Malaysia’s striker Norshahrul Idlan Talaha fights for the ball with Thailand’s defender Cholratit Jantakam during their semi-final AFF Suzuki Cup first leg match at the Bukit Jalil Stadium, December 9, 2012. The teams drew 1-1. GLENN GUAN/The Star STAR

Malaysia’s captain Mohd Safiq Rahim fights for the ball with Thailand’s midfielder Adul Lahso during their semi-final AFF Suzuki Cup first leg match at the Bukit Jalil Stadium, December 9, 2012. The teams drew 1-1. GLENN GUAN/The Star

On the run: Norshahrul Idlan Talaha (left) trying to get past Mohd Faizal Mohd during the national football team’s training session at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya, December 6, 2012. GLENN GUAN/The Star STAR

Tiger Roar: Malaysia’s midfielder Mohd Azamuddin Md Akil celebrates after scoring the first goal against Indonesia during the final Group B AFF Suzuki Cup match at the Bukit Jalil Stadium, December 1, 2012. Malaysia won 2-0. GLENN GUAN/The Star

Wet and wild: Johor HA players celebrating in the rain after beating Armed Forces to win the President’s Cup at the Bukit Jalil Hockey Stadium, October 10, 2012. GLENN GUAN/The Star STAR

Thailand’s Petchumphol punches Malaysia’s Ali Yakub during the Elite Boxing’s Thailand vs. Asia match at Sunway Convention Centre, October 9, 2012. GLENN GUAN/The Star