I guess it's hard to say which teams are stronger based on the individual rankings alone - 150th vs 149th, but try look at it from a bigger picture - and you could sort of see the trends where each nation belongs, rightly.

If we're good enough, we'd be right up there in the top 10, or top 20. But look at the top 100 teams - does anyone seriously feel that we belong there, based on our recent performances? Even Bolivia, who manage to beat the likes of Brazil and Argentina, are only in 99th.

So while we may be able to beat teams above us, we are, deservedly, within that grouping range.

Just out of curiosity - which would you prefer - a great, spirited and confident performance from the team but losing or drawing unluckily, or another drab performance but scoring a lucky 1-0 win in injury time? :-)

You're right we must be one of the very few countries in the world where its own citizens support other countries, and knows more about football half the world away than their very own local teams or even the national team.

Usually games in the semis & finals will be slightly more expensive than the regular ones. RM20 is okay la...

Actually we can host it in Sabah. Guarantee to be packed with fans from both sides.

Wow the Besiktas fans look crazy. I also remember the Japanese football fans are quite awesome as well in their own club games.

So apparently our second goal may not be offside at all - according to the "new" offside rules. The striker may be in an offside position, but the ball wasn't played directly to him.

http://www.zonalmarking.net/2010/12/15/offside-goal/

Almost couldn't believe that it's almost exactly a year ago, that we upset Vietnam to win our first SEA Games gold in 20 years. Now, we have our chance to win a 2nd trophy in as many years. Might still be too early to call this a "revival", but for sure the team is getting stronger.

AFF Threatens To Shift 2nd Cup Final Over Rowdy Fans
JAKARTA, Dec 26 (Bernama) -- The euphoria over the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 second final at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium here might crumble after a group of supporters rioted and damaged several facilities there Sunday afternoon.

Worried over the incident which occurred during a scramble for the final tickets, the Asian Football Federation (AFF) has issued a stern warning to the Football Association of Indonesia that the encounter might not be held at the stadium on Wednesday.

"Three hours ago the AFF contacted me and issued a stern warning. If the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium is damaged by the spectators, the second final will not be held there," said FAI chief Nurdin Halid in an interview over TVOne beamed from Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.

He appealed to Indonesian fans to maintain order, otherwise the second final might be held at a neutral ground, much to the detriment the national squad.

"As about 50,000 supporters are jostling for 30,000 third class tickets priced at Rp50,000 (RM17.13) as I was told, definitely some people might not get them.

"But don't worry as we will provide a large screen outside the stadium for supporters without tickets to watch the match," he said, adding that the chaos was fuelled by several provocateurs.

Gelora Bung Karno Stadium controller M. Nigara said the supporters were allowed to sit in the stadium while waiting for their turn to buy the tickets.

"All of a sudden this afternoon they rioted when they lost their cool as they got tired of waiting," he said, adding that they destroyed the perimeter fences and the grass pitch and several supporters fainted during the rowdyism.

It is learned that the supporters braved the rain since yesterday and stayed overnight outside the stadium until the ticket counters opened this morning.

In KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysian and Indonesian fans started to fill up the terraces at the Bukit Jalil Stadium as early as 3pm, five hours before the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 first final kick-off.

The sound of vuvuzela and drum beats reverberate the stadium while Jalur Gemilang (national flag) fluttered among Malaysia fans who also held placards supporting the home team.

Fans of both sides led a carnival atmosphere outside the stadium while traders made a brisk business.

The highways leading to the National Sports Complex, namely the North-South Expressway, Kesas Highway, Maju Express Highway were congested in both directions while the sardine-packed LRT coaches unload supporters of both teams.

The Football Association of Malaysia has provided 70,000 tickets for Malaysian supporters and 15,000 more for Indonesia fans.


Indonesia will play host to the AFF-Suzuki Cup 2010 second final on Wednesday.

-- BERNAMA


Source: http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newssport.php?id=552607

Also notice the "thumbs up" given by an Indon player at the end. Good sportsmanship.

Quite unlikely. Our boys have already touched down in Jakarta a few mins ago.



Sauce: nst.com.my

Wow, that's one of the best photos I've seen from the stadium last night!

THIRD!