Brad’s gallant Harimau Muda can hold their heads high

Race to the finish: Azam Azmi Murad is chased by Vietnam’s Quang Ngo Dung during their semi-final match at the Viet Tri Stadium. — AP

WHEN the final whistle went on Thursday, all the Malaysian players sank to the floor in anguish.

They had fought gallantly for close to two hours and just when the lottery of penalties had seemed inevitable, they had been struck down by home side Vietnam in the 110th minute of the football semi-final.