ID :
349657
Mon, 12/01/2014 - 05:10
Auther :

Harimau Malaya Answer Critics By Taming Lions In Their Den

SINGAPORE, Dec 1 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's success in entering the semi-final of AFF Suzuki Cup 2014 has silenced critics who questioned the players' ability. The win was all the more sweeter as Malaysia (Harimau Malaya) beat defending champions Singapore (Lions) 3-1 in their own den (National Stadium) Saturday night. The thousands of Singapore supporters (Kallang Roar) did not dampen the spirit of 1,000 Malaysian supporters led by the hardcore group Ultras Malaya. The win avenged Malaysia's 0-3 loss to Singapore in front of thousands of supporters in 2012 at National Stadium, Bukit Jalil. Many critics were sceptical of Malaysia getting past the group stage after they were drawn with Myanmar; triple champions Thailand and Singapore. The pessimism followed poor results in warm-up matches including the 0-3 defeat to Syria Under-23 squad on Nov 12 at Shah Alam Stadium (in Malaysia's state of Selangor). Coach Dollah Salleh got off to a poor start as Malaysia drew 0-0 with Myanmar in a bland performance at Jalan Besar Stadium on Nov 23. Malaysia put up a better display against Thailand and were unlucky to loss 2-3 to a last minute goal at the same venue three days later. Malaysia will meet with Group A champions Vietnam in a semi-final match in Shah Alam on Dec 7. Congratulations to Dollah for breathing life into the Harimau Malaya squad. Midfield general Safiq Rahim said Malaysia's progress to the semi-final was down to the patriotic spirit of every player on the pitch. "We gave the best for the sake of our beloved country and fought for the Malaysian flag on our chest." He urged Malaysians to support Harimau Malaya in times of joy and sorrow, as shown by supporters of European countries. --BERNAMA

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