It was an exciting
game. The derby clash of the causeway was always one of the looked forward
games in the history of football in both countries.
Malaysia was lucky
to be awarded with a penalty kick in the dying minutes of the games. All
pressure was focussed to Safiq Rahim. What if he failed to convert it? Surely,
he will remember the Kallang roar for the rest of his life.
I was nervous too.
For a long time, I have not felt such palpitation. There was a premonition that
the Lions would score should the penalty did not convert. And Malaysia out of
the championship.
Safiq converted. The
Stadium went silent. The Malaysian side Jubilant. I felt a sigh of relief. For
a few moments later, the penalty were played again and again - forgetting that
the match has not ended and Singapore went on an attacking frenzy.
The replay stopped.
By this time, the Lions were given the free kick from the right side of the
post. Sensing that this was a do or die mission and just before the final
whistle, the Lion's goalkeeper went up to help. My relief short-lived.
The kick was taken.
A few brushes among the defenders and the strikers of both sides ensued. The
Lion's goalie clad in bright yellow-green were obvious in scuffle. A lion had
to be a king.
Then the ball
bounced out into the open, away from the Malaysian goal mouth. If I was not
mistaken, Amri won the ball in a challenge and heads the ball to Indra Putra,
who made a few more runs on the flanks before pushing the ball into the open
goal mouth for the third goal. The goal was unguarded.
That sealed it.
Malaysia into the next round.
We are all hoping
that things are getting better and better for the boys. Meeting the face paced vietnam is
no easy feat. If Malaysia can get
the advantage from the clash, Malaysia has a chance to avenge the defeat to the
White elephant.
Ayuh Malaysia!
