Football: Hot strikers, sloppy defenders
2011/07/17
By Ajitpal Singh and Devinder Singh
nstsport@nstp.com.my
SAFEE Sali chose the perfect moment to announce his return from injury with two goals as Malaysia gave Liverpool an all-mighty scare before going down 6-3 in a friendly at the National Stadium yesterday.
Two Liverpool goals in stoppage time were cruel on the national team, who were chasing an equaliser at that time but coach K. Rajagobal can take many positives ahead of Malaysia's World Cup qualifier against Singapore on Saturday.
The only blemish last night was the loose defending which resulted in Liverpool streaking ahead 4-1 before Safee came on to score a special brace, his first goals for Malaysia since the AFF Cup.
Despite conceding six goals yesterday and 14 in the last four games, Rajagobal professed himself pleased after the poor showing on Wednesday in a 4-0 defeat to Arsenal.
"We did what we had planned to do, we played with greater urgency, there were good combinations on the pitch and we started off well," said Rajagobal, who made four changes from the side which played Arsenal.
"The disappointing thing was the (penalty) decision which may have demoralised the players. But we were aggressive and I told the players to stay positive and we got the equaliser through Safiq (Rahim).
"The goal gave a spark to the players and it was a very satisfying performance. But in the second half, we let in the goals through sloppy defending and a lack of concentration.
"I immediately replaced the players (Muslim Ahmad and Fadhli Shas) because I want them to know I'm serious. When you make mistakes against world-class players like that, they will kill you. In fact, the goals we conceded were gift goals for Liverpool."
Liverpool assistant manager Steve Clarke praised Malaysia's fighting spirit and singled out skipper Safiq, who scored off a breathtaking free-kick and Safee, who displayed his killer predatory instinct in front of goal.
"It was a good test before we go home, we created a few more chances in the second-half than the first which was more difficult," said Clarke, who stood in for manager Kenny Dalglish who returned to England earlier.
"Malaysia worked hard, were competitive but fair with some strong and honest challenges. They should be delighted to score three goals.
"It was a very open and entertaining game in the second half and I think we've got ourselves an invite to come back.
"We were trying to put on show and Malaysia deserve to take credit as well as it takes two teams to play.
"They showed great energy and the number eight (Safiq) scored a fantastic free-kick while the number 10 (Safee) made good runs forward and got two goals. You can be very proud of your team."
The match threatened to go as it did against Arsenal when Charlie Adam scored a disputed penalty as referee Nagor Amir Noor Mohamed momentarily stole the limelight when Andy Carroll went down in the box chasing an Adam pass with Fadhli in close pursuit.
But Malaysia stunned Liverpool in the 43rd minute when Safiq sent a beautiful free-kick over the wall, past a diving Jones and into the top corner of the net to the delight of the over 80,000 fans.
David Ngog then scored in the 68th and 70th minutes -- stabbing in the first after a mix up between Fadhli and Muslim before another mistake by Muslim allowed the Frenchman to fire an unstoppable shot past Khairul Fahmi Che Mat.
After Maxi Rodriguez slid in to make it 4-1 off Emiliano Insua's cross in the 75th minute, Safee struck twice barely 10 minutes after coming on.
The Pelita Jaya striker bundled the ball in from close range in the 79th minute when Martin Hansen parried Amirulhadi Zainal's cross into his path before coolly slotting in from an angle three minutes later.
Even as Malaysia pushed for an equaliser, Liverpool tore the home defence apart for Rodriguez and Dirk Kuyt to score in stoppage time.
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