Malaysia vs Hong Kong semalam

-yours truly at 0:37-0:40-

hehe, aah, what a brilliant nite..Malaysia win 2-0 against Hong Kong. The line up are as follows..

MALAYSIA: Khairul Fahmi Che Mat (Mohd Farizal Marlias), Mohd Asraruddin Putra Omar, Mohd Aidil Zafuan, Mahalli Jasuli (Mohd Sabre Mat Abu), Mohamad Fadhli Mohd Shas, Safiq Rahim, K. Gurusamy (G. Mahathevan), Mohamad Ashaari Samsudin (Mohd Amirulhadi Zainal), S. Kunanlan, Ahmad Fakhri Saarani (Noshahrul Idlan Talaha), Mohd Safee Mohd Sali (Shahrizal Mohd Saad).

HONG KONG: Yapp Hung Fai, Li Hang Wui, Deng Jinghua (Gerard Ambassa Guy), Wong Chin Hung, Chan Wai Ho, Lee Wai Lim, Lam Ka Wai, Lo Kwan Yee, Lo Chi Kwan (Chu Siu Kei), Liu Quankun, Lee Hong Lim, Ye Jia.

1st Half:
We went out playing attacking game with our usual 4-4-2 formation. The only changes are No.13 Ahmad Fakhri at right ST and No.7 Aidil Zafuan at right CD. We pressed them early and had 3 chances in the first 10 minutes, i think. I dont know why the boys are really fired up tonight, perhaps to stave off competitions for places in the team with so many players now knocking on the national team. insert Brendan Gan. Then, came our real chance in the 13th minute, a long range shot from our No.10 Safee Sali, if i'm mistaken (cuz i think Ahmad Fakhri made the shot but reports says otherwise), caught the HK goalkeeper unprepared as he could only parry it upwards and it hit the right post. We continues to dominate possession throughout and pressing is high, Barcelona-like. More action is on the right side of the field with our LW No.26, Mohamed Ashaari isolated and look a lost figure. The link between him and our LB, No.4 Asraruddin Putra was poor, causing the left side to be ineffective. Nevertheless, we kept posession and threatening with HK shape is now a narrow 4-5-1. The coach realizes this and shift Ashaari to the middle and immmediate improvement could be seen. perhaps Rajagopal was experimenting on his position and there's no harm in doing so in a friendly. Our next real chance came from our RW, No.16 Kunalan with a shot that just off the far post at the 34th minute. Nearing the end of the first half, the HK somehow switched off thinking about half time when our capitano, No.8. Safiq steal the ball, Norshahrul-like, and finish off after a nice shimmy. 1-0 to Malaysia.

2nd half:
HK decided not to sit back and change their formation to 4-3-3 or more like 4-2-3-1. It definetily changed the game but kudos to our backline and custodian, No.22, Khairul Fahmi didn't break a sweat at all.HK no.9 threathend a few times and attempt a pathetic dive at a corner flag once at 60th minute,but they rarely caused any real danger to our goal at all. Our midfield duo was superb in controlling the midfield with Safiq partnering No.15, Guru. Then, we made a couple of substitution towards the end with the introduction of No.9 Norshahrul causing panic to the HK backline with his pace. In the end, probably, Hk already thinking about their return flight again switch off and a nice cross to Amirul Hadi give him our second goal at 90th minute. Malaysia 2-HK 0.

Pros:
4-4-2. I thought Rajagopal was going to tinker with our tactic and line-up. So, im surprised to see a similar team to our cup winning team. but this proved that 4-4-2 suits us best.
Safiq. He alone controlled the game and Hk was stupid no put some one to man mark him. Given all the freedom, Safiq really dictates the game and Malaysia's gameplan.
Work rate. Superb. All players work hard to regain possession whenever its lost. we never give HK any time to settle down.
Have fun. Its nice to see our players still having fun on the pitch and not be strict disciplinarians like North Korea. That's what football is all about. An ole from Ashaari, nice back flick from Safee, silky skill from Ahmad Fakhri and Norshahrul. baru best main bola macam ni.

Cons:
Technique. looks like we are still lacking in terms of this but the future's bright for these guys and they'll improve no doubt.
Creativity. Again, we are not Brazil bt seems like we really stick to our gameplan last nite. If that doesn't work i'm not sure we have a plan B or player who can unlock the game creatively. but, i might be proven wrong later.

In conclusion, a really great way to progress forward. i only expected a draw yesterday. we were like on the same level with Hk a few years ago but now, we made them look like schoolboys. I'm not expecting the players to challenge England or Brazil immediately. we have to be realistic. I think the 2015 Asia Cup qualification is a realistic target. Lets keep supporting the players no matter what.

In terms of strength in the AFC, i think here where we are:

Rank A: Japan, Australia, South Korea, Iran. could beat any European team but not traditional superpowers.
Rank B: Most gulf countries (Saudi, Kuwait, UAE etc) Uzbekistan, Iraq, China, North Korea
Rank C: Lesser gulf countries (Oman,etc), Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong
Rank D: Others in AFC but still decent eg; Vietnam, Singapore, India
Rank E: Really weak teams like Bhutan, Timor Leste

I think we are gearing towards rank B at a right pace. now, we should have more friendlies away from home to improve our away form. at home, we are good.