Malaysia need belief and support from fans

Let the Singapore 5-3  drubbing be a part of history.

Accept the fact that Harimau Malaya lost in the away round and let's fill up Stadium Nasional in Bukit Jalil, come Thursday.

These were among the calls made by numerous ardent Malaysian fans and a socio-psychologist.

"Malaysian football fans should never turn their backs. Their continuous support for the national team, rain or shine, is vital psychologically for Harimau Malaya to perform better and win," said Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia social psychologist Dr Maarof Redzuan.

He said, the undivided support of fans would make the Malaysian 11 feel more comfortable and confident, playing in their own den. Be it for the fans or the national team, it is useless crying over spilt milk as what is most important is to look forward to the coming 90 minutes.

It could be the best ever showdown for the fans to cheer on and enjoy, and for the team to play their hearts out and earn the fans' undivided support.

All is not lost as Harimau Malaya has another 90 minutes to prove their worth and earn their place in the third round or group stage of the competition.

Equally important is for Harimau Malaya to prove that winning the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 in December, as the best team in the region, was no fluke.

It is a test of character for coach Datuk K. Rajagobal and his boys to make a comeback, after being criticised heavily for the defeat in Singapore due to  sloppy defence.

That caused Malaysia to win with at least a three-goal difference -- two goals to cover the deficit and one more to beat Singapore and qualify for the next round.

Malaysian fan Hassan Azhari, 41, a chief executive officer of an oil and gas company, said playing on homeground meant nothing if the supporters did not turn up in full force in support of the national team during Thursday night's clash.

He said support for the national team should be consistent and continuous, no matter what, as it symbolised the love for the country and reflected on the patriotism of Malaysian citizens. "I, for one, will certainly be there to lend moral support to the national team, be it football or other sports matches.

"I believe support for Harimau Malaya is still there but whether the fan turn-out could reach 80,000 as in the Malaysia-Chelsea and Malaysia-Liverpool friendly matches, I am not sure," he said, noting that some fans could be skeptical after the 5-3 thrashing.

Despite the thrashing in Singapore, he still hoped that Malaysia would win this Thursday, to revive the glory days of Malaysian football.

Malaysia only started competing in the biggest sporting event in 1974 and has never reached the third round of World Cup qualifying, not even during the  times of football legends like the late Mokhtar Dahari, Datuk Soh Chin Aun, late R. Arumugam, Shaharuddin Abdullah, Hassan Sani and James Wong, to name a few.

Another fan, Azuan Sharif, 34, an officer with Tenaga Nasional Berhad, also agreed that Malaysians should throng the stadium this Thursday to support the  do-or-die mission for the national team.

"We should not turn our back on Harimau Malaya. I will be there," he said, matter of factly, regarding the clash as a national pride.

UKM's Dr Maarof Redzuan said, with the great expectations from Malaysian fans, the players were under tremendous pressure to win in Singapore, but they could turn the tide on home ground with one condition -- Malaysian fans should give undivided support.

In his opinion, Harimau Malaya should overcome the deficit and win, provided there was no technical error.

"When playing against Singapore, particularly in the first-half, Malaysia felt alien and at odds, finding difficulty playing in front of the homesters.

"And, they too, are not used to the pitch. But as you see, in the second-half, as they gained momentum, they were able to score two quick goals," he said.

Coach K. Rajagobal surely has his game plan modified and improved for this Thursday, but still, Malaysia should expect a torrid time from Singapore in this return leg, as they too, must have been very well prepared to defend their two goals cushion.

Roar on Harimau Malaya! Earn your support and respect from Malaysian fans!