DHAKA: Striker Faizal Shaari may have lost four teeth in a bruising match against Pakistan yesterday, but he hasn’t lost his bite and is determined to help Malaysia achieve glory in hockey’s Asia Cup in Bangladesh.
At the end of the match, Faizal could still afford a smile even though his mouth was all bloodied earlier.
He was just glad that Malaysia had come from two goals down to beat Pakistan 3-2.
Faizal lost four teeth after being elbowed by a Pakistan defender in the mouth. He went out for treatment for at least 10 minutes.
But the heroic Faizal rejoined his teammates in the match, and was the first to hug his brother Fitri after the latter scored Malaysia’s winning goal off a penalty stroke.
After he went back to his hotel and sought treatment, four of his front teeth had to be removed.
A smiling Faizal wrote on social media: “4 batang gone (hilang) sebab apa, sebab kami main bukan untuk duit... sweet memory. Sedap juga makan siku.”
Translated: “Four teeth gone, for what? For we play not for money... sweet memories. Being elbowed in the mouth tastes good in victory.”
This brings back memories of the late Chua Boon Huat cracking Mirnawan Nawawi’s front four teeth during training for the 2001 World Cup in Kuala Lumpur.
Whatever happens, it won’t stop the steely hockey players from losing their bite. They play for pride.