Malaysia boleh?

Post-reporting live from AFC Asian Cup 2007, Malaysia versus China last night in Bukit Jalil National Stadium. Both inside and outside the stadium were congested as flocks of people could be seen all over, anticipating to meet-greet the national team. Just like any other country, Malaysia has attained its very own passionate group of fans. Majority of the crowd could be seen with the yellow-black stripes jersey, which is none other than the official national team jersey.

As we barged into the stadium with our tickets, which I think was priced very reasonably, we quickly made our way into the centre court of the stadium in hope of searching for good seats. You don’t want to attend a live match and be seated right at the back of the stadium or having your view obstructed by human-pillars. As we were seated comfortably just before the line ups of each team made appearance on the pitch, I noticed a huge yellow banner almost right across the other end of stadium which made me wonder, is there such a thing as NFSC? Nevertheless, that is one huge ass banner and I totally respect their spirit for our local football team.

The national team all gathered to cheer for themselves before the kick-off, which also led to me wondering why aren’t there cheerleaders just like the ones in the American Football? I mean after all, it’s an all men sports which in a way helps if a group of pom pom girls appear on the pitch to cheer them up. Agree, don’t you? =)

Back on the pitch, the game kicked-off with both teams looking fairly good and determined to nail in the first 3 points in Group C. The only advantage I could spot was the fact that China players were relatively superior in size as compared to a typical 5-foot Malaysian on average. It didn’t seem like height was the only advantage China had over Malaysia even in the early minutes of the game. They displayed great game-play with the likes of many impressive shots, firm passes and long balls.

China conquered almost the entire game, with barely any shots on target from Malaysia during the first half. Despite enjoying the home advantage, Malaysia did not stand out at all. Even with thousands of fans flooding the stadium, they’ve displayed a rather poor game play which literally disappointed the entire nation. I guess the hardcore ones must have been utterly disappointed and pissed because half way through the second half, someone threw a flare down onto the pitch and created slight chaos among the spectators. Later after that, an angry chap demonstrated his anger by flaming the M’sian jersey he was wearing.

Here’s one quarter of the stadium where all the angry fans were mobbing our own national team and some ended up supporting China. Somewhere at the back where we were seated, we spotted Jason Lo in an orange jersey. Remember the advertisement on Hitz.fm which ended with a firm message, “Support your local football team.” I bet he was equally let down having China disgraced Malaysia to an emphatic 5 to 1 victory. Nonetheless, I’d like to wish our national team good luck.

So guys, think again “Malaysia boleh? “

---

Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)

• Little Leaguers get thrill of a lifetime
• Ballparks Come, Ballparks Go, the Memories Are Forever
• Brazil Wants Its Soccer Team Back
• China Uses Games to Showcase Gains in Energy Efficiency