As war-ravaged Palestine went on a blitzkrieg, hammering the Malaysian national team 6-0 in the 2018 World Cup Qualifying tie last night, Palestinian football coach, Abdel Nasser Barakat offered a sobering advice to the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), "Revamp the Malaysian national team!"
The former Palestine Under-23 coach who was shocked by Malaysia's awful display, said the national team should follow the Palestinian way of coming up with a strong team for the future, comprising talented young players.
"I think they (FAM) need to do the same as (what was done by) the Palestinian national team...we changed most of the players.
"I know there are too many good young players (out there) but Malaysia have to do the same (as well).
"We changed too many players and replaced them with young players. Nevertheless, I hope and wish them luck for the next game.
"We wanted to win this game but we were surprised because it was a very big result, we did not expect they (Malaysia) will give up after conceding three goals and did not try to get back to the game," he told reporters after the match at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium last night.
War-weary Palestine, ranked 118, enjoyed a goal feast as they whipped Malaysia - ranked 162 - 6-0 in the 2018 Russia World Cup and 2019 UAE Asian Cup joint qualifications, Group A match, last night.
Barakat, 43, appointed by the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) last March, made 15 changes to his line up with the average age ranging between 22 and 24, after the group stage knockout in the 2015 Asian Cup in Australia in January, despite a maiden appearance at the tournament.
His side however, surprised football fans worldwide in the Group A opening match against Saudi Arabia, where the home side needed an injury time goal to secure a narrow win of 3-2 at the Prince Mohammed Bin Fahad Bin Abdul Aziz Stadium, Dammam on Thursday.
Palestine, sharing three points with Arab Saudi and United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the Group A standings, however has topped the group with the huge goal margin gained yesterday.
Meanwhile, Malaysia who started badly with a 1-1 draw against minnows, Timor Leste, are currently in the last place, sharing one point with Timor Leste.
Barakat's efforts to create a stronger Palestinian national team for the future has already begun to bear fruit, following his easiest win last night, despite having lesser funds to run the team, compared to the Malaysian side.
"We entered this qualifying round to get more experience, good results and give confidence to the players. However, a 6-0 win is surely a big boost for the team. It is not that big a budget (we were given) as you know that Palestinian people are in a state of crisis...but we did a camp in Tunisie.
"It was a very good camp, we played three games against strong teams, (and) regardless of the results there, we tried to correct the mistakes and the players got the experience to enter this qualifying round," he said.
Palestine will host UAE on September 8, after the Malaysian side visits UAE on September 3 in the third match.
Bernama
Wed Jun 17 2015
Palestine beat Malaysia 6-0 in the 2018/ World Cup Qualifying tie last night. - BERNAMA pic
Kampung Tanjung Kala residents affected by flooded bridge every time it rains heavily
Almost 200 residents from 60 homes in Kampung Tanjung Kala have ended up stuck when their 200-metre (m) long concrete bridge flooded.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.