WORLD CUP?
With Infantino favouring joint bids to host the World Cup, Asean nations want to capitalise on Fifa’s decision to expand the tournament to 48 teams from 2026.
For the record, Indonesia are the only Southeast Asian nation to have played in the World Cup. In 1938, Indonesia then known as Dutch East Indies, were thrashed 6-0 by Hungary in Reims, France.
Hosting a World Cup will not come cheap. Brazil spent US$14 billion (RM62.3 billion) when they staged the 2014 edition.
FA of Malaysia (FAM) generalsecretary Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin said if the 2034 World Cup is hosted in Southeast Asia, it will be good for football development in the region.
“It is not just about bringing the world’s greatest football event to Asean. Hosting the World Cup in 2034 will bring economic and other related benefits,” Hamidin told Timesport yesterday.
“However, Asean governments will have to invest for the bid in road construction, public transportation, stadiums and other infrastructures. It is a huge bid but as a national body, we will support it.”
On whether Malaysia will be keen to co-host the World Cup in 2034, Hamidin said the matter needs to be studied extensively and also get the support of concerned parties. been menacing.
Castanheira, who is of Brazilian and Japanese parentage, not only creates opportunities but also score goals. The 27-year-old has netted seven goals so far.
Team manager Satwant Singh said Castanheira has been instrumental but Steinebrunner is the main person behind Negri’s resurgence.
“Steinebrunner works very closely with coach Asri ahead of each game. The players have to attend video sessions almost on a daily basis to study their opponents,” Satwant told Timesport yesterday.
“The training style has also been innovative. The players have good chemistry with each other and everyone plays hard for the team.
“However, we should not get carried away. We have 18 games to go in the league and it is too early to say whether we can maintain our form throughout the season.
“We started well in 2016 but faded away as the league progressed. We do not want this to happen this year.”
Castanheira (23rd), Croatian Marko Simic (27th) and Izuan
“Hosting a World Cup needs full backing from the government. At this stage, it is quite premature to talk about hosting the 2034 edition.
“Furthermore, the new FAM officebearers to be voted in on March 25 may have a different perspective about it.
“But the most important thing is that we need to have a proper plan or project to ensure our national team are among the best in Asia. The first target should be breaking into the top 100 in the Fifa rankings,” said Hamidin.
Malaysia are currently ranked World No 162. The current national team, coached by Ong Kim Swee, are ranked 31st in Asia and fifth in Southeast Asia. Salahuddin (74th) were on target for Negri while Terengganu responded through Abdul Latiff Suhaimi (53rd) and Issey Nakajima-Farran (80th) on Monday.
In another league match, Vincent Weijl of the Netherlands scored in the 20th and 80th minutes for Perak SEDC in the 2-1 win over Perlis at Tuanku Syed Putra Stadium in Kangar. Englishman Brandon Adams scored his third in as many games for Perlis in the 20th minute.
Perlis coach Razip Ismail is feeling the heat as angry fans had gathered outside the stadium calling for his resignation after the game.