Just A Few Things: Cambodia Vs. Malaysia
Credit- Football Association of Malaysia (FAM)
Laboured Attack
It wasn’t pretty, but Malaysia got the job done. A sole goal was all it took and what a team goal it was. Safawi Rasid, Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, Zaquan Adha & Mohamadou Sumareh. It was Sumareh who started the play when he made a run to the centre and saw two teammates on the right. Safawi then backheeled the ball to Zaquan, who then dinked it for Norshahrul to head the ball out of Um Vichet’s reach.
All four attackers have fulfilled their role very well. Zaquan put out a good shift as the centre-forward, Sumareh as usual provided penetration, Norshahrul even though he didn’t replicate his high energy, was enough of a nuisance and Safawi pressed hard to win the ball near Cambodia’s box. They tried to get more but for reasons we’ll go into much later, they just couldn’t.
They themselves discomfort Cambodia’s defence, so they were a little unlucky for not getting a second. Safawi’s curler in the first half hit the post, and late in the game Sumareh was denied twice. First, by a scrambling Cambodian defence as he turned to shoot, and then his low shot beat everyone except the post. These four gave a glimpse of what they can do in a competitive match, considering the conditions of the match.
You know we have great depth in attack that we didn’t even need to call up Akhyar Rashid from the bench. Next up is Laos and this attack should cause enough trouble, especially when we’re at home.
It’s A Shambles
Cambodia though were the far better side in the opening and closing 10 minutes of the first half. Shahrul Saad & Aidil Zafuan looked composed when facing Maldives five days ago. But here, they may have left some of it back at Bukit Jalil. Just at the thought of being tested, the defence looked nervous and had to resort to some messiness to clear out any danger.
If this were any other top side, we would’ve conceded a few then. Vietnam and perhaps Myanmar may be licking their lips just at the mere thought of facing us. Despite those nervous moments, Malaysia’s goal never got threatened often and Khairul Fahmi had a somewhat easy night. And here’s why…
Wasteful Cambodia
If Cambodia had been far more technically sound, they could’ve run away with it. Their hard pressing caused all sorts of problems and their adventurous pace was fearsome to get through the wall. They could’ve lead as early as the third minute when Chan Vathanaka laid the ball off for Reung Bunheing who miskicked and easy for Khairul Fahmi to collect. Cambodia has the pace and they have the trickiness.
There’s one big problem: They are clinically weak. Their finishing has been a total letdown and that is what is holding them back from being labeled as at least dark horses of the Suzuki Cup. Adding Bunheing’s golden chance, Cambodia had two other great opportunities but failed to take them. Their night was summed up when after Brak Thiva’s cross found him, Bunheing attempted a first-time wonder shot that he horribly miskicked.
Everywhere But At The Back & The Front
After Nor Azam Azih’s surprising omission from the final 23, it looks like Akram Mahinan will be the preferred partner for Syamer Kutty Abba. Goodness gracious, he was everywhere in the middle third. Both midfielders worked extra hard to prevent the ball from going any further. Providing pressure when Cambodia had the ball in the centre of the park and really got in there to win the ball back. They both kept things simple and provided the ball to their forwards, playing out the ‘carrier’ role.
But there are genuine concerns about how really well they did to provide cover to their defence as Cambodia had played very well in some parts to carve some decent attacks. There were also questions about them providing the creativeness from midfield, especially when Syamer is more of a passer. It was well documented in that Maldives match, but it looks like the gameplan is to let the attackers to unlock the defence. There are still some mixed reviews about the midfield, so the jury is still out.
Dat Pitch Though…
What didn’t help Malaysia in the match was the pitch condition. It looked like the pitch had patches where the grass isn’t there. And mind you, this is an artificial pitch too. The ball bounced awkwardly and even if it’s played on the ground, it looked like the ball would stray from its intended path ever so slightly. So as a result, Malaysia struggled to play their passing game without any worry. On another good pitch, they could’ve got more than what they had. Even Cambodia struggled to adapt on their own home soil.
It wasn’t just the ball movement. There were a few times players from both sides tumbled over whenever they tried to readjust their body to get the ball, namely Norshahrul and Bunheing. There are better artificial pitches here in Malaysia than what they put out at the Phnom Penh Olympic Stadium. So it’s disappointing that the field was what it was.