KUALA LUMPUR: Hosts Malaysia restricted Iran to a 2-0 victory in the final Group C match in the Asian Cup Final at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil last night. After crashing to heavy defeats by China (1-5) and Uzbekistan (0-5), Malaysia took a defensive approach and started with a 5-4-1 formation to put the brakes on the more fancied opponents.
The Malaysians defended well in numbers and Iran could only manage to take a 1-0 lead at half time – thanks to a penalty, converted by Javad Nekonam in the 28th minute. The second goal for Iran was scored by Andranik Timotian in the 74th minute.
The match last night drew less than 2,000 spectators and the Iranian supporters outnumbered the Malaysians.
The patriotic Malaysian fans came with banners – “Go! Go! Malaysia Boleh” and “Ayuh buktikan Malaysia”.
But there were also calls for changes in the national team. A banner called for the appointment of Selangor coach Dollah Salleh and former international Azman Adnan to replace Norizan Bakar.
Norizan told a post-match press conference that the match against Iran was his last assignment as the national coach.
“The team manager (Datuk Anifah Aman) told me after the match against Uzbekistan (last Saturday) that he had been informed by the FAM (FA of Malaysia) that the match against Iran tonight would be my last as the national coach even though I have a contract that runs until September,” he said.
Iran started with their strongest line-up with star players Mehdi Mahdavikia and Ali Karimi in their ranks even though they needed just a draw to advance.
The Malaysians held on as Iran failed to convert four sitters in the first half.
Two of the attempts by striker Vahid Hashemian and midfielder Ali Karimi hit the woodwork.
Iran earned the penalty after Malaysian skipper Kaironissam Sahabuddin tripped Ali Karimi inside the box in the 28th minute and Nekonam stepped up to make the conversion.
Mohd Shukor Adan had a rare chance to equalise in the 44th minute but goalkeeper Hassan Rodbarian stretched full length to keep out the curling shot.
Iran found the net for the second time after Andranik’s low shot from the top of the box slipped through the hands of goalkeeper Azizon Kadir in the 77th minute. Azizon made amends with several crucial saves to keep the score down.
The match last night drew less than 2,000 spectators and the Iranian supporters outnumbered the Malaysians.
The patriotic Malaysian fans came with banners – “Go! Go! Malaysia Boleh” and “Ayuh buktikan Malaysia”.
But there were also calls for changes in the national team. A banner called for the appointment of Selangor coach Dollah Salleh and former international Azman Adnan to replace Norizan Bakar.
Norizan told a post-match press conference that the match against Iran was his last assignment as the national coach.
“The team manager (Datuk Anifah Aman) told me after the match against Uzbekistan (last Saturday) that he had been informed by the FAM (FA of Malaysia) that the match against Iran tonight would be my last as the national coach even though I have a contract that runs until September,” he said.
Iran started with their strongest line-up with star players Mehdi Mahdavikia and Ali Karimi in their ranks even though they needed just a draw to advance.
The Malaysians held on as Iran failed to convert four sitters in the first half.
Two of the attempts by striker Vahid Hashemian and midfielder Ali Karimi hit the woodwork.
Iran earned the penalty after Malaysian skipper Kaironissam Sahabuddin tripped Ali Karimi inside the box in the 28th minute and Nekonam stepped up to make the conversion.
Mohd Shukor Adan had a rare chance to equalise in the 44th minute but goalkeeper Hassan Rodbarian stretched full length to keep out the curling shot.
Iran found the net for the second time after Andranik’s low shot from the top of the box slipped through the hands of goalkeeper Azizon Kadir in the 77th minute. Azizon made amends with several crucial saves to keep the score down.
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