Laos 1 Malaysia 3

Congratulation boys. Credit is when a credits is due. The scoreline was quite flattering since the truth is Malaysia struggled for most of the time after the 1-0 lead and only resorted to a few counter attacks but well maybe it's the coach tactic.The counters were quite dangerous tho, the ideas and vision were brilliant at times if only the finishing touch were better.


One of the main concern is that the players more often than not, chose to do it the hard way when it comes to passing the ball around. Instead of passing to a teammate who is free, they chose to dribble excessively, or try to pass to someone who is being tightly man-marked. Well, it may just be the tactic but believe me the tactics has succeeded in getting me screaming in front of the tv.


Another thing to look upon could be the fitness factor. During the period of 1-hour mark to the 2nd goal, players loked as if, as a Kelantanese would put it, 'Habis gas'. It is only after Badrol Bakhtiar's 2nd goal that the boys seemed to regain their fitness and suddenly sprang to some more action. Before that, they were constantly under pressure from the Laotians wave of attacks of which they eventually scored. Again, it may just be a tactic :).


Football is a team effort but last night I feel that some players need mentioning. Badrol Bakhtiar, of course for scoring a brace, but it was the tenacious Nor Shahrul who provides those runs, who kept the Laotian defense busy with his moments of brilliance and industrious effort. Ahmad Sharbinee also proved to be the better choice for the No 1 spot, bar the solitary goal he has proved his worth between the posts.


Lastly, a win in semi-final is only just as good as a win. Any win is good. However this is only semi-final and nobody can be a champion by winning a semi-final. It is the final that is more important. Vietnam is no pushover. They beat us 3-1 at group stage and soundly crushed Singapore 4-1 in the other semi-final match. They are the team to beat, we are no favorite this time. Having said that, I also believe we have more skill, more tricks up our sleeves than the Vietnamese, whereas they have better stamina and higher work rate. If we can improve on those areas then I believe we have a fair chance of ending the 20-years drought of a SEA games gold.