Tigers get back their roar

YOUNG Tigers A have laid down a marker to become one of the early pacesetters in the S-League but coach Ong Kim Swee has cautioned against getting carried away with their bright start.

  The Malaysian youth side bounced back from a humbling 4-0 loss to Japan in an Olympic qualifier to rout Tanjong Pagar United 3-0 at the Yishun Stadium on Friday, after having started the season with a 2-0 success over Gombak United.

  The Tigers are third in the standings with six points but the March 18 top-of-the-table clash against Japanese club Albirex Niigata will be a real test of the team's ability.

  "It's still too early to judge after two games but we've put down a mark there. The next game against Albirex, who are the leaders having played a game more, will be a real good test for the boys," said Kim Swee after the team's return to Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

  Kim Swee took delight from his side's two clean sheets so far as defenders Fadhli Shas and Amer Saidin begin to show a much better understanding.

  "After two games, I'm happy that we have not conceded. That is very important for the confidence although no team can go very long without letting a goal in," added Kim Swee, who used the game as preparation for the Olympic qualifier against Syria on March 14 in Amman, Jordan.

Coach to try out new players

FIVE key national players will be missing from Malaysia's first international match of the year against the Philippines at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila tomorrow.

  The absence of defenders Aidil Zafuan Radzak, Mahalli Jasuli and Faizal Muhammad, midfielder K. Gurusamy and striker Norshahrul Idlan Talaha through injury however provides coach K. Rajagobal with the opportunity to test several uncapped players ahead of the AFF Suzuki Cup in November-December.

  Selangor goalkeeper Norazlan Razali, midfielder Shahrudin Yakup of Sabah and Young Tigers A winger Wan Zack Haikal Wan Nor are all set to earn their first international cap while Kelantan centre-back S. Subramaniam will make his first appearance in three years.

  The national team have been restricted to playing local Super League sides this year, beating Kelantan 5-0 last month and most recently on Friday when Amar Rohidan scored in the 80th minute for a 1-0 win over Sabah in Kota Kinabalu.

    "This is our first international match of the year and I'd like to try out some new players as we prepare to defend the AFF Cup," said Rajagobal before the squad left for Manila yesterday.

   Pelita Jaya striker Safee Sali, who was restricted to 10 minutes against Sabah due to a calf strain, was deemed fit to travel with the squad though he is expected to be used sparingly.

SQUAD - Goalkeepers: Farizal Marlias, Norazlan Razali, Khairul Fahmi Che Mat.

Defenders: Bunyamin Umar, Asraruddin Putra Omar, G. Mahathevan, Zubir Azmi, Muslim Ahmad, S. Subramaniam, Fadhli Shas.

Midfielders: Amar Rohidan, Baddrol Bakhtiar, Safiq Rahim, S. Kunalan, Ashaari Samsudin, Shakir Shaari, Shahrudin Yakup, Wan Zack Haikal Wan Nor.

Forwards: Ahmad Shakir Ali, Manaf Mamat, Zaquan Adha Radzak, Safee Sali.

Cardiff chief eyes promotion Cardiff chief eyes promotion

LONDON: Cardiff's Malaysian chairman Datuk Chan Tien Ghee insists his club will use the pain of their League Cup final defeat against Liverpool as motivation to win promotion to the Premier League.

   Tien Ghee was at Wembley on Sunday to see his Championship club give Liverpool an almighty scare in a dramatic match which the Bluebirds only lost when Anthony Gerrard missed the decisive spot-kick in the penalty shoot-out.

  Despite the agonising nature of Cardiff's defeat, Tien Ghee believes Malky Mackay's players should take great heart from the way they battled against a team packed with international stars.

   "It was a disappointing way to lose of course but we feel we had the moral victory and we are very happy," he said.

 With the League Cup final out of the way, Cardiff's sole focus is promotion.

   They are still firmly in the hunt for a place in the Premier League -- they  currently occupy the final Championship play-off berth -- and Tien Ghee wants  his side to erase their Wembley woe by clinching a berth in the top-flight.

   "I just extended Malky's contract. This shows I am here for the long term  and I just want to see this club go up. We are going to do our very best to do  that," he said.

 Tien Ghee, who was part of a consortium headed by multi-millionaire Malaysian owner Tan Sri Vincent Tan that purchased the Welsh club in 2010, has seen the Bluebirds beaten twice at Wembley now after they also lost in the play-off final against Blackpool two years ago.

   And he admitted the prospect of another Wembley visit for the Championship  play-offs might be more than his heart can take, so he is holding out hope of automatic promotion instead. 

Special interest for Malaysia

MALAYSIA will be the be big winners in Sunday's League Cup final between Malaysian-owned Cardiff City and Liverpool at the Wembley Stadium.

Cardiff City owners Tan Sri Vincent Tan (right) and Datuk Chan Tien Ghee seen here celebrating with coach Malky Mackay after their team beat Crystal Palace to advance into the League Cup final.

Many have picked Liverpool as favourites to win the League Cup  for a record eighth time but for the Bluebirds it is a whole new experience to be on the world stage.

Malaysia has a special interest in the club since two well known businessmen - Tan Sri Vincent Tan and Datuk Chan Tien Ghee bought over the ailing club. They not only saved the club but also Welsh pride.

The Jalur Gemilang has a special place in Cardiff City and it will fly with pride at Wembley.

"We are very proud to have the privilege of playing in the League Cup final. We are also very humbled to be on the world stage... the whole experience is gradually sinking in as the day gets closer," said Chan.

"Three or four months ago I would not have thought we will be here. Liverpool will have to take note of us. We have got every chance of beating the Reds.

"Many would have thought it will be a battle of the peers... but here we are. Because we are playing Liverpool we are getting more exposure. It is a privilege and it will take us up in terms of profile."

Chan couldn't hide his pride and the glow and smile on his face spoke of this when he talked about Malaysia's involvement in the League Cup.

 "The country (Malaysia) is emblazoned on the front of the jersey. It is a fantastic way to promote Malaysia. And we will not be short of support in the stands either.

 "Cardiff City were allocated 31,000 tickets for the final and all have been sold out. Malaysians staying in Britain, either working or studying there have thrown their support behind the club.

 "Malaysia will be well promoted at Wembley. Not forgetting the Welsh people who are strong supporters of the club. Malaysia has become a household name in Wales and it has a special place in the hearts of the Welsh people," added Chan.

 In all aspects it is a daunting task for Cardiff City against a mega team like Liverpool but with a place in the Europa league at stake, the young Bluebirds will pull no punches after having reached this stage of the tournament.

 Under a brilliant young manager in Malky Mackay, Cardiff have more to offer -- a tough club that are set to go places.

Kim Swee goes for exposure

WITH an eye on the Asian Under-22 Championship qualifiers in June, national youth coach Ong Kim Swee opted for exposure over experience in the 4-0 Olympic qualifying defeat to Japan at Bukit Jalil on Wednesday.

   Eight players in the first XI of the Asian zone third round Group C match at the National Stadium are eligible for the new continental age-group championship where Malaysia have been drawn with  South Korea, Vietnam, Myanmar, Philippines and Taiwan in Group G.

   Kim Swee relegated defender Muslim Ahmad to the bench and restored Fadhli Shas to play alongside Amer Saidin while Irfan Fazail and Nazmi Faiz Mansor patrolled the midfield in the absence of the injured K. Gurusamy and the benched Ahmad Fakri Saarani.

   Along with starters Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, Mahalli Jasuli and Fandi Othman, Muslim, Gurusamy and Fakri are all aged 23  and are ineligible for the Under-22 qualifiers.

   "Before the game, we knew we were not going to qualify (for the Olympics) and we thought this was the best moment to test some of our players.

   "Out of the 11, eight players can still play in the Under-22 Championship qualifiers. It was a good time to learn where we stand and for me, I think the players have learned a lot," said Kim Swee after the match.

   Japan, who scored through Hiroki Sakai (35th), Yuya Osako (45th), Genki Haraguchi (55th) and Manabu Saito (60th), certainly gave Malaysia the run-around with their decisive passing and clinical finishing.

   Malaysia were bereft of ideas going forward although pint-sized Nazmi held up well against bigger opponents and was the source of Malaysia's only gilt-edged chance when he played A. Thamil Arasu through on goal.

   Defeat left Malaysia anchored to the bottom of Group C with just one match against Syria in Jordan remaining on March 14 while Japan need just a draw against Bahrain in Tokyo to qualify for the London Olympics.  By Devinder Singh

History Of Malaysia National Football Team

Before the establishment of Malaysia on September 16, 1963, the Malaysia national football team was known as Malaya national football team. Malaya's biggest achievement in football was becoming the bronze medalist in 1962 Asian Games held in Jakarta, Indonesia after defeating South Vietnam 4–1.

After the establishment of the Malaysian Federation in 1963, the team became known as the Malaysia national football team. Malaysia qualified for the 1972 Olympics in Munich, beating Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Philippines en route. Although they managed to defeat the United States 3–0, they lost the other 2 matches by losing 3–0 to West Germany and 6–0 to Morocco. Two years later, Malaysia won their second bronze medal at the 1974 Asian Games after defeating North Korea 2–1. The team went on to qualify twice in a row for the AFC Asian Cup, in 1976 and 1980. Malaysia qualified again for the Olympics in 1980 in Moscow, but joined the boycott of the games. The team also won the Merdeka Tournament 3 times, became runner-up 4 times and being third place 2 times during the 1970s.

In 1994 as Malaysian football was embroiled in one of the biggest bribery scandals in the country. With the dearth of mainstream interest and lack of funds, Malaysian football has failed to repeat the achievements of the 1970s and 1980s, despite the recruitment of Claude LeRoy. Harris came with strong credentials, having assisted Terry Venables at FC Barcelona and Allan Harris as coaches.

2004–2005

In the second half of 2004, FAM selected Bertalan Bicskei, former Hungarian goalkeeper and national coach, to succeed Allan Harris.

Bicskei led the national side to third place at the regional Tiger Cup competition, but was demoted to youth development duties by FAM for his actions during a friendly against Singapore in Penang on June 8, 2005. Bicskei, disgusted by the standard of officiating, threw a bottle onto the pitch before confronting a Singapore player. In September 2005 the contract was terminated after mutual agreement.^[4]

2005–2007

Norizan Bakar became the next head coach of the Malaysian team. He guided the Malaysian squad to the ASEAN Cup semifinals in 2007, where Malaysia lost through penalties to Singapore. Norizan's position as the head coach was criticized by the Malaysian football community, fans and officials alike, after the team's performances during the 2007 AFC Asian Cup, where Malaysia lost to China 1–5, Uzbekistan 0–5 and Iran 0–2.

After the removal of Norizan Bakar, B. Sathianathan took over as head coach. Although he guided the squad to win the 2007 Merdeka Tournament, Malaysia once again failed to qualify for the World Cup after losing 4–1 and drawing 0–0 with Bahrain in the qualifying round.

2007–2009

In 2008, Sathianathan once again guided the team to the final of the 2008 Merdeka Tournament. However, Malaysia lost through penalties to Vietnam. Sathianathan also led Malaysia to the semi finals of 2008 Myanmar Grand Royal Challenge Cup. However, Malaysia then shockingly lost 4–1 to eventually winners, Myanmar.^[5]

During the 2008 AFF Suzuki Cup, Malaysia started their campaign with a 3–0 win over Laos, but were defeated in the second match by Vietnam with a score of 2–3 and were finally eliminated when they lost 3–0 to Thailand in the final match of the group stage. This was the first time that the Malaysian squad had not passed through the group stages in 12 years.

In the 2011 Asian Cup qualifiers, the Malaysian team lost 0–5 to the United Arab Emirates. This defeat was the final straw in the eyes of the Malaysian supporters, and in February 2009, the contracts of Sathianathan and manager Soh Chin Aun were terminated.^[6] Former U-20 Malaysia and Kelantan coach, Datuk K. Rajagopal was selected as the new head coach for Malaysia. He took over on July 2009.

Revival of the national team

On July 2009, Datuk K. Rajagopal was named the new coach of Malaysia replacing B. Sathianathan as head coach of Malaysia. K. Rajagopal was also the coach of the Under-23 Malaysia.^[7] K. Rajagopal's first duty was against Zimbabwe which Malaysia won 4–0.^[8] Rajagopal also coached Malaysia in two games against the visiting English champions, Manchester United, losing in both matches 2–3 and 0–2. During his duty as the coach of the Under-23 team, K. Rajagopal led Malaysia to their fifth SEA Games gold medal and also led Malaysia to qualify for the second round of the2010 Asian Games as one of the best four third-placed teams after a lapse of 32 years.^[9][10]

During the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup, Malaysia had 14 players at the age of under-23 while the other players were over 23. Malaysia were in group A with host Indonesia, Thailand and qualifiers winner, Laos. Malaysia began their campaign with a embarrassing loss of 5–1 against Indonesia. Malaysia bounced back from their defeat and later drew Thailand and beat Laos 5–1. As runner up of group, Malaysia qualified to the semi finals to meet Group B winners and defending champions Vietnam.^[11] In the first leg of the semifinal, Malaysia won 2–0 at home soil and later drew the second leg advancing to the final with an aggregate of 2–0 .^[12] Malaysia went on to the finals to meet favourites Indonesia who were unbeaten in all their matches. On the first leg of the finals, Malaysia won 3–0 at home. Malaysia scored twice through Safee Sali and once by Mohd Ashaari Shamsuddinon a night National Stadium, Bukit Jalil was filled over capacity for the first time since it was built. The match attracted so many people that after tickets were sold out, policemen manning the gates were seen allowing friends and relatives into the stadium causing people having to trespass onto the cable bridge above the electronic display besides standing on the aisles and corridors to secure a view of the game. On the second leg of the finals that was held in Jakarta, Malaysia lost 2–1 to Indonesia but the final aggregate was 4–2 to Malaysia, hence giving the title to Malaysia.

Malaysia won the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup title for the first time in their history under the management of Datuk K. Rajagopal.^[13]

2011

After the successful year on 2010, Malaysia had high hopes for qualifying and winning friendly matches in the upcoming tournaments such as the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification. TheMalaysian under-23 team, had been taken over by Ong Kim Swee and his Under 21 team, Harimau Muda A. Malaysia coach, Datuk K. Rajagopal had arranged a friendly match againstHong Kong which is ranked 145th. K. Rajagopal says that Malaysia should play a match once a month.^[14] On the under 23 side, Ong Kim Swee arranged two friendly matches againstThailand under-23 and Singapore under-23 in a preparation for the 2012 Olympics qualifiers. Malaysia U-23 lost narrowly 2–1 to Thailand U-23 and won 2–0 against Singapore U-23.^[15][16]

On 4 February 2011, FAM announced that they would call up the Malaysian/Australian player that is currently playing for Bonnyrigg White Eagles, Brendan Gan. Even though Brendan was born and raised at Australia, He could play for Malaysia through parentage as his father is a Malaysian Chinese from Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.^[17][18]

Malaysia's 2011 campaign started off brilliantly with a 2–0 win against Hong Kong. Malaysia was scored by Mohd Safiq Rahim on the 44th minute and Mohd Amirul Hadi Zainal on the 92nd minute.^[19] FAM wanted to boost the morale for the national team by hosting a major tournament. On 19 February 2011, the ASEAN Football Federation announced that Malaysiaand Thailand will be the preliminary host of the 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup.^[20]

Still A Long Way To Go

Good Morning everybody....
Last night was a nightmare for the Young Tiger

THE hard truth is that Malaysia remain a long way from matching Asia's best as yesterday's 4-0 defeat to Japan in the 2012 Asian Olympic Group qualifier at the National Stadium underlined.  

The national Under-23 team lacked imagination and cutting edge as they crashed to their heaviest defeat in nine matches in this campaign and the fifth in a row in Group C.

  Coach Ong Kim Swee admitted his team were below par and that plenty of work needs to be done to catch up with the likes of Japan.

  "I hope everyone can see that we have a lot of work to do. We lost to a better team and people would compare with the first match (in Tosu last year) when we parked the bus and lost 2-0.

  "Today (Yesterday) we tried several attacking options and it got worse. We need to be consistent over 90 minutes, we lack the ability of Japan and we got punished.

  "We learned a good lesson of what it takes to achieve their level, it's what separates us from being a good and matured team," said Kim Swee after presiding over a seventh successive defeat to Japan at Under-23 level since 1999.

  Japan dominated the game from the start as Khairul Fahmi Che Mat was the busier of the two goalkeepers early on when he twice denied Japan in the first 16 minutes -- saving from Manabu Saito in the eighth minute before turning Hiroki Sakai's low effort past the post.

  Malaysia suffered a blow when right-back Mahalli Jasuli hobbled off in the 18th minute to be replaced by Affize Faisal Mamat before Japan struck in the 35th minute on the counter.

  Genki Haraguchi beat Amer Saidin in pace and though the defender recovered with a last-ditch tackle, he only succeeded in diverting the ball into the path of Sakai to slot past Fahmi.

  Nazmi Faiz Mansor engineered the best chance for Malaysia four minutes later but A. Thamil Arasu struck his shot weakly at Shuichi Gonda.

  Japan punished Malaysia for that miss on the stroke of half-time when Yuya Osako nodded in unchallenged off a free-kick to make it 2-0.

  "That goal killed us," said Kim Swee. "It was hard to get back, that was the turning point. The boys tried hard but I have to admit we did not play that well."

  It got worse for Malaysia after the break as Sakai turned provider ten minutes later when his cross from the right was met by the on-rushing Haraguchi at the far post to effectively kill the game as a contest.

  On the hour mark, Takahiro Oghihara's shot from outside the penalty box was parried by Fahmi to a lurking Saito, who only had to tap it in for the fourth goal.

Japan to bury Malaysia in avalanche of goals

ONLY goals will matter for Japan when they face Malaysia in tomorrow's Olympic Qualifying Group C match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

Japan coach Takashi Sekizuka is counting on Borussia Monchengladbach striker Yuki Otsu and full international Genki Haraguchi to boost his team's attack against an experienced Malaysian back-line, led by centre-back Muslim Ahmad.

The 21-year-old Otsu, who missed Japan's crippling 2-1 defeat away to Syria earlier this month, is set to join up with Sekizuka's team today. His Bundesliga club refused to release him for the Syria match.

Otsu scored a goal each in Japan's victories over Bahrain (2-0) and Syria (2-1) in the first round last year.

His inclusion for the Malaysia game along with Urawa Reds midfielder Haraguchi comes as a major boost for the 20-member Japan squad.

The other strikers in the squad are Kensuke Nagai, Yuya Osako and Kenyu Sugimoto.

"First and foremost, we have to win. Then we need to pump in as many goals as we can," Sekizuka told mdn.mainichi.jp yesterday.

Japan and Syria are even on points and goal difference, but the latter lead the group on total goals scored.

Only the group champions qualify automatically for London.

The second-placed teams in each group will enter a round-robin play-off with the winners facing African side Senegal for the continent's last spot at the Games.

Japan have featured in the last four Olympics, but the prospect of not qualifying for London has become a grim possibility with the loss to Syria.

"Obviously, the Syria defeat was disappointing because it sent us back to the drawing board.

"We need to unite more than ever as a team so we can head into this match for a win," added Sekizuka.

Malaysia are out of the running for an Olympic spot following four straight defeats.

Coach Ong Kim Swee, however, wants his players to give their 100 per cent commitment tomorrow.

"We must not surrender so easily to Japan. The players must fight hard and play to win.

"Our advantage is that we will be playing without any pressure unlike Japan. I want only the best from my players," said Kim Swee. By Ajitpal Singh

Safee's fate in PSSI's hands

SAFEE Sali's international career is safe for now but the Pelita Jaya striker's future will be at risk if the Indonesian domestic situation is not resolved by Mar 22.  

International governing body Fifa and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have given the All-Indonesia FA (PSSI) an ultimatum to bring the rebel Indonesian Super League (ISL) into the fold or risk having all football activity in the country suspended.

  That includes all clubs and players, be it the official Liga Primer Indonesia or ISL, in which Safee's club Pelita Jaya play.

  Safee may not be able to play for the national team if such a situation occurred and AFC general secretary Datuk Alex Soosay said the player is running a "high risk" of being suspended unless PSSI resolves the issue at its congress on Mar 18.

  "The player has signed a contract with the club and there are legal implications there. All the players, clubs and the national body are at a high risk of being suspended. Fifa will take very strong action and is liable to impose sanctions if the PSSI does not bring the rebel league under its control.

  "However, we have given them until Mar 22 to resolve the situation and until then nobody is suspended," said Soosay in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Emulate Safee

YOUNG football talent in the country should look on Safee Sali as a role model and attempt to follow in his footsteps.

 FA of Malaysia(FAM) deputy president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah said the Perak-born striker, on the brink of becoming a millionaire with his Indonesian club Pelita Jaya, has proved that with a proper vision and hard work, a player can make it big.

 Congratulating Safee on his achievement, Tengku Abdullah said the player's spirit and hunger for success, which he has shown on numerous occasions, will take him far in the sport.

  "I want him to improve his career further by helping his club to win honours and also make the country proud.

  "He is an inspiration to the current batch of footballers and the younger players in the country.

"I am sure the other players would also want to be like him and play the game at the highest level," Tengku Abdullah told reporters in Kuantan yesterday.

   Tengku Abdullah said after his debut season with Pelita Jaya, the 28-year-old now knows what is best for him and hopes Safee will one day ply his trade in Europe.

  On Wednesday, Safee become the country's first football millionaire by re-signing with Pelita Jaya in a deal which will see him earn US$30,000 (RM90,000) a month.
   The deal, worth more than RM2 million, includes an extensive match bonus package, a house and a car with a personal driver.

Safee's taxes will be paid by the club, as well as any travelling expenses to Kuala Lumpur.

   The player will also receive an additional 'image rights' package managed by the club for all commercial endorsements.