DOHA: Faisal Halim captured not only the hearts of Malaysians with his feisty play but also the imagination of an Asian audience with his goal against South Korea.
The diminutive winger scored an audacious goal against South Korea, one worthy to be a contender for the goal of the tournament award.
Nicknamed Mickey, Faisal tormented the Korean backline with his mazy runs, and cleverly beat Bayern Munich defender Kim Min Jae before scoring from an acute angle with a swerving shot.
It was Faisal's maiden Asian Cup goal and it was one that is sure to maks a lasting impression.
It was a goal that made Malaysian fans jump to their feet and scream with joy at Al Janoub Stadium.
Has he scored such a goal before? Faisal said it reminded him of a goal that he scored against the Penang youth team in 2015.
Faisal, who celebrated his 26th birthday in Doha on Jan 7, said he felt blessed to score.
"We work hard, do what we can do.
"The goal that I scored against Korea reminded me of when I played for Penang's Youth Cup team in 2015. It was similar."
Faisal said Malaysia's 3-3 draw against South Korea is something historic despite the team's exiting the competition early.
But he admitted that although the Malaysian team were delighted with the Korea result, they still couldn't accept the two earlier defeats (4-0 to Jordan) and
(1-0 to Bahrain).
"We will try to bounce back for the World Cup qualifiers (in March and June)," said Faisal.
"Everyone worked hard tonight and I think everyone was running around everywhere. People say if you fill up RM100 in petrol then you have to add more on the pitch."
