The Malaysian national football team has recently made huge waves on social media since its arrival in Asia’s top-regional competition after being absent for many years.
Under coach Kim Pan Gon, who boasts an impressive winning rate of 72.72%, Harimau Malaya qualified for the Asian Cup on merit after 43 years. This has led many to believe Malaysia can reach the last 16 for the first time in Doha.
Can they reach the last 16? Here are some insights on Malaysia through the eyes of these famed TikTokers.
Both hosts agree in the podcast clip that Malaysia faces an uphill task to get out of Group F.
“I’ve put an extra ounce of research into them (the Malaysian team), in 2018, they were ranked 178, but fast forward to today they are 130th.”
“Coached by Kim Pan Gon, they are top of their group in the World Cup Qualifiers, and they are a lot of people’s favourites for the tournament’s surprise team. The question is, do you buy into what people ultimately think this team is hyped up to be,” they stated.
“I do buy in to the hype. They have won a lot in the past 12 months, but there is a caveat to it.”
“They have won against weaker opponents. But it is good that Malaysia has been able to get the kind of results they want, because if we are talking about a team that is on the rise, that’s what they are supposed to achieve.”
Talking more about Malaysia’s Asian Cup chances, the host said: “They are in a tough group.”
“South Korea is part of Asia’s elite. Bahrain (86) and Jordan (87) are probably the better mid-tiered Asian teams.”
“If you want Malaysia to get out of this group, they have to do a lot of work, and I mean a lot,” said one of the podcasters.
“I predict they will finish fourth, but they would not be a bad fourth placed team.”
Let’s hope Malaysia continues to shock and awe football fans and neutrals alike. Fingers crossed. Remember your date when Malaysia faces off against Jordan in their Group Stage opener this Tuesday!
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