friends & foes: Aus>Ind>Jap>Kor>Mas>Sin25 Mar
Wed
Cold.
Kamikaze
It's the first day of the tournament, and for the first time, APAC greets its participants with a opening ceremony!
All the countries were to line up and march in and waved to the crowed.
For Malaysia, it was a proud moment as we won even before our first match.
"Smallest Contingent Award" - 12(including the coach!)
"Best Attire Award" - Freestyle - the only team without uniform jacket/jersey and track suit.
Clap clap clap.
where are the rest?back home.
freestyle - T & jeans. yeng!Well, I don't think I should even judge it cuz they were all in Korean and I don't understand a word. But thank you for the generous contribution, without it the tournament wouldn't be so grand.
Fast forward...
The opening ceremony performance.
The Koreans first entertained us with a traditional dance?
I think its a dance.
The performers dressed in Korean traditional attire and...
going in circles while traditional instruments are played.
I don't really know what they were doing.
Almost fell asleep as they kept on going for 10mins+
*yawn* so long wan...It started of with some serious action and then as the tune turns into some quick tempo pop music, the performers got funny in their dance steps.
It was really entertaining.
don't mess with us!Next, the last performance, was what I would call an "oooooooo" performance.
Inspired by Chris! haha..
The Koreans treated us with a string of sexy dance eye candy.
Ahem...
Details are spared, lets keep it that way before Linken starts knocking saying it sounds wrong!! haha...
chun? Girls Generation better!!Kk, cut the crap.
Anyway, our game was the last on the schedule, 730pm.
It was our first, and against the hot favourites. Nippon.
The Japanese were regular World Championship Campaigners and was way superior than us in all department.
Not to mention it was 20 of them against 11 of us. Do the math.
Surprisingly, against such tough opponents, I felt pretty calm.
Maybe knowing that the outcome had already been written helps.
It just a matter of how hard can we make them work for it.
All out fellas!
In the end, it was a 14-1 loss.
A so so performance by the team but everyone worked their socks off.
Although we were chasing shadows must of the time.
The gap was to big. They were way too good.
Pass pass pass - open goal
Pass pass pass - shot on target
Linken was pretty helpless, eating all the shit as he predicted. haha.
And they did even played 100%. I think.
They looked pretty relax.
A warm game to them I guess.
My personal aim for the game was to work hard and get some body checks.
But what the hell, the Japanese were too quick and skillful.
They were quick in releasing, in dribbling and shooting.
By the time I got to my man, the ball was already gone.
They rarely get caught while holding the ball.
Seeing how the Japanses play really makes you wonder when will Malaysia reach that level.
10 years?
20 years?
Haiz...
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
26 Mar
Thur
Cold. As usual.
20 minutes
Matchday 2.
Its the day the host, Korea will entertain us.
The match was at noon, hence had time to slack.
Had breakfast.
Performed rituals.
Set.
Go!
Past experiences has shown that Korean were worthy opponents.
They are fast, strong, fit and above all, die hard!
They run and keep running until the final whistle.
Technically I don't think we were that far apart.
Tactically, well, I say they had definitely trained more than us.
We should be able to match them. I thought...
How wrong was I!!
It was all wrong from the start.
We tried to play as hard as we could,
I gave a few body checks and slashes, defending the goal with everything I could muster,
but we just kept conceding goals after goals.
Simple goals, fluke, slot goals, long shots...
What they touched just seems to turn into gold(goal)!
Every restart, the heart seems to sink deeper, we just couldn't give a response.
It was by far the worst 20 minutes of my life!
Time seems to lag down, reminding you that the period was still far from over, torturing your already sunken heart.
It was a mixture of utter relief, unbearable frustration and exploding rage when the ref ended the FIRST period.
We were down by 8 to nothing!
What the heck went wrong?!
The coaches tried to lift the spirits of the team, tell us to forget about the 1st and go in win the 2nd and 3rd period.
I think it help a little and we were a totally different team in the 2nd.
We gave the host little room to express but we ourselves only managed to squeeze in a goal.
It was a pure gift by the Koreans as they left the court empty, mistakening our corner at their end to be theirs.
I was nearest to the corner wasted no time and dispatch the pass to a charging TM who tap in the egg breaker.
It was a huge mental lift.
We fought hard in the third as well but conceded 3 as we tried for the impossible - chasing the lead.
Losing 8-0 and 8-7 is still a loss, its just a matter of goal difference.
Nothing wrong giving it a try.
In the end, it was a miserable 11-2 defeat in the hands of the Host.
To this day, there seems to be no answer for the mysterious 1st period.
Was it home advantage?
Did we let our guard down?
Were we too soft?
Or Did we rush the tempo too much?
It remains unsolved...
Thur
Cold. As usual.
20 minutes
Matchday 2.
Its the day the host, Korea will entertain us.
The match was at noon, hence had time to slack.
Had breakfast.
Performed rituals.
Set.
Go!
Past experiences has shown that Korean were worthy opponents.
They are fast, strong, fit and above all, die hard!
They run and keep running until the final whistle.
Technically I don't think we were that far apart.
Tactically, well, I say they had definitely trained more than us.
We should be able to match them. I thought...
How wrong was I!!
It was all wrong from the start.
We tried to play as hard as we could,
I gave a few body checks and slashes, defending the goal with everything I could muster,
but we just kept conceding goals after goals.
Simple goals, fluke, slot goals, long shots...
What they touched just seems to turn into gold(goal)!
Every restart, the heart seems to sink deeper, we just couldn't give a response.
It was by far the worst 20 minutes of my life!
Time seems to lag down, reminding you that the period was still far from over, torturing your already sunken heart.
It was a mixture of utter relief, unbearable frustration and exploding rage when the ref ended the FIRST period.
We were down by 8 to nothing!
What the heck went wrong?!
The coaches tried to lift the spirits of the team, tell us to forget about the 1st and go in win the 2nd and 3rd period.
I think it help a little and we were a totally different team in the 2nd.
We gave the host little room to express but we ourselves only managed to squeeze in a goal.
It was a pure gift by the Koreans as they left the court empty, mistakening our corner at their end to be theirs.
I was nearest to the corner wasted no time and dispatch the pass to a charging TM who tap in the egg breaker.
It was a huge mental lift.
We fought hard in the third as well but conceded 3 as we tried for the impossible - chasing the lead.
Losing 8-0 and 8-7 is still a loss, its just a matter of goal difference.
Nothing wrong giving it a try.
In the end, it was a miserable 11-2 defeat in the hands of the Host.
To this day, there seems to be no answer for the mysterious 1st period.
Was it home advantage?
Did we let our guard down?
Were we too soft?
Or Did we rush the tempo too much?
It remains unsolved...
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
27 Mar
Fri
Still damn cold
Peak
All was forgotten, we look ahead.
Looking ahead to play with our fellow hotelmates - the Aussies.
The small Aussie squad were in good form.
Beating the host and Singapore.
Like Japan, they played really good, free flowing Floorball.
Entertaining to watch but deadly when played against.
Like Japan, the outcome seems certain for us.
It was yet again a matter pride and experience.
We'll played our very best and frustrate them as much as possible.
And we did.
We surprise the Aussies and ourselves.
We were rather discipline and executed Coach Dennis's tactics well.
Pressed high and limiting their passing opinions.
The Aussie eventually resorted to high balls which was a compliment for our hard work.
In the end, we lose but it was our best performance by far.
Everyone was discipline, stayed tight and worked hard.
It was a game with a lot of positives
The tactic worked well, we just needed more training.
Hopefully the squad will stay and the national training will continue.
With more training we'll be better.
Fri
Still damn cold
Peak
All was forgotten, we look ahead.
Looking ahead to play with our fellow hotelmates - the Aussies.
The small Aussie squad were in good form.
Beating the host and Singapore.
Like Japan, they played really good, free flowing Floorball.
Entertaining to watch but deadly when played against.
Like Japan, the outcome seems certain for us.
It was yet again a matter pride and experience.
We'll played our very best and frustrate them as much as possible.
And we did.
We surprise the Aussies and ourselves.
We were rather discipline and executed Coach Dennis's tactics well.
Pressed high and limiting their passing opinions.
The Aussie eventually resorted to high balls which was a compliment for our hard work.
In the end, we lose but it was our best performance by far.
Everyone was discipline, stayed tight and worked hard.
It was a game with a lot of positives
The tactic worked well, we just needed more training.
Hopefully the squad will stay and the national training will continue.
With more training we'll be better.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
28 Mar
Sat
Cold. I like.
Balls or Win?
3 loses in a row, are we going to bounce back?
Well, how about today?
We got slotted for the last game again at late 7 30 pm, damn sienz.
It was a game we thought we can win.
It was against Singapore.
Singapore? Sure bo?
If it was their 1st team, a trashing is certain.
Against 15 year olds, can gua...
I wasn't completely convinced like the others.
We're gonna own them? I donno wei~
They young, fast, skillful and good.
They like to attack.
And they like to ball watch.
We definitely have a chance if we don't get too complacent.
Game on.
For once Mas started off with a bang.
We led.
1-0. A contribution by the humbly me, assisted by Mamak's apprentice, JLo.
Strike two.
We double our lead with 5 minutes on the clock. TM and Guan combo.
Then came the hellish 5 minutes.
Out of no where, the Sg boys struck back.
Two in quick succession.
I was stuned.
JLo then settled some nerves with a third for Mas.
Stay strong stay strong.
Must hold the lead to the break.
But what crap!
Almost immediately after the face off, the boys equalised again.
Damn, we can't even hold them off for 20+ sec?
What the heck went wrong?
It was sluggish, uncertain, amateurish defending.
And for once, the Coach gave us a hairdryer treatment.
No more pick up the balls!!!
Win the game!!!
It was a wake up call.
We came out more focused and determined.
The lead was restored by Sam, from a generous contribution by the author.
Which was celebrated not by ball picking(wanna kena meh?) but by lifting the goal scorer.
An act which was interpreted by the ref that I scored, swapping the assist with Sam.
Sorry Sam, it doesn't matter, as long as we win! XD
It was a huge relief.
We were not ahead again.
Leading is always way better than then trailing.
No more letting our guard down!!
I thought coming to Korea, the cold weather was good.
But the food was better.
Scoring a hattrick??
Ehem.
It's the best!!
With good fortune, unintentional thievery and nice positioning, I chipped in the third.
Again supplied by Mr. Sam T. Nice one!
I was in ecstasy!!!
Man, I have been to 2 APAC outings without a single goal, and just before the game I remember mumble to someone about not scoring. When will I get a goal?
Who knew it was today?
Not one, but two? Unofficially.
Officially, it's three. Wahaha...
You cannot understand how I felt.
The third period was a bit shaky as Sg pushed on all out.
It was a do or die for them.
It was a defend or die for us as well.
In the end, we managed to suck in tying the period 2-2.
However, like our previous win against Aus in 2007, it wasn't short of nervy moments.
Coincidentally, both games ended with us down by 4 with less than 2 minutes to spare.
Presenting the awards:
"Most Nervy Moment Award";
"Best Two Minute Award"; and
"Best Tackle Award" to.......
Guan!!! XD
Flash back of the incident:
Well, as usual, the Sg boys slick movement and passing craved open our defence.
It was a clear shooting opportunity in the centre.
As I was praying on the sidelines that he would miss or Link would save it...
Introducing... Guan!!
Who miraculously/ ridiculously SLIDE in(like a footballer) and block the shot!
Link was like what the ****!!!
But in my heart I shouted: Great block! And secretly clapped from the side.
It was a clear sent off with less than 2 minutes.
We were up by 2 but anything could happen even in 30 seconds.
Bringing back the jitters in APAC 2007 where TM did an incorrect distance.
We will never know whether that shot would have went in.
We will never know whether it was a necessary offence.
It doesn't really matter, cuz we survived!
We won!
Finally, it was a historical win for Mas.
It was the first win after we started regular national training.
At least some of the hard work paid off.
It was the first time(at least in my time) we had 2 hattrickers in a game.
One official, the true hattrick scorer, Term;
the other, also official but a thief who stole one from a teammate. haha.
sui!
Adding the icing on top, the MoM...
Teng teng teng teng....
Was me.
*Kembang*
Haha...
It was a day of first's.
First goal.
First hattrick.
First MoM.
Yes!!
The win and glory aside, there was much to reflect on the game.
We won but only because we were more tactically discipline.
Offensive wise, the boys were good.
They had pace which tired us, and skills that dazzled pass us.
But we some how stopped them while they some how missed the shots.
On the other hand, we defended collectively, holding them off.
And when they lose possession, we countered swiftly and directly
Cuz we were bad with the ball too long.
Luckily enough our offences were more effective, althougth their ball watching did made our life easier.
We won.
Against a young and inexperience opponent.
They were all technically above us all, so call Malaysis Floorball Team.
None of our 15 years olds back home is half as good as them.
It would be a surprise to see any of them making into the senior squad in the future.
And it would be a surprise to see Mas struggling against the same opponent if we ever meet again. Still, there is much gap to be closed.
29 Mar
Sun
I like the cold.
26 to 200.
Time flies.
By the time we we realised, 4 games had been played, 1 left.
The opponent?
India.
We host them just months before in KL.
2 games in 2 days.
Won both.
Totoal goals scored, 60+ I think.
So it was a sure win game, a mere formality.
The Coaches even threaten to retire if we lose.
I personally will quit too if we lose!
A clean sheet seems to be a more worthwhile objective.
We were determine to keep that.
We would love to keep their goal scored at 1.
And personally I was looking forward to something else.
Adding 26 to their goal conceded which will add up to 200.
Man, the numbers look nice. XD
We did achieve the earlier, but fail the latter by one goal.
199. Damn, just a goal short!
So, our final game sums up our Asia Pacific Floorball Championship 2009, campaign.
Winning 2 games losing 3, place us at a historical standing of overall 4th/6.
Scoring and conceding 38 in the process.
The negatives:
We are still far behind in terms of... everything.
Techniques.
Our passing and receiving especially, sucks!
We cannot string up more than 5 passes to create an attack!
Often we resort to long balls or direct shot and rebound style.
Our shots are decent but can be better, especially first times and simple volleys.
We misses a bucket load of those.
Ball control as well, we just seem to lose the ball too easily.
Tactically and positioning.
Especially those of us not playing in Singapore.
These can be gain through training, but real time game play experience is still the most effective way. And we lack those in Malaysia.
However, these will have to come after mastering the techniques, cuz without it, even we get in place, we still cannot execute what we want.
Last but not least, repeated year after year; training after training....
Fitness.
We cannot compete and maintain our standards long enough to last the game.
Often in the third, we struggle to keep up with our opponents.
Haiz, people are just plain lazy to train on their own.
and Mental.
We just couldn't get into the game fast enough.
we would always get trashed for the first two games then wake up and peak in the third.
It's way to late by then, we need to get our head straight and pump the adrenaline from the first step on the court.
How to improved on that?
I really donno.
Self-hypnotism maybe?
Positives??
Hmmm....
We actually can defend pretty well when we work our socks out and stay compact.
We just need the stamina to maintain the level of competitiveness throughout the game.
Err.... other than that, I don't recall any worthwhile mentioning plus points.
Looks like we still have A LOT of work before we can really be competitive in APAC.
the miserable 12:
(from top left)TM>KY>JLo>Des>Link>Coach Dennis Kimchi
(from bottom left)Guan>Chris>KennyK>Coach Ed>SamT>Kok Ee
Sat
Cold. I like.
Balls or Win?
3 loses in a row, are we going to bounce back?
Well, how about today?
We got slotted for the last game again at late 7 30 pm, damn sienz.
It was a game we thought we can win.
It was against Singapore.
Singapore? Sure bo?
If it was their 1st team, a trashing is certain.
Against 15 year olds, can gua...
I wasn't completely convinced like the others.
We're gonna own them? I donno wei~
They young, fast, skillful and good.
They like to attack.
And they like to ball watch.
We definitely have a chance if we don't get too complacent.
Game on.
For once Mas started off with a bang.
We led.
1-0. A contribution by the humbly me, assisted by Mamak's apprentice, JLo.
Strike two.
We double our lead with 5 minutes on the clock. TM and Guan combo.
Then came the hellish 5 minutes.
Out of no where, the Sg boys struck back.
Two in quick succession.
I was stuned.
JLo then settled some nerves with a third for Mas.
Stay strong stay strong.
Must hold the lead to the break.
But what crap!
Almost immediately after the face off, the boys equalised again.
Damn, we can't even hold them off for 20+ sec?
What the heck went wrong?
It was sluggish, uncertain, amateurish defending.
And for once, the Coach gave us a hairdryer treatment.
No more pick up the balls!!!
Win the game!!!
It was a wake up call.
We came out more focused and determined.
The lead was restored by Sam, from a generous contribution by the author.
Which was celebrated not by ball picking(wanna kena meh?) but by lifting the goal scorer.
An act which was interpreted by the ref that I scored, swapping the assist with Sam.
Sorry Sam, it doesn't matter, as long as we win! XD
It was a huge relief.
We were not ahead again.
Leading is always way better than then trailing.
No more letting our guard down!!
I thought coming to Korea, the cold weather was good.
But the food was better.
Scoring a hattrick??
Ehem.
It's the best!!
With good fortune, unintentional thievery and nice positioning, I chipped in the third.
Again supplied by Mr. Sam T. Nice one!
I was in ecstasy!!!
Man, I have been to 2 APAC outings without a single goal, and just before the game I remember mumble to someone about not scoring. When will I get a goal?
Who knew it was today?
Not one, but two? Unofficially.
Officially, it's three. Wahaha...
You cannot understand how I felt.
The third period was a bit shaky as Sg pushed on all out.
It was a do or die for them.
It was a defend or die for us as well.
In the end, we managed to suck in tying the period 2-2.
However, like our previous win against Aus in 2007, it wasn't short of nervy moments.
Coincidentally, both games ended with us down by 4 with less than 2 minutes to spare.
Presenting the awards:
"Most Nervy Moment Award";
"Best Two Minute Award"; and
"Best Tackle Award" to.......
Guan!!! XD
Flash back of the incident:
Well, as usual, the Sg boys slick movement and passing craved open our defence.
It was a clear shooting opportunity in the centre.
As I was praying on the sidelines that he would miss or Link would save it...
Introducing... Guan!!
Who miraculously/ ridiculously SLIDE in(like a footballer) and block the shot!
Link was like what the ****!!!
But in my heart I shouted: Great block! And secretly clapped from the side.
It was a clear sent off with less than 2 minutes.
We were up by 2 but anything could happen even in 30 seconds.
Bringing back the jitters in APAC 2007 where TM did an incorrect distance.
We will never know whether that shot would have went in.
We will never know whether it was a necessary offence.
It doesn't really matter, cuz we survived!
We won!
Finally, it was a historical win for Mas.
It was the first win after we started regular national training.
At least some of the hard work paid off.
It was the first time(at least in my time) we had 2 hattrickers in a game.
One official, the true hattrick scorer, Term;
the other, also official but a thief who stole one from a teammate. haha.
sui!Adding the icing on top, the MoM...
Teng teng teng teng....
Was me.
*Kembang*
Haha...
It was a day of first's.
First goal.
First hattrick.
First MoM.
Yes!!
The win and glory aside, there was much to reflect on the game.
We won but only because we were more tactically discipline.
Offensive wise, the boys were good.
They had pace which tired us, and skills that dazzled pass us.
But we some how stopped them while they some how missed the shots.
On the other hand, we defended collectively, holding them off.
And when they lose possession, we countered swiftly and directly
Cuz we were bad with the ball too long.
Luckily enough our offences were more effective, althougth their ball watching did made our life easier.
We won.
Against a young and inexperience opponent.
They were all technically above us all, so call Malaysis Floorball Team.
None of our 15 years olds back home is half as good as them.
It would be a surprise to see any of them making into the senior squad in the future.
And it would be a surprise to see Mas struggling against the same opponent if we ever meet again. Still, there is much gap to be closed.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
29 Mar
Sun
I like the cold.
26 to 200.
Time flies.
By the time we we realised, 4 games had been played, 1 left.
The opponent?
India.
We host them just months before in KL.
2 games in 2 days.
Won both.
Totoal goals scored, 60+ I think.
So it was a sure win game, a mere formality.
The Coaches even threaten to retire if we lose.
I personally will quit too if we lose!
A clean sheet seems to be a more worthwhile objective.
We were determine to keep that.
We would love to keep their goal scored at 1.
And personally I was looking forward to something else.
Adding 26 to their goal conceded which will add up to 200.
Man, the numbers look nice. XD
We did achieve the earlier, but fail the latter by one goal.
199. Damn, just a goal short!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
So, our final game sums up our Asia Pacific Floorball Championship 2009, campaign.
Winning 2 games losing 3, place us at a historical standing of overall 4th/6.
Scoring and conceding 38 in the process.
The negatives:
We are still far behind in terms of... everything.
Techniques.
Our passing and receiving especially, sucks!
We cannot string up more than 5 passes to create an attack!
Often we resort to long balls or direct shot and rebound style.
Our shots are decent but can be better, especially first times and simple volleys.
We misses a bucket load of those.
Ball control as well, we just seem to lose the ball too easily.
Tactically and positioning.
Especially those of us not playing in Singapore.
These can be gain through training, but real time game play experience is still the most effective way. And we lack those in Malaysia.
However, these will have to come after mastering the techniques, cuz without it, even we get in place, we still cannot execute what we want.
Last but not least, repeated year after year; training after training....
Fitness.
We cannot compete and maintain our standards long enough to last the game.
Often in the third, we struggle to keep up with our opponents.
Haiz, people are just plain lazy to train on their own.
and Mental.
We just couldn't get into the game fast enough.
we would always get trashed for the first two games then wake up and peak in the third.
It's way to late by then, we need to get our head straight and pump the adrenaline from the first step on the court.
How to improved on that?
I really donno.
Self-hypnotism maybe?
Positives??
Hmmm....
We actually can defend pretty well when we work our socks out and stay compact.
We just need the stamina to maintain the level of competitiveness throughout the game.
Err.... other than that, I don't recall any worthwhile mentioning plus points.
Looks like we still have A LOT of work before we can really be competitive in APAC.
the miserable 12:(from top left)TM>KY>JLo>Des>Link>Coach Dennis Kimchi
(from bottom left)Guan>Chris>KennyK>Coach Ed>SamT>Kok Ee
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