Latest news with #JoaoFigueiredo
The Star
a day ago
- Sport
- The Star
No way Joao will forget his opening samba with Harimau Malaya
PETALING JAYA: It is a debut that national football striker Joao Figueiredo will never forget. The newly-arrived Brazilian-born was the first to give Malaysia a goal in their 4-0 win against Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup third round qualifier match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Tuesday. His superb debut goal and the overall experience of playing for Malaysia has whetted his appetite to keep meeting their future targets. 'I dreamed of a moment like that, I'm so happy,' said the 29-year-old. 'But most importantly to me, it was not just my goal to score, my aim was to win and realise the team's target. 'Our team's performance was excellent, but we can continue improving. 'We can't be happy with just one game. Our target is bigger than this.' During the clash against Vietnam, the second goal of the night came courtesy of another fresh face in the squad, Rodrigo Holgado, after which La'vere Corbin Ong and Dion Cools scored one each to end the night with three points for the team. The National Stadium also saw over 60,000 fans witness Malaysia end their 11-year winless drought against Vietnam, and that atmosphere was something special for Figueiredo, who was also voted man of the match. 'Since my first day here, I have felt the warm welcome from the fans. To have over 60,000 fans in the stadium was amazing,' he said. 'We fight for the fans because they give us the motivation on the pitch to win.' Having played his first football match in Asia, Figueiredo added that it does not differ from playing anywhere else in the world, but what mattered was things done on the pitch. 'Football is the same around the world. They (Vietnam) have quality, they fought a lot. But when we controlled the game, they did not have a chance against us. 'I think that was the key. We had control, and when the chance came, we scored,' he said.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Brazil-born Figueiredo thrilled by reception from Malaysian fans
KUALA LUMPUR: The man from the Western Hemisphere will never forget his Malaysia debut. Joao Figueiredo scored a goal against Vietnam and was named Man of the Match in an Asian Cup qualifier at the National Stadium yesterday. The 29-year-old proved to be a life wire for Malaysia upfront with his tremendous work-rate, and sparked a 4-0 win over Vietnam in their Group F match. The Brazil-born striker, who currently plays for Turkish club, Istanbul Basakşehir, was delighted with the reception from Malaysian fans at Bukit Jalil. He described it as "unforgettable". "I'm very happy, I've dreamt of this moment for a long time, but the most important thing was not my goal, it was to win, to follow our target. Our team performance was very good, but we can improve. I'm very happy to be here, I'm very proud," said Figueiredo. "From day one, I've been warmly welcomed by everyone here. Playing in front of more than 60,000 fans at the stadium was an incredible experience. Bukit Jalil will always be in my memory. "We've only been together for two weeks, but I believe we'll grow stronger from here. This is only the first step," added Figueiredo, who helped Malaysia end a 11-year winless run against Vietnam.
Sinar Daily
2 days ago
- Sport
- Sinar Daily
Harimau Malaya crush Vietnam 4-0 in AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, Cklamovski praises players' commitment
The Australian coach, speaking at a post-match press conference, said it also proved the effectiveness of the training his players underwent within a short period. 11 Jun 2025 12:37pm Malaysia ended an eleven-year winless streak against Vietnam with a 4-0 victory tonight, courtesy of goals from Joao Figueiredo, Rodrigo Holgado, Corbin Ong, and Dion Cools. - Photo: Malaysia NT KUALA LUMPUR - Harimau Malaya head coach Peter Cklamovski has attributed his players' commitment as the key to their success in crushing Vietnam 4-0 in their second AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers Group match at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium here tonight. The Australian coach, speaking at a post-match press conference, said it also proved the effectiveness of the training his players underwent within a short period. Cklamovski also cautioned his players not to get carried away by tonight's victory and to remain focused on the Asian Cup qualifiers, admitting there was still room for improvement ahead of the next match. - Photo: Malaysia NT "In the first half, we created a good chance, while the players showed their discipline in the second half. I praise their commitment, and they deserve the win," he said. Cklamovski also cautioned his players not to get carried away by tonight's victory and to remain focused on the Asian Cup qualifiers, admitting there was still room for improvement ahead of the next match. Meanwhile, Vietnam coach Kim Sang Sik conceded to the strength of the Harimau Malaya squad this time, but believed his team still had a chance to seek revenge in the return leg. "This game, I felt Malaysia was very strong, stronger than before. We had expected their performance to be better than before. "First half, we did as planned, but in the second half, we lost two defenders, thus affecting our defence," he said. Malaysia ended an eleven-year winless streak against Vietnam with a 4-0 victory tonight, courtesy of goals from Joao Figueiredo, Rodrigo Holgado, Corbin Ong, and Dion Cools. - BERNAMA More Like This
Sinar Daily
2 days ago
- Sport
- Sinar Daily
Cklamovski credits unique training camp for Malaysia's 4-0 win over Vietnam
Last night, Malaysia ended an eleven-year winless streak against Vietnam with a 4-0 victory, courtesy of goals from Joao Figueiredo, Rodrigo Holgado, Corbin Ong and Dion Cools. 11 Jun 2025 01:58pm Cklamovski acknowledged the unconventional nature of the camp, especially since many players had not played competitive football since the Malaysian Super League was off-season. - Photo: Malaysia NT National football team head coach Peter Cklamovski has described the recent training camp ahead of their 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Vietnam as "a unique one', highlighting its importance in fostering the squad's 'team mentality' and cohesion. - Photo: Malaysia NT KUALA LUMPUR - National football team head coach Peter Cklamovski has described the recent training camp ahead of their 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Vietnam as "a unique one', highlighting its importance in fostering the squad's 'team mentality' and cohesion. Speaking after Harimau Malaya's commendable performance in their second Group F match, Cklamovski acknowledged the unconventional nature of the camp, especially since many players had not played competitive football since the Malaysian Super League was off-season. "Well, it was a bit of a puzzle, this camp was a unique camp. The majority of the players were off-season from the Malaysian Super League. Faced tough opponents against Cape Verde, which you know, again was another good team performance. "...and then that continued on to the final phase where we get some new players in, they committed to the team mentality we're building, the training mentality we're building, you saw the quality that we're growing as a team," he said at a post-match press conference at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium last night. Speaking about the squad setup, Cklamovski emphasised the necessity of depth and versatility rather than depending entirely on a set starting lineup. "We make subs and we want to take our game to another level and make impacts off the bench. But you know, we don't rely on the best 11. We're an A-Team and that's the mentality we're growing, and it's growing the right way. The mentality in the team's strong and we'll continue to build our mentality for team performances,' he said. Last night, Malaysia ended an eleven-year winless streak against Vietnam with a 4-0 victory, courtesy of goals from Joao Figueiredo, Rodrigo Holgado, Corbin Ong, and Dion Cools. - BERNAMA More Like This
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
As Harimau roar, the rest of Asia better pay attention
WHEN a tiger tears apart a Golden Star, it's a sign Malaysian football is roaring back to life. Peter Cklamovski made an emphatic statement in just his third official game in charge, as a revamped Harimau Malaya thrashed regional powerhouse Vietnam 4-0 in front of more than 60,000 roaring fans at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Tuesday. It wasn't just a win, it was a warning. A bold declaration that Malaysia are back in business. Not since 2014 had Malaysia beaten Vietnam, and never in such brutal fashion. The Golden Star Warriors, reigning Asean Cup champions and long-time regional giants, were left shell-shocked. With this result, Malaysia are virtually assured of a place at the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. But more than qualification, this felt like the start of something special. There was plenty of scepticism in the lead-up. Questions swirled around the late inclusion of a clutch of newly cleared heritage players, Joao Figueiredo, Rodrigo Holgado, Jon Irazabal, Facundo Garces, and second-half substitute Imanol Machuca, all receiving FIFA clearance just hours before kick-off. But on the pitch, there was no sign of hesitation. No sign of rust. No sign they'd just arrived. They played like they belonged. Figueiredo and Holgado didn't just score, they celebrated like born-and-bred Malaysians, pumping fists and pointing to the badge. Their passion was matched by their quality. At the back, Garces and Irazabal brought much-needed steel and composure, forming a wall Vietnam couldn't breach. Machuca, when introduced, added flair and pace. The foreign-born contingent didn't just boost the squad, they transformed it. Yet despite the debutants grabbing headlines, it was Arif Aiman Hanapi who shone brightest. The Johor Darul Ta'zim winger, far from being overshadowed, was the best player on the pitch. He tore through the Vietnamese defence, created two goals with electric pace and precision, and reminded everyone that local talent can still set the standard. This was no fluke. Malaysia were aggressive, structured and ruthless. The Tigers didn't just outplay Vietnam, they dominated them. From the first whistle, they looked hungrier, sharper and far more organised. Vietnam, usually composed and compact, were reduced to chasing shadows. Malaysia made them look like minnows. And the scary part? Harimau Malaya are only just getting started. If Cklamovski keeps this group fit and firing, more teams will fall. The energy, belief and tactical discipline were all there, and the squad depth has never looked better. But the Australian tactician should keep his focus tight. His job is to build the team and unify the camp. That includes making friends, not enemies with all stakeholders, including the media. He's here to evolve Malaysian football, and winning allies off the pitch will be just as vital. Why would any Malaysian want him and Harimau Malaya to fail? Tuesday also marked a turning point: nine of Malaysia's starting XI were heritage players. A first for the nation. A reality some old-school fans might struggle with. Gone are the days of the traditional "Ali, Ah Chong and Muthu" line-up. Modern football demands new thinking. National identity isn't diluted by diverse roots. It's defined by shared ambition and passion. The badge matters more than birthplace. If Tuesday proved anything, it's that these players are all-in for Malaysia. Still, there's a caveat. Heritage or naturalised stars offer a quick fix, but the long game lies in the grassroots. Development programmes must not be sidelined. Investment in youth academies, school systems and talent scouting is still the backbone of true progress. Japan offered a masterclass on the same night, fielding an all-local side, not their best squad, to demolish a heritage-laden Indonesia 6-0 in a World Cup qualifier. That's the gold standard. That's the long-term vision Malaysia must aim for. But right now? This win matters. This performance matters. It's been a long road of mediocrity and fleeting optimism. This feels different. Cklamovski has brought structure, belief and modern ideas. And the players — whether born in Johor or Rosario — are buying in. Malaysia aren't just back, they're dangerous. And as Vietnam found out the hard way, when a tiger has teeth and purpose, even giants fall. Harimau Malaya roared, and the rest of Asia had better pay attention.
