Just A Few Things: KL Vs. FELDA United
The Ups And Downs
In a vital relegation battle, FELDA emerged victorious and boosted their chances of Super League survival while condemning Kuala Lumpur to last place and near certain relegation. During the first half, KL had looked bright, but were wasteful with the ball. As a result, FELDA punished KL for that and duly took the lead following a glaring goalkeeping error by Faridzeuan Kamaruddin as he completely missed Zahril Azri’s cross in and Singaporean, Khairul Amri was able to get the smallest of touches from an upward ball to gift FELDA the lead.
KL go about it again, but they continued their wastefulness while FELDA kept calm and composed. They remain patient and eventually got their reward with a second goal and in some style. Zahril received the ball just outside the box and lashed one into the net that left Faridzeuan no chance of saving.
The scoreline could’ve been a whole lot worse for KL had Faridzeuan not made three great saves late in the match. But with the result and extremely tough matches against Johor Darul Takzim (Home) and Perak (Away) left, it’s extremely difficult to see KL clawing their way back from the depths of the drop zone. Not only that, there’s even the possibility of them missing out on a Malaysia Cup spot too. But just like life, anything can happen in football so you never know.
As for FELDA, the stars are aligned for their survival as their fate is in their hands. Not only they have a game in hand (although a tough one) against Pahang, they also have yet to face the other relegation rival PKNP and they are due to visit Manjung this weekend. Win that and get at least a point at Pahang, survival is 100% assured.
A Frustrated Figure
It’s bad enough that your team was losing, but being the subject of anger and disappointment will not do your confidence any better. However, with his very questionable work-rate, it’s not hard to see why the KL fans have been so frustrated with their Brazilian forward, Guilherme De Paula in not just this match, but in some parts of the season too.
In a match where no one could afford to lounge around and make any mistakes, De Paula looked like a passenger and also needlessly held the ball longer than he should which resulted in FELDA winning possession back almost immediately. There were times he should’ve pressed harder, especially when the ball comes into the FELDA box, but he didn’t make FELDA sweat at all and was one of the few players guilty of wasting a few promising situations. Although he did neatly teed up Lord Fakri Saarani for a chance at one point, but the man somehow failed to get his shot on-target. De Paula’s night ended on a disappointing note when he was subbed off ten minutes from stoppage time.
If De Paula wants to don the Malaysian jersey amidst the news of his impending naturalization, he has to work a whole lot more. Because if he goes about like this when he plays for Malaysia, the annoyance level towards him will surely break the atmosphere.
Shafiq Makes A Case
He was only on for the last ten minutes, but Shafiq Shaharudin actually contributed more than the maligned De Paula. The KL attack looked sharper and slick as they tried to find a lifeline, let alone a consolation. And it so happens that KL had two of their best chances shortly after Shafiq’s introduction with the fringe striker involve in both of them.
Shafiq had a golden chance to pull one back when he got the ball in the box following a counter, but he ballooned a shot that he knew he should’ve put away. Just before the final whistle, he was able to get the ball across goal with Norazalan Razali beaten, but Indra Putra failed to read it and spurned a great chance to score.
There has been clamor for a local striker, but perhaps give enough games to Shafiq (Who was only called up for international duty once against Fiji last year), and the cry for a centre-forward will die down, at least for a bit.
Thiago’s Sky
Other than Khairul Amri & Zahril Azri to thank, their Brazilian defender, Thiago Junio was also rock-solid as he dealt with a chunk of KL’s attacks with ease. He made life difficult for any KL attacker looking the attack down on the left side. Thiago knows when to press on to win the ball back, but it was the aerial balls that the Brazilian dominate.
He made good use of his physique to win most of the air balls. With his presence in that FELDA backline to keep it steady, KL can’t get some of their crosses in. A commanding performance for the defender.