Japan tends to struggle against physically dominant teams over a full tournament. It’s not that smaller players can’t win — they absolutely can — but let’s be real, it’s a huge disadvantage.

You need exceptional speed, technique, and tactical discipline just to match up — and even then, one bad aerial duel, one strong shoulder challenge, and the momentum shifts.

Smaller size doesn’t mean no chance — it just means you’re fighting uphill every game.

Today I saw news. Why the players name doesn't sound like local? and there's a photos labelling them with other country... Do they even speak bahasa? Betul ke team Malaysia?

Yeah, Arif Aiman is a gem, and I really hope that with the influx of heritage and naturalised players, he still gets to start — or at least stay within the top 22.

I read somewhere that FAM has identified 37 Argentine heritage players — that’s wild. It’s great for competition and depth, but we also need to make sure local talents like Arif don’t get sidelined just because others have overseas roots.

That said, in top-tier matches, you can’t afford to carry any sub-standard players — every position needs to be solid. So whether it's local or heritage, the best player should start — no free passes for either side.