P.s: This post is for the previous 2 post that has not much words and disappoint a few readers. =p
I was given a rare opportunity (double opportunity actually) to watch Manchester United and given a taste of Old Trafford right here in Kuala Lumpur all thanks to Pro Events.
Well, I couldn’t believe my eyes when the players walk out from the ‘Theater of Dreams’’s tunnel followed by roars and applause from the Manchester United supporters. The feeling seem surreal and the atmosphere at that moment was freaking awesome. I joined the fans to chant and cheer for Manchester United. The stadium was full house, flooded by the red seas of the Red Devils supporters… It was electrifying!
Panoramic view of the stadium capture with a PNS Nikon. 3 pics stitch together. man i love panorama. xD
But of course as a Malaysian myself, when i watch the game between my own country men against my favorite team, it will always be in favor for Malaysia. Yes, i am a supporter of Manchester United, but you see, I am there for just one reason, to be able to catch a glimpse of them. Nothing more than that. I am not here to support them to trash Malaysia. Unless, i am in Old Trafford and they are against Liverpool, then i will be supporting Manchester United.
Don’t get me wrong when i am not supporting Manchester United when they are against Malaysia because
Yes! There is only one United.
Wai Ken and I are Manchester United Supporters, but what makes us different from the rest is that we are there to support Malaysia. You see, Manchester United’s attack and goal scoring is predictable. There is nothing to shout about nor is there anything out of the ordinary. I mean, they are expected to score! And the team they are playing against (Malaysia) is ranked 162 in FiFA world rank. So why so excited?
What we are suppose to cheer is when Malaysia attack and score, because they are playing against a world class team with world class player. Everything that Manchester United has is nowhere near to them. And yet these young under 23 lads are brave enough to actually face the Devils and give their all to provide a good fight. They deserve the applause and they deserve the cheer. Not Manchester United.
First Day of the match – 18th July 2009
I was told that we are not allowed to bring DSLR so i brought only PNS. But once i enter, i see all the snipers being used. WTF.
But it was a good choice not to bring because if i do i wouldn’t enjoy the game. The game was really nice especially when Malaysia attack!
I AM PROUD TO SAY, I CHEERED FOR MALAYSIA WHENEVER THEY ATTACK OR SCORE! I CHEERED EVERY SINGLE TIME THEY DO THAT. How bout you? =P
What i don’t understand when i saw Joshua Ong’s video is why some people just don’t want to celebrate when Malaysia scores. What? They are not worthy of your applause?
You see, these young lads have never been exposed to international level football except for 4 senior players, the rest are under 23 with little or no exposure.
And they produce this for you ungrateful Malaysians…
And yet i still see people just looking around, with no expression written on their face. Is this how you play your part as a Malaysian?
When Malaysia play badly you guys complain your ass off, when Malaysia score, you close one eye and walk off.
Malaysians are hypocrite. Get a life.
Ok back to the match, we arrived at 5pm and the stadium was already packed. There isn’t place for us so we hit the upper tier of the stadium. Surprisingly, we are able to watch the match from a tactical view. It was awesome to watch from the top as we can observe the tactics that are being use by both team.
There were many Manchester United supporters compared to Malaysians but i was not surprised.
Overall, Malaysia play really well considering the last time they played, they were trashed 6-0. This young guns were really brave and they dare to do skills just to release themselves from their marker. Its really good because they don’t bow down to the size, speed, skill, experience of the Red Devils. I was really impressed at how these young lads control the ball and gave a good fight. They even counter attack a few times and this made the game really entertaining.
The first goal was a beautiful goal, even overseas tabloid applauded the goal by our Unsung hero. It was a pin point accurate goal kick by Farizul to Amri Yahyah, where he chest down the ball and volley it way above Edwin Van De Saar who is out of position, dipping into the top corner of the goal. It was really a beautiful goal and i was amazed at how observant Amri is to quickly notice that the Dutch was of position.
The second goal came when a back pass was not properly controlled by Ben Foster allowing the lurking Amri to quickly punished the Red Devils for it.
Imagine in 10 minutes, Amri has beaten two world class goalkeeper.
I applaud FAM for imposing a blanket ban against importing foreign players to be absorbed into the M league. I think this has contributed to the fact that Malaysia played quite well looking at our current football standard.
Amri Yahyah certainly will remember this sweet moment, how he had beaten 2 best goalkeeper in the world in just under 10 minutes. This 28 years old guy has been missing for 3 years from the national squad and made a comeback with style. He is one of the senior player that still has the killer instinct.
What disgust me is how K.Rajagopal can field Indra Putra into the first squad. He sucks to being with. He is a senior player and yet everyone agrees he did nothing for the squad. I hope FAM will review the decision the field him.
Anyway, whatever it is, I am glad i was able to watch Manchester United in action and i was even happy to have seen how Malaysia football have a ray of hope in their style of play. I was really hopping Malaysia could just score one but they bang in 2 goals and defended well to only allow the Devils to score 3.
Thumbs up to Farizul for being a great goalkeeper. You deserve to be man of the match. Because of your acrobatic dives and beautiful saves, Malaysia almost manage to hold the Devils to a draw. The third goal was expected of Manchester United. They wont leave the pitch with a draw. So APPLAUSE to both teams for putting a good entertaining show.
Overseas tabloid describe Malaysia as a hardworking one. Nice one. =)
I LOVE YOU MANCHESTER UNITED
AND I RESPECT YOU MALAYSIA.
MAJULAH SUKAN UNTUK NEGARA!
p.s: 2nd post with nicer and better pictures from the rematch of Manchester United vs Malaysia XI
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