD YOU....