VIENTIANE: Malaysia finally ended its 20-year gold drought in the SEA Games men’s football competition, when it defeated Vietnam 1-0 in the final played at the Main Stadium of the National Sports Complex in Vientiane on Thursday.
The ‘winner’ came courtesy of an own goal by Vietnam’s Mai Xuan Hop’s in the 84th minute of a toughly-fought final. The football gold medal was also Malaysia’s 40th gold medal in Vientiane.
The victory was all the more sweeter as the Malaysians had lost 1-3 to Vietnam in a group match on Dec 6. Earlier, the young Malaysians had knocked out defending champions Thailand 2-1 in the group stage to win a place in the semi-finals. Then in the last four, they downed Laos 3-1 in front of a sell-out 20,000 fans. Source: The Star Malaysia 17/12/09
The National Under-23 boys, who came here as non-medal prospects, pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the Games to win the gold. Malaysia last won the football gold in the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games in 1989, with a 1-0 victory over Singapore. Vietnam's Mai Xuan Hop (right) weeps as the Malaysians celebrate their 1-0 victory in the Laos SEA Games football final. Mai's own goal proved to be the 'decisive winner' for the Malaysians. - AP Photo
The ‘winner’ came courtesy of an own goal by Vietnam’s Mai Xuan Hop’s in the 84th minute of a toughly-fought final. The football gold medal was also Malaysia’s 40th gold medal in Vientiane.The victory was all the more sweeter as the Malaysians had lost 1-3 to Vietnam in a group match on Dec 6. Earlier, the young Malaysians had knocked out defending champions Thailand 2-1 in the group stage to win a place in the semi-finals. Then in the last four, they downed Laos 3-1 in front of a sell-out 20,000 fans. Source: The Star Malaysia 17/12/09
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My Comments: Finally after 20 years of waiting, Malaysian football finally found its pride and it had been proved on tonight match as they had finally won the Sea Games Gold Medal. It was indeed a proud performance from the young Malaysian side who did very well in their last 3 matches beginning when they beat Thailand. I believe many people will be very shocked and happy to see the results because normally Malaysia will not go away as champions but tonight is indeed their night again. I would like to take this golden opportunity to congratulate the Malaysian team for winning the Gold Medal and my advise was don't be just too happy or too proud about winning the sea games medal and the team should continue to improve games by games and try to show maturity in every match. There's still a long journey to go and we hope our success does not stop here only. Gambateh! Our dear National Team! :)
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