MALAYSIA HOLDS MIGHTY THAILAND 0-0

MALAYSIA held three times champion Thailand 0-0 to stay in the hunt in the semi-final of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010. The draw put the Malaysian in a position where they need to defeat Laos in their last Group A match in Palembang up north about 1,000 km of Jakarta to stand a chance and hopes Thailand draw or lose to Indonesia. 

But with both matches started at the same time Malaysia need to focus to win the match against Laos first before they can think of qualifying into the semi-final.

Looking at their feat after a holding mighty Thailand 0-0 indeed it was great result. But performance wise nothing great to shout about. Rajagopal's men need to buck up and produce a much better effort when they face Laos tomorrow. Laos also knew they also stand a chance if they beat Malaysia so it will be definitely an open game.

Against Thailand in the first half it was suicidal defensive tactical approach by the Malaysian. Not a single attempt at goal and they must thanks goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi for his steady performance and not making any blunders with the Thais' s swarming all over the Malaysian goal.

The Thais playing under difficult condition heavy pitch they were unable to string their passes well and not easy for them to move around and to make more worse with a compact Malaysian defence.

The Malaysian defence yet again proved to be our weakest link constantly making defensive errors, fail to clear the lines on many occassion. Captain and midfielder Safiq Rahim who was entrusted to guide the team was not himself playing one of his worst game for the national side.

His passing was poor, unable to hold his ground and keep supplying a high ball to the strikers knowing their opponent had two tall central defenders easily winning the ball. His partner Amar Rohidan too does not helping him out. 

Only in the second half when Norsharul Idlan Talha start getting the ball and we started to looks dangerous moving on the flanks and creating a few chances.

In 82nd minute the Malaysians side must thank the referee for not giving the Thais a penalty kick after a clumsy tackle by Asaruddin Putra on Sucharo in the box which brought huge protest by the coach former England captain's Bryan Robson. By the way Asruddin must be thankfull to the man in black ..if he is watching on TV and on a slow-mo..that the referee really miss that.

Minutes later, the Malaysian was save again by a deflected shot against the crossbar. With the Thais pressing hard, Malaysia had glorious chance to win the match when unmarked Khyrill Muhymeen just miss control of the ball with the goal at his mercy after a brilliant move by Norshahrul on the right.