Social media erupts as Malaysia serve Vietnam a footballing masterclass
KUALA LUMPUR: Harimau Malaya fans lit up social media with messages of pride and celebration after Malaysia
hammered Vietnam 4-0 in their Asian Cup Group F qualifier at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Tuesday.
The national side featuring several new naturalised players ended an 11-year winless run against the Golden Star Warriors in front of a raucous 61,512-strong crowd.
Coach Peter Cklamovski handed debuts to Joao Figueiredo, Rodrigo Holgado, Jon Irazabal, and Facundo Garcés, while Imanol Machuca was named on the bench.
Malaysia fielded nine heritage players, including mainstays Dion Cools, Corbin Ong, Matthew Davies, Hector Hevel and Nooa Laine.
The two home-grown talents in the starting line-up were Arif Aiman Hanapi and goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi.
Figueiredo broke the deadlock in the 49th minute before Holgado (59th), Corbin Ong (67th), and Cools (88th) completed the rout.
Fans were quick to hail the emphatic victory.
One supporter posted on X, formerly Twitter: "Bukit Jalil was electric and Malaysia delivered. Four goals. Four different scorers. Zero mercy. They didn't roar, they devoured. 2027 Asian Cup, we're coming in style."
Another wrote: "Regret not making it to the Malaysia vs Vietnam game. Saw it on TV. A very different Malaysia - pure class from the players and coaches. We're going to roar."
A third added: "The team played with heart and beautiful football. Well done, boys."
The result puts Malaysia top of Group F and firmly in the driving seat to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup.
Cklamovski's men will next face Laos in October.
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