Array
(
    [_edit_lock] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1725694723:39
        )

    [tdc_dirty_content] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1
        )

    [tdc_icon_fonts] => Array
        (
            [0] => a:0:{}
        )

    [_thumbnail_id] => Array
        (
            [0] => 226737
        )

    [_edit_last] => Array
        (
            [0] => 39
        )

    [onesignal_meta_box_present] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1
        )

    [onesignal_send_notification] => Array
        (
            [0] => 
        )

    [onesignal_modify_title_and_content] => Array
        (
            [0] => 
        )

    [onesignal_notification_custom_heading] => Array
        (
            [0] => 
        )

    [onesignal_notification_custom_content] => Array
        (
            [0] => 
        )

    [_post_language] => Array
        (
            [0] => English
        )

    [_molongui_author] => Array
        (
            [0] => guest-176831
        )

    [_molongui_main_author] => Array
        (
            [0] => guest-176831
        )

    [td_post_theme_settings] => Array
        (
            [0] => a:1:{s:11:"td_subtitle";s:104:"If Malaysia wins, it might ease tensions among local football fans in protest against FAM’s leadership";}
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_primary_category] => Array
        (
            [0] => 599
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_focuskw] => Array
        (
            [0] => merdeka cup
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_linkdex] => Array
        (
            [0] => 49
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_content_score] => Array
        (
            [0] => 60
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_estimated-reading-time-minutes] => Array
        (
            [0] => 2
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_wordproof_timestamp] => Array
        (
            [0] => 
        )

    [post_views_count] => Array
        (
            [0] => 257
        )

    [post_views_count_7_day_arr] => Array
        (
            [0] => a:7:{i:0;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:1;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:2;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:3;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:4;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:5;a:3:{s:4:"date";s:10:"1749881737";s:5:"count";i:1;s:14:"per_hour_count";a:1:{i:6;i:1;}}i:6;a:3:{s:4:"date";s:10:"1749351845";s:5:"count";i:1;s:14:"per_hour_count";a:1:{i:3;i:1;}}}
        )

    [post_view_7days_last_day] => Array
        (
            [0] => 5
        )

    [post_views_count_7_day_last_date] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1749881737
        )

    [post_views_count_7_day_total] => Array
        (
            [0] => 2
        )

    [post_views_last_24_hours] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1
        )

    [post_views_last_48_hours] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1
        )

    [_wp_page_template] => Array
        (
            [0] => default
        )

)
A crucial final for Pau Marti and Harimau Malaya ahead of Merdeka Cup | Scoop
Harimau Malaya’s head coach Pau Marti Vicente is put under the test when the team goes against Lebanon in the Merdeka Cup finals tomorrow. – Facebook pic, September 7, 2024
Sports

A crucial final for Pau Marti and Harimau Malaya ahead of Merdeka Cup

If Malaysia wins, it might ease tensions among local football fans in protest against FAM’s leadership

Main Author Image
Adam Zamri
Updated
3:29 PM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR – As Pau Marti Vicente gears up for his second match as Malaysia’s head coach, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Tomorrow’s Merdeka Tournament final against Lebanon isn’t just another game; it is also a crucial test for the Harimau Malaya and their new leader.

Hosting the tournament, Malaysia is under immense pressure to secure a victory, not just for national pride but to solidify Pau Marti’s standing as the right man for the job.

Despite his recent appointment, stepping in after the unexpected resignation of South Korean Kim Pan Gon last month, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) hasn’t ruled out the possibility of finding a new coach.

A victory tomorrow would be a strong statement for Pau Marti, showcasing his capability, especially given his experience with Barcelona B and the Barcelona U-19 teams as an assistant coach.

Moreover, if Malaysia can clinch the Merdeka Cup title, it might ease tensions among local football fans, particularly the Ultras Malaya, who are currently boycotting the tournament in protest against FAM’s leadership.

At the same time, a victory tomorrow would also boost Harimau Malaya’s world ranking, which currently stands at 134.

However, it won’t be an easy task for Pau Marti, considering Malaysia has lost their last two matches against Lebanon, including one at Bukit Jalil in 2018.

“We are highly motivated to play this game. Hosting the final is an honour, and today we have one day to prepare the team and strategy. We will undoubtedly give 100% on the field.

“I believe it’s been over 10 years since Malaysia last won, so I hope we can celebrate together.

“It’s difficult to achieve perfection in football, but we strive to have the best approach in both attack and defence, aiming to put ourselves in the best position to win.

“Based on the last game, the performance was quite positive, but we need to be more aggressive,” said Pau Marti in a press conference today.

The last time Malaysia lifted the Merdeka Cup was 11 years ago, in the 2013 edition, after defeating Myanmar 2-0.

This edition, Malaysia advanced to the Merdeka Cup final after defeating the Philippines 2-1, while Lebanon, making their first appearance, secured their spot by beating the defending champions, Tajikistan, with a 1-0 victory. – September 7, 2024

Topics

 

◉ Popular

From player to mentor: Wee Wern calls time on glittering squash career, takes on coaching challenge

A desire to impart her years of experience to the younger generation has seen former world number five squash player Low Wee Wern make the tough decision to hang up her racquet.

No forced eviction of Pasir Panjang Ulu farmers, process was legal: Perak MB

Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the process was carried out legally, adding that MB Inc held a series of direct negotiations with the farm operators since 2021, in addition to offering ex-gratia at a reasonable rate. 

Here’s the Scoop: seeking forgiveness for taking God’s name in vain

IRRESPECTIVE of your faith, religion teaches us to see God in everything. Be it the first light of day or the shadow of the moon, the wind in the trees, or the chirping of the birds, in the laughter of children as well as the suffering of the less fortunate.

◉ Related

Copyright © 2023. All rights reserved.