Malaysia national football team: Difference between revisions
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===FIFA 'A' international matches=== |
===FIFA 'A' international matches=== |
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Below is a list of all FIFA 'A' international matches Malaysia have played against FIFA recognised teams.<ref>[http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=mas/fixturesresults/gender=m/index.html FIFA.Com - Malaysia - Fixtures and Result] Retrieved at January 16, 2011</ref><ref>[http://www.eloratings.net/Malaysia.htm World Football Elo Ratings: Malaysia] Retrieved at January 17, 2011</ref><ref>[http://www.rsssf.com/tablesm/malay-intres.html Malaysia International Matches 1953-2000] Retrieved at January 17, 2011</ref><ref>[http://www.staff.city.ac.uk/r.j.gerrard/cgi-bin/rdifarch_21.pl?SECONDARY=any&PRIMARY=mly&FROMYEAR=1871&TOYEAR=2001&COMP=0&SUMMARY=on&OPPSORT=on&TABULAR=1&DATAVER=10.0 Results of Malaysia |
Below is a list of all FIFA 'A' international matches Malaysia have played against FIFA recognised teams.<ref>[http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=mas/fixturesresults/gender=m/index.html FIFA.Com - Malaysia - Fixtures and Result] Retrieved at January 16, 2011</ref><ref>[http://www.eloratings.net/Malaysia.htm World Football Elo Ratings: Malaysia] Retrieved at January 17, 2011</ref><ref>[http://www.rsssf.com/tablesm/malay-intres.html Malaysia International Matches 1953-2000] Retrieved at January 17, 2011</ref><ref>[http://www.staff.city.ac.uk/r.j.gerrard/cgi-bin/rdifarch_21.pl?SECONDARY=any&PRIMARY=mly&FROMYEAR=1871&TOYEAR=2001&COMP=0&SUMMARY=on&OPPSORT=on&TABULAR=1&DATAVER=10.0 Results of Malaysia 1953-2001] Retrieved at January 17, 2011</ref><ref>[http://wildstat.com/p/1/team/MAS Results and fixtures of Malaysia] Retrieved at January 18, 2011</ref><ref>[http://wildstat.com/p/1/team/MAL Results and fixtures of Malaya] Retrieved at January 18, 2011</ref> |
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Revision as of 20:52, 17 January 2011
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 | For current information on this topic, see 2011 Malaysia national football team results. |
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| Nickname(s) | Harimau Malaya (Malayan Tigers) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Association | Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) | ||
| Confederation | AFC (Asia) | ||
| Head coach | K. Rajagopal | ||
| Captain | Mohd Safiq Rahim | ||
| Most caps | Soh Chin Aun (252) | ||
| Top scorer | Mokhtar Dahari (125) | ||
| Home stadium | National Stadium, Bukit Jalil (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) | ||
| FIFA code | MAS | ||
| |||
| FIFA ranking | |||
| Current | 142 | ||
| Highest | 75 (August 1993) | ||
| Lowest | 170 (April 2008) | ||
| First international | |||
 Malaya 2 - 3 South Korea  (Singapura; April 13, 1953)[1]  Malaysia 11 - 1 Thailand  (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; 1964) | |||
| Biggest win | |||
Malaya 15 - 1 Philippines  (Jakarta, Indonesia; August 27, 1962) Malaysia 11 - 0 Philippines (Tehran, Iran; September 7, 1974) | |||
| Biggest defeat | |||
Malaya 1 - 6 South Vietnam  (Tokyo, Japan; May 25, 1958) Malaysia 2 - 8 New Zealand  (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; November 16, 1967) Malaysia 1 - 7 China  (Bangkok, Thailand; December 20, 1978) | |||
| AFC Asian Cup | |||
| Appearances | 3 (first in 1976) | ||
| Best result | Round 1, 1976, 1980, 2007 | ||
The Malaysia national football team (Malay: Pasukan bola sepak kebangsaan Malaysia) is the national team of Malaysia and is controlled by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM). The Malaysian national team are nicknamed Harimau Malaya, as the Malayan Tiger is a national symbol of Malaysia. Their main regional rivalries are against Singapore and Indonesia. Before 1963, the team represented the Federation of Malaya and was known as the Malaya national football team.
History
Before the establishment of Malaysia on September 16, 1963, the Malaysia national football team was known as Malaya national football team. Malaya's biggest achievement in football was becoming the bronze medalist in 1962 Asian Games held in Jakarta, Indonesia after defeating South Vietnam 4-1.
After the establishment of the Malaysian Federation in 1963, the team became known as the Malaysia national football team. Malaysia qualified for the 1972 Olympics in Munich, beating Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Philippines en route. Although they managed to defeat the United States 3-0, they lost the other 2 matches by losing 3-0 to West Germany and 6-0 to Morocco. Two years later, Malaysia won their second bronze medal at the 1974 Asian Games after defeating North Korea 2-1. The team went on to qualify twice in a row for the AFC Asian Cup, in 1976 and 1980. Malaysia qualified again for the Olympics in 1980 in Moscow, but joined the boycott of the games. The team also won the Merdeka Tournament 3 times, became runner-up 4 times and being third place 2 times during the 1970s.
In 1994 as Malaysian football was embroiled in one of the biggest bribery scandals in the country. With the dearth of mainstream interest and lack of funds, Malaysian football has failed to repeat the achievements of the 1970s and 1980s, despite the recruitment of Claude LeRoy. Harris came with strong credentials, having assisted Terry Venables at FC Barcelona and Allan Harris as coaches.
2004-2005
In the second half of 2004, FAM selected Bertalan Bicskei, former Hungarian goalkeeper and national coach, to succeed Allan Harris.
Bicskei led the national side to third place at the regional Tiger Cup competition, but was demoted to youth development duties by FAM for his actions during a friendly against Singapore in Penang on June 8, 2005. Bicskei, disgusted by the standard of officiating, threw a bottle onto the pitch before confronting a Singapore player. In September 2005 the contract was terminated after mutual agreement.[1]
2005-2007
Norizan Bakar became the next head coach of the Malaysian team. He guided the Malaysian squad to the ASEAN Cup semifinals in 2007, where Malaysia lost through penalties to Singapore. Norizan's position as the head coach was criticized by the Malaysian football community, fans and officials alike, after the team's performances during the 2007 AFC Asian Cup, where Malaysia lost to China 1-5, Uzbekistan 0-5 and Iran 0-2.
After the removal of Norizan Bakar, B. Sathianathan took over as head coach. Although he guided the squad to win the 2007 Merdeka Tournament, Malaysia once again failed to qualify for the World Cup after losing 4-1 and drawing 0-0 with Bahrain in the qualifying round.
2007-2009
In 2008, Sathianathan once again guided the team to the final of the 2008 Merdeka Tournament. However, Malaysia lost through penalties to Vietnam. Sathianathan also led Malaysia to the semi finals of 2008 Myanmar Grand Royal Challenge Cup. However, Malaysia then shockingly lost 4-1 to eventually winners, Myanmar.[2]
During the 2008 AFF Suzuki Cup, Malaysia started their campaign with a 3-0 win over Laos, but were defeated in the second match by Vietnam with a score of 2-3 and were finally eliminated when they lost 3-0 to Thailand in the final match of the group stage. This was the first time that the Malaysian squad had not passed through the group stages in 12 years.
In the 2011 Asian Cup qualifiers, the Malaysian team lost 0-5 to the United Arab Emirates. This defeat was the final straw in the eyes of the Malaysian supporters, and in February 2009, the contracts of Sathianathan and manager Soh Chin Aun were terminated.[3] Former U-20 Malaysia and Kelantan coach, K. Rajagopal was selected has the new head coach for Malaysia. He took over on July 2009.
Revival of the national team
| 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup winners second leg of final starting line-up |
On July 2009, K. Rajagopal was named the new coach of Malaysia replacing B. Sathianathan as head coach of Malaysia. K. Rajagopal was also the coach of the Under-23 Malaysia.[4] K. Rajagopal's first duty was against Zimbabwe. Malaysia won 4-0.[5] Rajagopal also coached Malaysia in two games against the visiting English champions, Manchester United FC, losing in both matches 2–3 and 0–2. During his duty as the coach of the Under-23 team, K. Rajagopal led Malaysia to their fifth SEA Games gold medal and also led Malaysia to qualify for the second round of the 2010 Asian Games as one of the best four third-placed teams after a lapse of 32 years.[6][7]
During the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup, Malaysia had a selection of young players at the final 22 men squad. Malaysia had 14 players at the age of under-23 while the other players were over 23. Malaysia were in group A with host Indonesia, Thailand and qualifiers winner, Laos. Malaysia begin their campaign with a embarrassing lost of 5-1 against Indonesia after costly own goal error by Mohd Asraruddin Putra Omar. Malaysia bounced back from their defeat and later drew against Thailand and beat Laos 5-1. As runner up of group, Malaysia qualified to the semi finals to met Group B winners and the defending champions Vietnam.[8] At the first leg, Malaysia won 2-0 against Vietnam at home soil and later drew at the second leg. The final aggregate was 2-0 to Malaysia.[9] Malaysia went to the finals to meet Indonesia. On the first leg of the finals, Malaysia won 3-0 in home. Malaysia was scored twice by Safee Sali and one by Mohd Ashaari Shamsuddin. For the first time, The stadium was full and reached over capacity with both Malaysian and Indonesian fans storming the stadium. This was the first time that the National Stadium, Bukit Jalil was full since Manchester United FC visited Malaysia on July 18, 2009. On the second leg of the finals that was held in Jakarta, Malaysia lost 2-1 to Indonesia but the final aggregate was 4-2 to Malaysia, hence giving the title to Malaysia.
Malaysia won the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup title for the first time in their history under the management of K. Rajagopal.[10]
Under-23 takes charge
The former Malaysia under-20 and under-23 coach K. Rajagopal was selected to replace B. Sathianathan as the national coach in April 2009. Unlike before, K. Rajagopal had to be the coach of both the Malaysia senior team and the Under-23 team.
Malaysia uses the same squad for the under-23 team and the national team under the new management of K. Rajagopal. Malaysia national football team uses players below the age of 23, together with their senior players like Safee Sali and Mohd Norhafiz Zamani Misbah. This was set for the national team to prepare the challenges ahead of them.
Malaysia will use the under-23 team for the upcoming tournament such as the Ho Chi Minh City Cup, 2010 Asian Games and 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup.[11] Malaysia used this way since the Football Association of Malaysia chairman, HRH Sultan Ahmad Shah, planned this and set the plan mainly for K. Rajagopal. This is as a result after the humiliation lost 0-5 to the United Arab Emirates at the 2011 Asian Cup Qualifiers. The Asian Games will be Malaysia preparation match for the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup.
Some of the players who currently play for Malaysia are from the Harimau Muda A team which is the national under-21 side.
In the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, Malaysia beat all odds to qualify for the second round for the first time in 32 years as one of the best four third-placed teams.[12][13] They later went on to win the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup by out classing fierce rival Indonesia 4-2 on aggregate.
Malaysia XI
Malaysia League XI (also known as Malaysia XI or Malaysia League Selection) is a football team which represents Malaysia to participate in exhibitional matches. Malaysia XI mainly play Non FIFA 'A' international match while the competitive matches such as World Cup Qualifiers and the Asian Cup are played by the Malaysia national football team.
The team is formed by the top players in the Super League Malaysia. Some of the players are mainly from the Malaysia national team. Malaysia XI usually plays against Associated Football clubs throughout the world.
In recent years, FAM has always arranged matches between the Malaysian side and clubs throughout the world. Malaysia XI doesn't play a match for a few years. They only play a match if they are invited to. The team mainly play against a pre season friendly match for the opposite team to be prepared for their leagues.
Malaysia XI first match was a 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest F.C. on July 31, 1982. Malaysia XI is usually coached by the Malaysia national team. The team coach is currently K. Rajagopal. Malaysia XI never recorded any wins or draws since their first match at 1982. Malaysia XI currently lost all of their matches. The team played a total of 8 matches.
Kit
Before the national team kit was manufactured by Nike, it had been manufactured by Adidas. Adidas had been the sponsor for national team kit since the 1970s.
Since 2007, the official Malaysia team kit has been manufactured by Nike: the association with Nike will last till 2011. The home kit's design of black and yellow stripes is a throwback to the kit used by Malaysian national team of the 1920s. The great national team of the 1970s also sported similar stripes, which are supposed to be reminiscent of the stripes of a tiger, the symbol of Malaysia's national football team.
The new home kit also sports black shorts and yellow socks. The new away kit features a blue jersey, white shorts, and blue socks, with a representation of the Malay ‘keris’ at the bottom left corner of each shirt.
In November 2010, Nike Malaysia created a new football kit for the Malaysians specially made for the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup. The home kit's design of black and yellow stripes that is shaped by black row of lines. The away kit features plain blue front and red and white at the edge of the sleeves. Nike put the Malaysian flag as their logo instead of putting the Football Association of Malaysia logo, as was the case for the great national team of the 1970s.[14]
Media coverage
Malaysia home matches (both qualifiers and friendlies) are shown live or delayed on Astro Arena and RTM. All matches are broadcasted with full Malaysian commentary.
Home stadium
Malaysia 's Home Stadium is the Bukit Jalil National Stadium. The stadium capacity is 100,200 which makes it the largest stadium in Southeast Asia, and the 10th largest football stadium in the world. Malaysia's previous national stadium was the Merdeka Stadium before the Bukit Jalil sports complex was constructed.
The stadium hosted the Opening and Closing ceremonies and the Athletics competitions of the 1998 Commonwealth Games. There were many other sports venues that were built for the Commonwealth Games, such as Bukit Kiara Sports Complex and the National Sports Complex, Malaysia.
Malaysia also uses other stadiums for their matches such as the KLFA Stadium, the MBPJ Stadium and the Shah Alam Stadium.
Competitive record
FIFA World Cup
| Year | Round | GP | W | D* | L | GS | GA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 1930 -  1970 |
Did not enter | - | - | - | - | - | - |
 1974 -  2010 |
Did not qualify | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Total | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
AFC Asian Cup
| AFC Asian Cup record | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Round | Position | GP | W | D | L | GS | GA |
 1956 to 1972 |
Did Not Qualify | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
 1976 |
Group stage | 5/6 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
 1980 |
Group stage | 6/10 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 5 |
 1984 to 2004 |
Did Not Qualify | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
  2007 |
Group stage | 16/16 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 12 |
 2011 |
Did Not Qualify | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Total | Best results: Group stage | Appearances: 3/15 | 9 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 20 |
- **Red border color indicates tournament was held on home soil.
Asian Games
| Asian Games record | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Round | Position | GP | W | D | L | GS | GA |
 1951 |
Did Not Enter | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
 1954 |
Did Not Enter | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
 1958 |
Group stage | 12/14 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 8 |
| 1962 |
Third Place | 3/8 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 23 | 9 |
| 1966 |
Group stage | 15/17 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| 1970 |
Group stage | 16/16 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 4 |
 1974 |
Third Place | 3/15 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 20 | 13 |
| 1978 |
Round 2 | 7/14 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 10 |
| 1982 |
Group stage | 14/16 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| 1986 |
Group stage | 15/18 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 |
| 1990 |
Did Not Enter | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1994 |
Group stage | 11/18 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 11 |
| 1998 |
Did Not Enter | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2002 |
Group stage | 11/16 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 6 |
| 2006 |
Group stage | 23/24 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | - | - |
| 2010 |
Round 2 | 16/24 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 9 |
| Total | Best results: Third Place | Appearances: 12/16 | 46 | 11 | 4 | 31 | 65 | 83 |
- Since 2002, the tournament has been restricted to squads with no more than 3 players over the age of 23, and these matches are not regarded as part of the national team's record, nor are caps awarded.
AFF Football Championship
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