Big Loss Brings Valuable Lesson For Malaysia - Women's Footballl Legend

PUCHONG, Aug 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s Women’s Under-20 team should view their 0-16 loss to Japan in the recent Asian Qualifier as a valuable lesson and not be discouraged by the result, says former United States (US) women’s football legend Brandi Chastain.

The two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion said the defeat should not be seen as a failure, but as an opportunity to learn from facing one of the world’s top teams.

"It's important for these young players to understand that playing at the highest level is not easy especially against a country that has historically been a part of women's football, and also they have won world championships, and have been in the Olympic Games. 

“For me there is nothing to feel like they've not succeeded.The fact that they are still as a team is very important,” she told Bernama when met at the Kaki Bangku Soccer Clinic 2.0 at Sekolah Taman Putra Perdana recently.

Meanwhile, US women’s football coach Maren McCrary echoed Brandi’s views, urging Malaysian players to remain persistent and resilient in the sport.

She added that sustained investment in coach education will be crucial in raising the standard of women’s football in the country.

“Coach education, that is a big step and it's something that is happening. We saw that today and more of that will continue to help players become better,” she said.

Kaki Bangku 2.0 returns with an exciting line-up, spearheaded by the US Embassy’s mission to inspire and empower young Malaysians through football.

Over the course of Brandi and Maren's five-day visit, they will lead dynamic football clinics with school students and share her expertise through engaging talks at football clubs in Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA