Foul!

Going Nuts by Graig Nunis as published in Mailsport JOHN ROBERT COCKER or better known as Joe Cocker passed away on Monday after a long battle with lung cancer. Probably the only singer who could make a Beatles song better – as blasphemous as that sounds – his rendition of With a little help from my friends did receive the thumbs-up from the Fab Four. For those growing up in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the song was synonymous with the wonderful television series The Wonder Years. Who could forget the bittersweet moments from the series as Kevin Arnold chased after Winnie Cooper but sadly, after coming so close, never got her in the end – a bit like Malaysia’s quest to win the AFF Cup on Saturday. Three goals up with nine minutes left, Harimau Malaya’s world collapsed when two Thai goals handed the War Elephants the trophy 4-3 on aggregate. You could just imagine Cocker’s other megahit You are so beautiful playing in the background as the Malaysian players collaps...

Going Nuts by Graig Nunis, as published in Mailsport today. SOME Malaysians are going ga-ga over Astro’s new Hits channel which replays popular shows from the 1980s with many enjoying the campy, crappy, over-the-top and just plain silly The A-Team. The show is about a group of former American Special Forces who help the downtrodden and the oppressed (while eluding the long arm — or in this case, short arm of the law). Throughout the show’s four seasons, the heroes fired thousands of rounds of bullets without killing anyone — a little like Liverpool’s strikers who as the old joke goes, wouldn’t be able to score in a brothel! Campy, crappy, over-the-top and just plain silly could also best describe FA of Malaysia (FAM). Just when you thought things could not get any worse after the Malaysia Cup fiasco when the biggest local football match had to share the vicinity of the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil with a Buddhist prayer event and a Sarawak carnival — making life...

As published in Mailsport today PETALING  JAYA — Call it tactical prowess or luck but Dollah Salleh has a knack of delivering when the odds are against him. Not many had given Malaysia a shot of reaching the AFF Cup final but Harimau Malaya stunned Vietnam 4-2 in the second leg semifinal in Hanoi last night to set up a mouth-watering two-legged clash against Thailand next week. Vietnam had won 2-1 at the Shah Alam Stadium on Sunday but Dollah’s five changes to the starting line-up ensured Malaysia prevailed 5-4 on aggregate. Malaysia cancelled Vietnam’s away goals advantage after 15 minutes. Safiq Rahim converted a penalty in the third minute, as he cemented his position at the top of the scoring charts with four goals — three from the spot. Norshahrul Idlan Talaha made the most of a long pass in the 15th minute but Vietnam pulled one back through skipper Le Cong Vinh just seven minutes later. But it wasn’t long before Malaysia increased their le...

As published in Malay Mail today Reports by Vijhay Vick vijhayvick@mmail.com.my SINGAPORE — The once famous Kallang Roar was reduced to a whisper as Harimau Malaya stunned defending champions Singapore 3-1 to reach the AFF Cup semifinals last night. Skipper Shukor Adan said his teammates were not intimidated by the challenge of playing in the Lions’ den and admitted he was surprised the Malaysian fans, though outnumbered, were noisier. “The crowd did not intimidate us at all. We were well prepared for it,” said the 35-year- old. “We (players) shed blood for the team and it paid off. Our prayers were answered. “I don’t think it’s enough to go on to win the tournament. We have to build on this and work on the team so we become better.” Shukor and Amri Yahyah will miss the semifinals first leg next Sunday after picking up yellow cards. Meanwhile, Safee Sali was relieved to find his touch after scoring the opener. “I am delighted to score. It’s a hu...

As published in today's Mailsport Reports by Vijhay Vick vijhay@mmail.com.my SINGAPORE - Mahali Jasuli hopes to end Malaysia's jinx when they play Myanmar today.  “We need a positive start. If we drop points it could cause us problem when we face Thailand and Singapore, who are the favourites to reach the semis,” said Mahali, who is aware  Malaysia lost their last two opening matches in the AFF Cup in 2010 and 2012.  “A win over be the perfect booster after poor results in our recent matches. It will ease some pressure as well." Mahali would likely start at rightback as Dollah Salleh's preferred choice Aidil Zafuan Abdul Radzak was left out due to injuries. Mahali also stressed they must not let the poor preparations affect them. Harimau Malaya only have one win - 4-1 over lowly Cambodia - from five preparation matches since August. They lost to Tajikistan (4-1), Indonesia (2-0), Syria (3-0) and Vietnam (3-1). “Our results i...

In the early part of last season, we kept reading about the spat between the FA of Malaysia (FAM) and Kelantan FA (Kafa) president Annuar Musa. This season begins with a war of words between Annuar Musa and Johor FA president Tunku Ismail Ibrahim . And the star of the current episode is Norshahrul Idlan Talaha. Better known as Mat Yo, the national striker was lured from Kelantan by Darul Takzim FC. During the national team's campaign in the AFF Cup, Norshahrul was offered a job with the southern club. Kafa claims it had no qualms releasing Norshahrul provided it was compensated. However, judging by the reports the deal didn't really go smoothly as seen here and here . Recently, Annuar Musa raised the transfer fee which has yet to be paid to Kafa. The Johor prince, had in a press conference in Johor Baru yesterday retaliated by saying ; “Don’t be childish and don’t politicise football .” That statement certainly didn't go down to well with Annuar Musa who ra...

Singapore won the AFF Cup after managing a 3-1 win in the first leg final before losing 1-0 in the second leg. With a 3-2 aggregate, it was enough for the Lions to win their fourth title (1998, 2004, 2007 & 2012). Most of the Islanders enjoyed time together playing in the Malaysian Super League. Perhaps the time spent paid off. Nevertheless, credit goes to the Republic for they have won the title four times while Malaysia are still harping over their 2010 success. Where do we go from here? Perhaps we need to close our AFF 2012 chapter and move forward. To expect miracles in the 2015 Asian Cup qualifications is asking too much. And to lose good officials - currently in the form of Kelly Sathiraj to the FA of Thailand - ...it has to stop. Start listening to your own people, keep your egos aside. If you think you're darn good, then why nothing has changed over the years? Otherwise, Malaysians will always be known as being fair and kind to others, helping others to...

Many had expected the tactically superior Thais to draw or perhaps gain an early lead against Singapore at the Jalan Besar Stadium last night. Instead, hosts Singapore stunned Thailand 3-1 in the first leg AFF Cup final. I take back my words as both teams dished out excellent performances. Singapore obtained their goals through Mustafic Fahrudin (10th minute), Khairul Amri Kamal (61st) and Baihakki Khaizan (90th) ( pic ). The Thais, meanwhile, obtained their consolation goal through Adul Lahsoh (59th). Bet the Singaporeans will thank the FA of Malaysia (FAM) for providing them the avenue to prepare for the AFF Cup. With the exception of  Daniel Mark Bennett, Mustafic and Aleksandar Duric, the rest of the Singaporean players that saw action on the field last night featured for the LionsXII team in the Super League. However, the final has not ended with another 90 minutes to go in Bangkok on Dec 22. Once again, may the best team win. Meanwhile, here's the latest Fif...

It was nothing like the first leg semi final clash at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. Malaysia gave their visitors a run for their money despite the laser lights dancing around the bad field. It was a different story in Bangkok. The pitch was equally bad but South Korean referee Lee Min Hu will have a lot of explaining to do after sending off Fadhli Shas in the first half of the return leg semi final clash between both nations. Both teams were overly cautious in their tactics with Thailand spending most of the time in the Malaysian half. All they needed were two quick goals in the second half - courtesy of Teerasil Dangda and  Theerathon Butmathan (60th and 65th minutes respectively) sealed the deal for the host nation as they advance to the final with a 3-1 aggregate. Are the national defenders to be blamed for the two goals? Members of the Media in Bangkok quoted national coach K.Rajagobal as saying he is "proud of his lads" and will now "focus for the...

Singapore edged the Philippines 1-0 in the AFF Cup return leg semifinal at the Jalan Besar Stadium last night. The solitary goal of the match was scored by Khairul Amri in the 19th minute and the Island nation advanced to the final with a 1-0 aggregate (after having managed a goalless draw in the first leg clash in Manila on Saturday). National pride and personal sentiments aside, it remains unclear if both teams deserve a place in the semi finals to begin with . Nevertheless, Singapore did thrash Malaysia 3-0 in the curtain raiser at Bukit Jalil - Malaysia's worst defeat to their neighbours on home soil. Also, the other teams have failed to live up to expectations as many now question the standard of play in the region compared to the 2010 edition. That aside, the Harimau Malaya squad will now take on Thailand in the other return leg semi final in Bangkok tonight (8pm). Both teams were tied to a 1-1 draw in their first battle at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Sun...

National coach K.Rajagobal admitted his side will face an uphill battle when they play Thailand in Bangkok in the AFF Cup return leg semifinal this Thursday. Malaysia were held to a 1-1 draw against the Thais in the first leg match held at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil last night. Norshahrul Idlan Talaha finally inked his name on the score sheet with a goal in the 48th minute but Thailand's Teerasil Dangda silenced the Malaysian crowd with a brilliant header in the 78th minute. Rajagobal had this to say; “It was the best match we’ve played. Honestly, we deserved a 3-1 win but I can’t ask for more. We didn’t start with the core players but the boys played a good match. “I know it will be a tough match in Thailand and it can go any way. The critics thought Thailand would have defeated us at Bukit Jalil but that didn’t happen. This is football.” Thailand coach German Winfried Anton Schafer   - who was sent off by Iranian referee Torki Mohsen Ramezanali - ...