FOOTBALL DIPLOMACY: UNITING NATIONS
1. As we celebrate 50 years of bilateral relations between Malaysia and Finland, despite the geographical distance of our countries, we tend to celebrate our similarities as well as appreciate our differences.
2. We're happy to point out that both Malaysians & Finns are footballing nations and for all you football fans out there, the month of March 2023 promises some mouth-watering games ahead.
3. Malaysia will be up against two crucial Tier 1 friendly matches this month against Turkmenistan (23rd) and Hong Kong (28th) in preparations towards the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. Meanwhile, Finland will be up against Denmark (23rd) and Northern Ireland (26th) for the UEFA EURO Qualifiers
4. We are happy to note that our HarimauMalaya will have the services of Malaysian-Finnish professional footballer, Nooa Laine, who will be making his debut on home soil.
5. Fun Facts about Nooa Laine:-
i) Nooa was called up by Malaysia’s national team head coach Kim Pan Gon for a centralised training camp in Johor Bahru this 18 March. He makes up part of the 27-man team called up for the upcoming friendlies but is the only European based player in the squad.
ii) In Finland he currently plays for Seinäjoen Jalkapallokerho (SJK Seinäjoki) and has even played for the Finland U17 team.
iii) He is a versatile midfielder who can play numerous positions in midfield (attacking, central, defensive) and is known for his technical skills, vision, passing range, as well as his work rate.
iv) Due to his style of play and young age (21 yrs), Nooa has been compared to a young former Finland international, Roman Eremenko
5. All the best to HarimauMalaya and Finland’s Huuhkajat (The Eagle-owls) in our pursuit for footballing glory
