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Malaysia team is different now. |
No longer are these fleeting dreams or isolated victories of a piecemeal nature. Under the guidance of coach Peter Cklamovski, a new Malaysia is emerging - more confident, modern and sharper than ever.
The 4-0 victory over Vietnam not only ended a decade of inferiority in confrontations, but also made the whole of Southeast Asia reconsider the position of Malaysian football. This was not a lucky victory or a sudden explosion - but the result of a strategic reconstruction process.
The pre-match skepticism was real. Five players of Malaysian descent – Joao Figueiredo, Rodrigo Holgado, Jon Irazabal, Facundo Garces and Imanol Machuca – had only received FIFA approval hours before kick-off. Throwing them in seemed risky. But Cklamovski knew what he was doing. And more than anything, the players knew what they stood for.
Figueiredo and Holgado not only scored, but also conveyed intense emotions. They beat their chests, pointed to the national emblem, and cheered like Kuala Lumpur-born sons. Garces and Irazabal silently formed a steel wall in defense. Vietnam - known for their control and organization - could not create any significant resistance. Machuca, coming off the bench, immediately created a breakthrough with his technique and speed.
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Naturalized players help improve the strength of the Malaysian team. |
The presence of foreign players has not only increased the quality of the squad - it has also completely changed the face of “Harimau Malaya”. The Malaysian team is now not only physically strong, but also more diverse, flexible and tactically unpredictable.
However, in a team with many new highlights, the brightest star is a familiar name: Arif Aiman Hanapi. The Johor Darul Ta'zim winger turned the right wing into his own stage, with two exemplary assists and a series of situations that caused chaos for the Vietnamese defense. On a night when foreign-born rookies shined, Arif Aiman was living proof that: domestic players can still be leaders, can still decide the game.
Malaysia played with rare confidence. They were tightly organised, had smooth transitions and pressed at a high intensity. The way they squeezed Vietnam’s space from the middle of the pitch showed clear tactical imprints from Cklamovski. Nothing was accidental. Everything was carefully calculated.
And most importantly: this is just the beginning. Malaysia still has a lot of potential to develop, both in terms of personnel and system. If they maintain their form, maintain their unity and continue to improve their tactical depth, they could become a real contender at the continental level.
However, the strategy of using foreign players - although effective - is not the only way. Behind the victory, there must be a long-term vision. Malaysian football cannot rely solely on naturalized players as a short-term "doping dose". The youth training system, football academies, school playgrounds and early talent identification strategies - that is the sustainable foundation for ambitions to go far.
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Regional rivals now have to watch out for Malaysia. |
Just look to Japan to see the difference: on the same night, they fielded an all-domestic squad, not their strongest, but they still easily crushed Indonesia 6-0. No need for flashy naturalizations. They invested in people, in systems, and now they are reaping the rewards.
It is also worth noting a landmark fact: for the first time, nine of Malaysia’s starting eleven are of foreign descent. This is a historic change – and one that may make some conservative fans uneasy. But modern football is no longer limited by origin. Nationality is more than a passport – it is where one puts one’s heart, sweat and belief. The crest on your shirt is more important than where you were born.
For Cklamovski, success comes not just from tactical planning or coaching ability - but also from relationship building. He needs support from all sides: the leadership, the media and the fans. A strong Malaysia is a united Malaysia - on and off the pitch.
On the evening of June 10 in Bukit Jalil, Malaysia not only defeated Vietnam. They defeated doubters, surpassed limits and opened a new chapter with a promising spirit. From a team considered an “underdog” in the region, they are rising to become a formidable force.
Malaysia is not just back. They are more dangerous than ever. And as Vietnam has learned, when a tiger is fueled by ambition and pride, it can take down any giant.
“Harimau Malaya” has roared. And the rest of Asia – better listen up.
Source: https://znews.vn/thang-dam-viet-nam-malaysia-phat-thong-diep-den-phan-con-lai-post1559982.html
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