8 vs 11+1

Salam..I must still congratulate the Malaysian football team. Although we lost, but it seems that the lost was a one sided affair to start of with.

Malaysia was up against China today for the final match in the group. Malaysia lost 3-0 to the homesters. If the 3-0 loss came with great sportmanship and spirit of the Asian Games, we can still accept it. The lost was seen to be with the extra help from the Aussie ref, Ben Williams. All in all, there were 7 yellow cards and 3 red cards lashed out, all to the Malaysians!

The standard of refereeing is totally in question. The first red card to Mahali was the beginning of the end of such poor standards of refereeing. Mahali kicked the ball out as the ball boy was around to pass another fresh ball in. It was not done in the name of protest! At least that was how it was seen from the angle viewed on TV.

Then, the second blow came. The second red card to Malaysian captain, Safiq, moments after the first was given out was really absurd. There was nothing harmful done that could risk any injury to the ref. He was just letting out some steam like any person would if unjustly treated, probably saying a few obscenities. Isn't that common in any leagues or even Aussie's own league? 2 simultaneous reds in a span of 5 minutes for reasons not justified.

The Malaysian side showed good fighting spirit, marching on even with 2 bullets in the legs left them bleeding. The remaining 9 fended off the attacks by the Chinese well till the end of the first half.

The 3rd red card was really another travesty. Kunalan was sent off for a dangerous challenge on the Chinese player? It looks more like the Chinese player hooked-pulled the neck of Kunalan till he fell in the Malaysian penalty box. Great acting by the Chinese that really earned them not the Grammy's, but an undeserving penalty.

In many instances, obviously, the advantage was not given to the Malaysian when the Chinese committed a foul.

As a team that have made appearance in the World Cup Finals, beating a dilapidated side 3-0 with the help of the 12th man, is nothing to shout about.

Despite the lost in the last group match, mathematically, Malaysia was still able to proceed into the next round. There is a big headache for coach Rajagopal on the status of the team, with injuries, suspension and all.

The only thing to say is, good luck for the next match. Up to this point, there is nothing that we are not proud of in the team. Malaysia Boleh!