
Shah Alam – Out-thought, outplayed, outclassed. That's the verdict in the second leg of the Causeway Challenge at Shah Alam Stadium on Tuesday evening. Singapore lost their bragging rights and the 10 game unbeaten record against Malaysia, going down 0-2 to Malaysia in a relatively one sided affair. The event saw the Singapore side struggle to put in decent shots to trouble the Malaysian custodian throughout the full ninety minutes of the game.
Shakir Ali and Safiq Rahim got the goals that handed Dato K Rajagopal his first win against Singapore during his reign as Malaysia National head Coach.
The Lions were already 2-0 down and Mustafic Fahrudin made matters worst as he was sent for an early shower in the 68th minute after a two footed lunge on Norshahrul Idlan Talaha.
The Singapore side relied heavily on long punts up front to 41-year old Aleksandar Duric and that was the only game plan available all evening. The lack of support in the final third was evident as Duric struggled against Malaysia's centre backs. The Lions were too predictable in the play as they kept relying on long balls as they seek an opening.
Malaysia showed their class with S Kunalan and Norshahrul Idlan Talaha in particular terrorizing the Singapore back line.
Malaysia went into the lead on 19 minutes after some superb footwork shown by Norshahrul on the left before crossing for Shakir Ali to glid a header past a full stretched Hyrulnizam Juma'at.
Singapore tried coming back into the game as Qiu Li released Duric down the left moments later but could only see his shot gathered comfortably by Khairul Fahmi Che Mat. That was also Singapore's first attempt after 22 minutes on the clock.
Malaysia dominated proceedings and could have put the tie to sleep in the opening period but the Tigers could not finish off their chances. The Malaysians had a goal disallowed for infringement just before the half hour mark and Shakir Ali came close once again in the 33rd minute when his header sailed just past the upright.
Singapore then had Hyrulnizam to thank a minute later when he tipped away Safiq's free kick at full stretch. Malaysia maintained their lead at the break and Radojko Avramovic brought on Safirul Sulaiman and Agu Casmir in hope of adding more firepower upfront.
Malaysia then sent some 20,000 fans in the stands into delirium when Safiq Rahim curled home a free kick from just outside the 18-yard box just after the hour mark, for his second goal in as many games againstSingapore. The Lions were crushed.
Chances of repeating a comeback like the one on Friday virtually ended after midfield general Mustafic Fahrudin received his marching orders on 68 minutes for an unnecessary lunge on Norshahrul. The debate will go on as Singapore protested that Bunyamin Umar should have been sent off as well but the Malaysian remained on the pitch.
For the record,Singapore has only won once in their last eleven Internationals since September 2011. The last time that the Lions tasted victory was when they overcame Philippines 2-0 in October at the Jalan Besar Stadium. The record in the last 11 games read a single win, two draws and eight defeats.
Hear what the two coaches have to say:
Dato K Rajagopal
Radojko Avramovic
The Lions will play Hong Kong in their next International Friendly on 15 August, at the Jalan Besar Stadium
0 ulasan:
Catat Ulasan