Asian Cup - Malaysia 1:5 China: Ratings

A brief rating of Malaysian players:

1. Azizan Kadir (5/10)
He didn't really had a bad game because he's basically all alone in defense. Great saved from a wicked freekick.

2. Fauzie Nan (5/10)
Small-sized rightback with a big heart. But his pace and determination were not enough to support Shahrulnizam and the defense.

3. Zamani (4/10)
Very poor game by the right centerback. He was nowhere near the penalty area when the 1st and 2nd goals were scored. He's the reason why Nanthakumar was brought in.

4. Kaironnisam (5/10)
He's definitely can't cover the whole defense when his teammates were out of position for the whole 1st half. But the 2nd goal was definitely his fault.

5. Rosdi Talib (4.5/10)
A veteran leftback who love to attack. But he was out-paced a few times by the Chinese forwards. And he was very unfortunate for the 3rd goal.

6. Shukor Adan (6.5/10)
Hard working defensive midfielder. He's supporting both defensive and attacking roles. Great vision and long shot attempt that almost embarrassed the Chinese goalkeeper.

7. Fadzli Shaari (4/10)
He's supposed to be the creative playmaker who receive and distribute the ball around, but the central midfielder looked so lost.

8. Hardi Jaafar (6/10)
A left footer playing at left side of the midfield. Hardi is a specialist in set-piece. And he delivered quality freekicks and corners. He's the one who started the build-up that led to Malaysia's goal.

9. Shahrulnizam (4/10)
A disappointing game by Shahrulnizam. He was simply non-existent. And we lost our options to attack from the right side.

10. Hairuddin Omar (7/10)
Didn't get enough support from the midfielders. But Hairuddin's tireless effort can't be denied. He pressured the defense and tried every opportunity to get open to receive the ball. And his effort was rewarded when he cushioned the pass from Hardi, for Indra Putra to score Malaysia's only goal. He's Man of the Match.

11. Akmal Rizal (5.5/10)
He has recovered from the injury just enough to start, but his fitness hasn't. But he showed a wonderful footwork and created a great opportunity for Hairuddin to score.

12. Eddy Helmi (5.5/10)
Substituted ineffective Shahrulnizam and played along side Shukor Adan. He's fast and fearless player, not intimidated by bigger and faster Chinese players.

13. Nanthakumar (5.5/10)
A no nonsense defensive midfielder (ala Sissoko of Liverpool) replaced Fadzli Shaari. He's basically playing 3rd centerback to form 5 players defensive line.

14. Indra Putra Mahyuddin (6/10)
What a goal by Indra Putra! The best goal ever since...? His presence clearly troubled Chinese's defense. He may start along side Hairuddin next game.

15. Norizan Bakar (6.5/10)
The coach definitely has a backup plan. He tried to balance the midfield with creative and defensive midfielders. But when it didn't work, he quickly reshuffled the line-ups and it worked.

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