ZAINAL Abidin Hassan was once named the best player in the region. He played an instrumental role in coach Wan Jamak Wan Hassan’s side, who were the finalists in the inaugural Asean Football Federation (AFF) tournament in 1996.
Thailand won the tournament with a solitary goal by Kiatisuk “Zico” Senamuang. Despite finishing second best, the Malaysian players could still hold their heads up high, especially skipper Zainal, who walked away with the “Player of the Tournament” award.
It was the last time that Malaysia stamped a mark in the biennial championship. Malaysia are back in the final for a second time after 14 years – thanks to coach K. Rajagopal’s boys, who beat overwhelming odds to set up showdowns with Indonesia for the Suzuki Cup.
Zainal sizes up the two teams and he picks the Malaysian Tigers to triumph over the Indonesians.
GOALKEEPER DEFENCE MIDFIELD ATTACK CONCLUSION
MALAYSIA 8
INDONESIA 8
ROOKIE Khairul Fahmi Che Mat is in great form. I am impressed with this young man. He is only 21 and has made great strides playing in the senior national team.
He was named the best goalkeeper and young player in the national football awards last month. He featured in the Asian Games in Guangzhou last month and has continued with his strong performance in the Suzuki Cup.
He has what it takes to be a top-notch goalkeeper. The Indonesian keeper, Markus Harison, has the experience and has showed a safe pair hands in the tournament, conceding only two goals in five matches.
I would go 50-50 in this position.
*Ratings out of 10
Defence
MALAYSIA 7
INDONESIA 8
INDONESIA have been more stable in defence. Perhaps, it is in their experience hands that gave their side the advantage over Malaysia in the group match.
The young Malaysian backline boys succumbed under pressure and committed individual mistakes to hand Indionesia a thumping win (5-1).
But they are more organised now with the two central defenders, Mohd Muslim Ahmad and Mohd Fadhli Shas, clicking well.
Indonesia have a strong rightback in seasoned campaigner Muhammad Ridwan, who has the extra ability to play an overlapping role. The 30-year-old Muhd Ridwan has two goals to his credit, including one against Malaysia.
This is where Indonesia hold the edge because of their more ambitious players.
Midfield
MALAYSIA 8
INDONESIA 7
MALAYSIA hold the trump card in the engine room. This is their main weapon against Indonesia – to break down their opponents at the centre of the field.
Malaysia look more solid in this department and the players high workrate also gives them additional support and legs to go on the offensive and defensive whenever the need arises.
Nippy wingers S. Kunalan and Mohd Amirulhadi Zainal are fast while Safiq Rahim is commanding and calls the shot in central midfield.
Indonesia look vulnerable in this area and if Malaysia exploit this weakness, half the battle is won.
But Malaysia have to be cautious of speedy youngster Okto Maniani. Indonesia also have ball winners in Arif Suyono and Firman Utina
Attack
MALAYSIA 8
INDONESIA 8
BOTH teams are quite level and have their aces in the pack for the final. Indonesia have seasoned strikers Christian Gonzales (34) and Bambang Pamungkas (29).
Age may not be on their side but the difference in these two top-notch finishers is their ability to take chances well.
Malaysia’s Norshafrul Idlan Talaha and Mohd Safee Sali may be short on international experience but they have combined well to pull their resources together.
They have also been effective, thanks to the energetic midfield players.
Indonesia have scored in all five matches without fail. It will be interesting to see what Malaysians can offer in the first-leg final in front of their home fans.
Conclusion
WE let slip a golden chance to become champions in Singapore 14 years ago. It was a stroke of luck that Thailand scored an early goal and held on to it.
I want to share that moment to our boys. We were so close to winning the hen Tiger Cup.
It was a game, which we dominated but could not find the elusive goal. We had a strong team, then.
I hope Malaysia will be remembered as champions in the AFF series and not just as the bridesmaid to Thailand in 1996.
We want to be champions. My wish is for Malaysia to end 2010 on a winning note.
Go out there and play – for pride!
Head to Head between Malaysia and Indonesia:
AFF CHAMPIONSHIP
1996: Malaysia 3 Indonesia 1 (s-final)
1998: Did not meet
2000: Did not meet
2002: Did not meet
2004: Indonesia 1 Malaysia 2, Malaysia 1 Indonesia 4 (Indonesia won s-final 5-3 on aggregate)
2006: Did not meet
2008: Did not meet
2010: Indonesia 5 Malaysia 1 (group)
SEA GAMES (since 1959)
1977 (K. Lumpur): Malaysia 1 Indonesia 2
1979 (Jakarta): Indonesia 0 Malaysia 0; Malaysia 1 Indonesia 0 (final)
1985 (Bangkok): Malaysia 2 Indonesia 0 (bronze)
1987 (Jakarta): Indonesia 1 Malaysia 0 (final)
1989 (K. Lumpur): Malaysia 2 Indonesia 0
1991 (Manila): Indonesia 2 Malaysia 0
1995 (Chiang Mai): Indonesia 3 Malaysia 0
1997 (Jakarta): Indonesia 4 Malaysia 0
1999 (Brunei): Indonesia 6 Malaysia 0
2001 (K. Lumpur): Malaysia 2 Indonesia 1
2005 (Manila): Malaysia 1 Indonesia 0 (bronze)
MERDEKA TOURNAMENT (since 1957)
FINAL MEETINGS
1961: Indonesia 2 Malaya 1
1969: Indonesia 3 Malaysia 2
Past final results:
* 1996-2004: Tiger Cup; 2006: AFF Cup, From 2008: Suzuki Cup
* Two-leg final from 2004
1996: Thailand bt Malaysia 1-0
1998: Singapore bt Vietnam 1-0
2000: Thailand bt Indonesia 4-1
2002: Thailand bt Indonesia 6-4
2004: Singapore bt Indonesia 5-2 on agg
2006: Singapore bt Thailand 3-2 on agg
2008 : Vietnam bt Thailand 3-2 on agg
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