PETALING JAYA: Nine-man Malaysia got off to a winning start when they beat Italy 2-0 in the World University Games (Universiade) football competition in Kazan, Russia on Friday.
Striker A. Thamil Arasu opened the scoring in the 20th minute before winger D. Saarvindran sealed the win after converting a penalty in the 86th minute.
The win did not come easy as the national Under-23 side was reduced to nine men after goalkeeper Mohd Izham Tarmizi Roslan and striker Syahrul Azwari Ibrahim was red carded in the 74th and 78th minutes.
The Italians played with 10-man after Andrea Settembrini saw red in the 66th minute.
Coach Ong Kim Swee was pleased with the players’ commitment.
“In terms of tactical discipline we were superb. Everybody worked very hard especially our two strikers (Thamil and Syahrul). Besides going on the offensive they also lend support in defence.
“However, we could not play our usual style because Italy became aggressive after trailing in the 20th minute.”
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