Tactician who toppled Man United now targets Harimau Malaya
National coach Peter Cklamovski is expected to face his stiffest test yet in Vietnam boss Kim Sang Sik, a man whose strategic nous was on full display when he masterminded the Asean All-Stars' stunning 1-0 win over Manchester United on Wednesday.
Despite assembling the team just two days before the friendly and missing key players due to World Cup and Asian Cup qualifiers, Sang Sik's side looked anything but disorganised.
Against a Red Devils squad boasting captain Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo, the Asean XI pulled off a defensive and attacking masterclass to snatch a famous win in Bukit Jalil.
That result has raised eyebrows — and expectations — ahead of Vietnam's visit, with critics predicting a fiercely organised and compact Vietnamese unit arriving in Kuala Lumpur.
Football pundit Dr Zulakbal Abdul Karim believes Asean XI's triumph over United was no fluke.
"Sang Sik didn't have the best players, but still got them playing as a unit. That speaks volumes about his tactical awareness," said Zulakbal.
"It also suggests he's working with a vast scouting network and strong data analysis behind the scenes."
"In modern football, analytics dictate a lot, and Sang Sik clearly knows how to use that to his advantage."
Malaysia will need to be sharp.
The Golden Star Warriors have dominated the rivalry in recent years, winning seven of the last eight meetings since 2016.
The last time Harimau Malaya beat Vietnam was 11 years ago at the AFF Cup
But Cklamovski's side have shown signs of promise.
On Thursday, they held world No. 72 Cape Verde to a 1-1 draw at the KLFA Stadium.
With the possible inclusion of newly naturalised stars like Rodrigo Holgado, hopes are high for a turnaround.
Still, Vietnam remain an enigma. There's been little information on their squad, a move that hasn't gone unnoticed.
"We've seen very few updates on their preparations. It's clear Sang Sik is keeping his cards close to his chest," said Zulakbal.
"Vietnam are always well-drilled and difficult to break down. But Malaysia have also been doing their homework."
Several Malaysian officials were spotted in the stands during the Asean XI's win over United.
Not to be outdone, Vietnam's coaches also kept tabs on Harimau Malaya during their clash with Cape Verde.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Lionesses make history with Euro 2025 win as King Charles hails triumph
KING CHARLES III led the tributes as England's Lionesses made history by winning the Women's Euro 2025 title in a thrilling final against Spain. Sarina Wiegman's team triumphed 3-1 in a penalty shootout after a tense 1-1 draw, with Chloe Kelly scoring the decisive spot-kick. Alessia Russo's second-half equaliser cancelled out Mariona Caldentey's early opener for Spain, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton made two crucial saves in the shootout before Kelly sealed the victory, sparking jubilant celebrations across England. Prince William and Princess Charlotte joined the celebrations in Basel, with the royal family posting a joint statement on social media: 'What a game! Lionesses, you are the champions of Europe and we couldn't be prouder.' King Charles praised the team's resilience, urging them to aim for World Cup glory in 2027. 'For more years than I care to remember, England fans have sung 'football's coming home'. Today, you made those words ring true,' he said. Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the Lionesses as 'history makers,' while fans across England erupted in joy. Tower Bridge was lit in red and white, and pubs nationwide overflowed with supporters. The Football Association announced a victory parade in London, with an open-top bus procession along the Mall and a ceremony near Buckingham Palace. FA chief Mark Bullingham said, 'Our Lionesses have made history, and the nation shares our pride.'-AFP
New Straits Times
4 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Defending champions England beat Spain on penalties to win Women's Euro 2025
BASEL, Switzerland: Chloe Kelly converted the decisive kick as England beat Spain 3-1 on penalties to lift the Women's Euro 2025 trophy after Sunday's game had finished 1-1 at the end of extra time, allowing the Lionesses to avenge their defeat in the World Cup final two years ago and retain their continental crown. It looked as though Spain would repeat their victory over England in Sydney in 2023 as they dominated the game at St Jakob-Park in Basel and led through Mariona Caldentey's first-half header. But England did not panic, having already trailed against both Sweden in the quarter-finals and Italy in the semis before finding a way to win. Alessia Russo headed in their equaliser just before the hour mark, and no further goals meant a shoot-out in which Kelly – who once again had a huge impact off the bench – netted the winner. "I was cool, I was composed. I knew I was going to hit the back of the net," Kelly told the BBC of her penalty. It was an agonising way to lose for Spain, but they failed to score three of their spot-kicks, with reigning Ballon d'Or Aitana Bonmati seeing her effort saved. Sarina Wiegman's England are therefore back-to-back European champions, three years after they defeated Germany in extra time at Wembley to win a first women's major tournament. "What a team. What a game. What drama. You dug deep when it mattered most and you've made the nation proud. History makers," British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who was at the match, wrote on X. Defeating Spain helps make up for the pain of losing the World Cup final in 2023, and England's victory also confirms Wiegman's place among the coaching greats. She has now won three consecutive European Championships, having led her native Netherlands to victory in 2017 before doing the same with England three years ago. "We said we can win by any means and that's what we have shown again today. I am so proud of the team and the staff. It is incredible," said Wiegman, whose team lost to France in their first match at the tournament. "Losing your first game and becoming European champions is incredible," she added. Spain fell short in their quest to add a maiden European Championship title to the World Cup they won in Australia. La Roja dominated possession as expected, but ultimately paid the price for not killing the game against an England side who never know when they are beaten. "I am in shock," Bonmati told broadcaster TVE before apologising for failing from the spot. "Football is cruel. Everything seems bad right now, but I think we played the best football during the tournament." England, meanwhile, had been 2-0 down against Sweden in the last eight before scoring twice to force extra time as they eventually won on penalties. Then substitute Michelle Agyemang's 96th-minute equaliser denied Italy in the semi-finals, when Kelly netted the extra-time winner. Wiegman took a gamble here on the fitness of Lauren James which paid off, albeit not quite as planned – having come off with an ankle injury against Italy, the Chelsea winger did not last until half-time and was replaced by Kelly. By that point Spain were in front, scoring when Ona Battle crossed from the right for Caldentey to head in. They had already been in control before that and it felt like England's best hope was for complacency from their opponents. The best example of that came with the game still goalless, when Spain goalkeeper Cata Coll played a careless short pass to Laia Aleixandri in her own area. Lauren Hemp was alive to the opportunity and pounced, but Coll made the save. Yet even at 1-0 England were still in the game, and they took their chance in the 57th minute when Kelly crossed from the left for Russo to level. England – with more fans on their side in the crowd of 34,203 – sensed yet another comeback win was on the cards, and it took Coll's fingertips to keep out a Kelly effort midway. The game continued into extra time, and from there to the gripping tension of penalties, in which Beth Mead's first kick for England was saved after she was forced to retake. Captain Leah Williamson also had her effort stopped by Coll, but Alex Greenwood and Niamh Charles both scored, while Patri Guijarro was the only successful taker for Spain before Kelly won it. — AFP
The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
Kelly a fitting hero in England's gritty Euro victory
IT almost felt like football fate when Chloe Kelly stepped up to the penalty spot on Sunday against Spain, with the chance to make history for England in clinching their second consecutive women's European Championship title. The 27-year-old, who had been doubtful to make Sarina Wiegman's Euros team only six months ago, did her trademark run-up, lifting her left leg and skipping onto her right, before launching a powerful shot into the top corner. 'Incredible game of football. I just came onto the pitch and wanted to make something happen,' Kelly said. 'Of course, taking the penalty, I actually missed three in training yesterday, (but) it's the belief in this squad, I'm really proud to be English right now and proud to be part of an amazing group of girls.' Kelly was the hero in England's 2022 victory at Wembley, scoring in extra time before famously twirling her shirt above her head in celebration. She came to the Lionesses' rescue several times in Switzerland, scoring in the shootout in their quarter-final victory over Sweden, and smashing home her own rebound of a missed penalty against Italy in the semis. 'I was cool, I was composed and I knew I was going to hit the back of the net. I don't miss penalties twice,' she said of her winning spot-kick. Kelly's Switzerland story is remarkable considering back in January there were doubts she would make the Euros squad. She was barely playing for Manchester City and made a public plea to leave the club. She called them 'dark days'. Kelly's plea worked as she spent the rest of the season on a successful loan spell with Arsenal. 'I'm so grateful to be out the back end,' Kelly said. 'But if that's a story to tell someone that maybe experiences something the same that tough times don't last. 'Thank to everyone who wrote me off. I'm grateful.' Wiegman wrapped the crying Kelly in a long embrace. 'Everybody brings something different and she brings this,' Wiegman said. 'She has been fighting to come back and to be at her highest level. She really wanted to take that penalty of course, and celebrate that.' Kelly did not wait long to celebrate. Before starting a television interview, she grabbed the mic to sing along to 'Sweet Caroline' being belted out by the England crowd at St Jakob-Park. 'It is going to be crazy,' she said of the reception back home. 'I hope the whole of England comes out to support us and shows their love to these girls as they deserve it.' The Lionesses, who lost to Spain in the 2023 World Cup final, have talked about legacy in Switzerland. 'It's a huge moment. Every girl out there with that dream – you can do it,' she said. 'Keep shooting for the stars.' - REUTERS
