The Malaysian Insider :: Breaking Views
The Malaysian Insider :: Breaking Views |
| Malaysia revive semifinal hopes with emphatic 4-1 win over Laos Posted: 28 Nov 2012 08:04 AM PST  Malaysia's Wan Zack Haikal Wan Nor celebrates after scoring the team's third goal against Laos during their AFF Suzuki Cup Group B soccer match in Kuala Lumpur November 28, 2012. – Reuters pic The national side lived up to national head coach Datuk K. Rajagobal's prediction that his boys would bounce back against Laos after an embarrassing 0-3 defeat to Singapore in their opening match. As expected, Rajagobal wielded the axe on goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat whose butter fingers was responsible for Malaysia's second goal against Singapore. Rajagobal took a bold step by introducing Mohd Farizal Marlias in goal and Mohd Shakir Shaari in midfield. Skipper Safiq Rahim broke the dead lock in the 15th minute with a superb free kick from the edge of the box to give the 20,000 odd supporters every reason to forget Sunday's disappointment. However, a lapse in defence saw Laos equalise through Khonesavanh Sihavong whose shot in the 39th minute deflected off a defender and sailed above the outstretched arms of Farizal. Though the first half ended 1-1, the second half was a totally different ball game as the Malayan Tigers had a better 'bite' of the game with Mohd Safee Mohd Sali missing a number of good opportunities. The Pelita Jaya striker however, made amends in the 67th minute after an excellent cross from Wan Zack Haikal Wan Nor gave him an easy task of beating Laos goalkeeper from close range. Wan Zack then got into the act by heading in a measured cross from the left by S. Kunalan in the 75th minute. Not contended with the scoreline, Rajagobal pulled out Safee and introduced Mohd Khyrill Muhymeen Zambri and the move paid off handsomely when the striker struck just a minute after coming on to put Malaysia 4-1 up in the 79th minute. Malaysia must however, beat Indonesia on Dec 1, to have any chance of making it to the semifinals and onwards to defend the title while Laos and Singapore will play their match at the Shah Alam Stadium simultaneously. – Bernama |
| Saudi king appears for first time since November 17 surgery Posted: 28 Nov 2012 07:53 AM PST JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, Nov 28 — Saudi King Abdullah has appeared on state television today for the first time since his 11-hour operation to tighten a back ligament on November 17, helping assuage fears over his health. In footage broadcast on state television, the monarch, who is in his late 80s, appeared to be in good health as he sat in a chair receiving members of the royal family and officials at the National Guard's King Abdulaziz Medical City in the capital Riyadh. Saudi stability is of global concern. The pivotal Gulf US ally holds more than a fifth of world petroleum reserves and is the birthplace of Islam, where millions of Muslims flock to perform the annual haj pilgrimage. "It should put to rest all the rumours that were circulated by unknown people," Jamal Khashoggi, an influential Saudi commentator said after footage of the king appeared on television. "He looked okay for his age," he added. Saudi media did not say when the king was expected to leave hospital. Because power in the world's top oil-exporting country is concentrated in the hands of the king and top princes, their health is closely watched. Rumours that the king's recovery was not going well circulated over social media networks sending the index to a 10-month low yesterday. The market rose 1.1 percent today. Top Saudi royals have repeatedly visited the king in hospital since the royal court announced the surgery in his upper back on November 18 a success, according to state media. Saudi analysts have said it was understandable that recovery would take time, given the king's advanced age. Saudi state media have been reporting visits by members of the royal family and senior officials to the hospital and Crown Prince Salman has twice come out to reassure Saudis about the king's health. But the lack of pictures of the monarch has only fuelled social media speculation about the king's health. King Abdullah underwent a similar operation in October last year and had back surgery twice in the United States in 2010 for a herniated disc, after which he spent three months outside Saudi Arabia recuperating. Two days after his back operation last year, Abdullah appeared on state television and was released from hospital within five days. The crown has passed down a line of sons of the kingdom's founder King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud, who died in 1953. King Abdullah - who took power in 2005 — named his brother Prince Salman, 13 years his junior, heir apparent in June after the death of Crown Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz. Salman, who deputises for the king, was shown on television last week meeting visiting US officials. He had chaired two weekly cabinet meetings since the surgery. — Reuters |
| You are subscribed to email updates from The Malaysian Insider :: ALL To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
0 ulasan:
Catat Ulasan