KUNSHAN, China: There is nothing the national Under-23 players need to be ashamed about after their 2-1 loss to South Korea in their quarter-final match at the Kunshan Stadium in China, even though their ambition of creating even more history at the AFC Under-23 Championship came to a screeching halt.
Ong Kim Swee’s boys displayed terrific fighting spirit and a strong desire as well as determination to succeed, but they eventually had to admit defeat to the South Koreans who are also 2016 finalists.
This was admitted by Kim Swee who hopes that his charges will be able to learn from the defeat, especially the mistake they made which enabled the South Koreans to score the championship’s fastest goal through Cho Jae Wan’s strike in less than 15 seconds into the match.
"Overall the players did the best they could but the South Koreans are a very good team. They did not really panic when we levelled the score before they punished us with the winner in the dying minutes of the match.
"The early goal was a result of a player’s mistake of not paying attention. I hope the players can learn from this defeat. Because we played even better compared to when we beat Saudi Arabia where we controlled the match from the first half itself.
"However, when we drew level, the players failed to continue exerting control over the match,” he said during the post-match conference.
Even though they were shocked by such an early goal, Kim Swee’s boys refused to throw in the towel and fought hard to equalise through a header by Sea Games hero, substitute N. Thanabalan in the 67th minute.
Sadly, Malaysia, who were making their first appearance at the championship were dealt a cruel blow when Han Seung Gyu scored the South Koreans winning goal in the dying minutes of the match.
Even though it has been an achievement that was not expected in being able to advance to the quarter-finals of the championship, Kim Swee has reminded his players not to rest on their laurels and be too happy with what they have accomplished.
"It is a very good achievement but we cannot afford to be too happy or celebrate too much, as when we return to Malaysia, we will have to study all the matches played here in order to work on being more consistent.
"I truly believe in the players’ ability. They are confident and during the match they played as though they forgot that they were up against the South Koreans as they were not at all intimidated nor overawed by the occasion or their opponents,” he said.
Meanwhile, South Korea coach, Kim Bong Gil admitted that his players had to play smart and conserve on their energy to beat Malaysia.
It was no walk in the park for the South Koreans even though on paper they are the better, higher ranked team.
The South Korean players were not at their best after labouring to defeat Australia 3-2 in their final Group D match last Wednesday.
"Malaysia are a good team, and I am thankful to the players because they managed to win because I was worried about their physical level and energy levels,” he said.
The victory sees the South Koreans advance to the semi-finals on Tuesday where they will face Uzbekistan, as they continue in their quest to go all the way and win the championship after losing 3-2 to Japan in the 2016 final.
"Uzbekistan are a well-balanced team in terms of attack and defense as well, they also have really good players but we will be ready for them come Tuesday,” said the former Incheon United coach.