Anticipating the second round of the meet between our “Harimau Muda” and nemesis “Garuda Muda” of Indonesia was a true nail-biting, cardiac arrest-inducing experience. And we haven’t even gotten into the part where they were playing against each other yet.
It has been some tough few challenges for our young Malaysian team as they fought their way to the top, while patiently holding steadfast to upping their performance on top of the loud jeering that would “welcome” them at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Indonesia. Last Thursday, Malaysia beat Indonesia 1 – 0 in a preliminary match to top “Group A”.
We weren’t exactly oblivious to the fact that Indonesia’s “Garuda Muda” was all out to crush our “Harimau Muda” this time around.
But despite not being on their home turf, our young countrymen fought hard in last night’s final football match against Indonesia. At full-time, both teams were still tied at 1 – 1 and it didn’t change even after extra-time play. It then called for the penalty shootout that rendered everyone dizzy with suspense and anxiety.
Even our eyes hurt from not blinking for way too long!
Needless to say, it was all worth it. Malaysia’s “Harimau Muda” breezed through the penalty kicks at 4 – 3 and the team is coming home with the SEA Games 2011’s mother of all medals, the football gold. Tigers, you have all just created history.
Congratulations, boys! Thank you for making us all proud.
Now hurry on home and flaunt those medals.
