National goalkeeper Mohd Farizal Marlias can expect to be in the spotlight again when Malaysia take on English Premier League champions Manchester City at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tomorrow (9.45pm).
Last Tuesday, the 26-year-old Negri Sembilan custodian was outstanding between the posts as Datuk K. Rajagopal’s men led another EPL giants Arsenal 1-0 before suffering a late meltdown to lose 2-1 at the same venue.
Malaysia nearly pulled off a famous win after left-back Azmi Muslim stunned the visitors just before the breather with a 30-metre screamer but the Gunners bounced back with two quick kills through Thomas Eisfeld and Chucks Aneke in the last three minutes of the game.
The national team could have lost by a bigger margin if not for the heroics of Farizal.
The Gunners, who are on their pre-season Far East tour, found Farizal a major stumbling block and the keeper was even praised by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
Farizal, however, is not getting carried away after one outstanding performance, saying he is prepared for another tough evening.
“I know the task is going to be more difficult this time. The City side have a more formidable forward line, which is led by Argentines Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero. The two need no introduction and I have seen them score so many times in the EPL last season,” said Farizal yesterday.
National goalkeeper coach Mohd Fauzi Mukhlas said there was no doubt that Malaysia are blessed with some fine custodians, including Khairul Fahmi Che Mat who is nursing a knee injury.
“Khairul and Farizal are both top- notch goalkeepers. Khairul emerged tops when Farizal was injured a couple of years ago. Now it’s the other way around. Both are strong technically. Khairul is back in training but we do not want to risk aggravating his knee injury,” said Fauzi.
Farizal said there was a healthy competition in the training camp and “it keeps us all on our toes”.
The third-choice goalkeeper in the training squad is Selangor’s Norazlan Razali.
“It is the same in all the other departments and we have great respect for each other … it’s a case of the best man wins,” said Farizal of Pahang.
The national team are preparing for the defence of the Suzuki Cup Asean Football Federation (AFF) championship, which will be co-hosted by Malaysia and Thailand, from Nov 24-Dec 22.
City arrived in Kuala Lumpur yesterday fresh from defeating Arsenal 2-0 at the Bird’s Nest Stadium in Beijing on Friday, courtesy of goals by Pablo Zabaleta and Yaya Toure.
.
0 comments :
Post a Comment
TRWTV tidak bertanggungjawab di atas setiap pandangan dan pendapat yang diutarakan melalui laman ini. Ia adalah pandangan peribadi pemilik akaun dan tidak semestinya menggambarkan pandangan dan pendirian kami.