DOHA: Dion Cools finds himself in a rather unexpected scenario, entertaining the idea of playing in the World Cup for the ever-evolving Harimau Malaya – a dream that, until recently, seemed far-fetched.
In an interview with Fifa.com, the 27-year-old centre-back reflected on the World Cup qualification matches last November against Taiwan and Kyrgyzstan, propelling Harimau Malaya to the top of Group D with six points.
Touching on the gripping comeback against Kyrgyzstan, where the Malaysian team, ranked 130th, rebounded from a 3-1 deficit to secure a thrilling 4-3 victory, Cools labelled it as one of the most surreal games of his life.
Cools scored two goals, including the equaliser, in that match.
"You're 3-1 (down) thinking, 'Oh my god, what's going on, in our home stadium, in front of the crowd?'
"That is one of, if not the craziest games of my life.
"I think it's one of the better moments in my football career. It's something nice you can tell the kids. It was crazy!"
Cools also commended head coach Kim Pan Gon's bold target of securing 12 points in the World Cup qualifiers.
"We are halfway after two games, so that is an amazing start.
"The mood is good. Our team have achieved amazing things."
Cools, who earned his first cap in 2021, said they've qualified for the Asian Cup, won two qualification matches and are still capable of doing more.
"We can still go higher and higher and maybe even beat the bigger teams."
Reflecting on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he said: "Seeing guys playing in the World Cup in Qatar… (that was one of the best World Cups I have seen in my life."
The prospect of playing in the World Cup, in his words, would be nothing short of extraordinary.