Malaysia should take full advantage of the “A” international friendly against Australia to promote the local footballers as well as to improve on their FIFA world rankings.
The FA of Malaysia (FAM) secretary general Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad said the stage is set for the national team to gain from this high-profile match scheduled at the Canberra Stadium today (kick off 5pm Malaysian time).
“It is an opportunity for us to move forward because we are not going to get a better chance for the national team to play against a top class opposition ranked 19th in the FIFA world standings,” said Azzuddin yesterday.
Malaysia, ranked 147th from the 203 countries listed in the FIFA world standings, are hoping to take full advantage of the opportunity presented to them by the Football Federation of Australia’s (FFA) invitation for the friendly.
“It is an honour to be invited to play against a higher ranked team at their home ground. After all, it is an all-paid expense trip, including the air-fare. I hope the boys can sparkle there and hopefully catch the eyes of the local professional clubs to play in the A-League one day,” said Azzuddin.
The national team have nothing to look forward to this year after their exit in the second round of the Asian Zone qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Malaysia squeezed past Taiwan 4-4 on aggregate on the away-goal rule in the first round but failed against Singapore 6-4 on aggregate in the second round.
National coach Datuk K. Rajagopal and his men are under no pressure when they face Australia, who are preparing for the World Cup qualifiers against Oman in Sydney next week.
“The condition is cold (12-15°C) and we have come with some new faces. It is a tall order for the players but I am optimistic they will be able to give a decent account of themselves. The match will be an eye-opener for me to look at some of the players who will be in my plans for the 2015 Asian Cup Finals in Australia,” said Rajagopal from Canberra.
In the squad to Canberra, Rajagopal omitted several seasoned campaigners including skipper Safiq Rahim, who was dropped from the initial training squad last month. The others dropped are regular right-flanker Mohd Amirulhadi Zainal, Golden Boot winner Abdul Hadi Yahaya, attacking midfielder Mohd Ashaari Shamsuddin and playmaker Ismail Faruki.
Among the newcomers Rajagopal has roped in for the friendly are Terengganu midfielder Joseph Kallang Tie and UKM student K. Reuben, who featured in the World University Games in Shenzen last month.
“It will be a surprise line-up and I hope the players take the field on a positive note and get a good result,” said Rajagopal.
On-form goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat is set to win the number one jersey over Mohd Farizal Marlias while the back line will be led by seasoned campaigner Norhafiz Zamani Misbah, Mohd Muslim Ahmad (centre-backs), Mahalli Jasuli (right-back) and Mohd Asraruddin Putra Omar (left-back).
Rajagopal will be counting on Amar Rohidan to spearhead the engine room in the absence of Safiq, whose place is likely to go to either Joseph Kallang or Reuben. Mohd Khyril Muhymeen or Baddrol Bakhtiar is set to play on the right wing while regular S. Kunalan should retain his position at left wing.
Pelita Jaya FC striker Mohd Safee Sali, who went for trials with English Division Two outfit Cardiff City last month, should start with Norshahrul Idlan Talaha upfront.
Meanwhile, the Australians will not have their full team following injuries to Everton midfielder Tim Cahill and Fullham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, who have been ruled out of the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Oman.
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