Why I thought Malaysia had won

He got to wear his kit but he had orders to cheer for both sides (Apple iPhone 3GS)

You've heard the news and know the scoreline, it's Chelsea 1, Malaysia XI 0. But I have these reasons why I thought we were the real victors:

i) Our defence stood up to their much bigger opponents and was where they were supposed to be and at the right time;

ii) Our goalkeeper made some saves that even we didn't anticipate him to;

iii) Our onslaughts were no child play and really got Chelsea's keeper and defenders worried;

iv) Our determination was the stubborn type although one or two assaults were totally uncalled for;

v) Our passes were both accurate and not sharp in some instances but I had seen worse;

vi) Our sub goalkeeper had no way of avoiding the ball that hit him in the back and then trickled crossed the line. Wait a minute; it did not cross the line. It was the linesman who was nervous;

vii) In the final 10 minutes or so, our attack showed gusto, genuine effort and that fighting spirit in trying to equalize the dubious goal; and

viii) Our boys displayed the kind of skills that convince me they can actually play. For me, being better at the game is only the way to go for them.

Atmosphere of an international big game was felt... (Apple iPhone 3GS)

But we managed to hold on to our values... (Apple iPhone 3GS)

Although this we should not uphold... (Apple iPhone 3GS)

En route to the stadium (Apple iPhone 3GS)

The low-key opening ceremony (Apple iPhone 3GS)

And for the big team that it is, Chelsea as a whole was crap. And they can thank the linesman for saving them the embarrassment.

Game on (Apple iPhone 3GS)

But if there was one thing that marred the match, it was the persistent booing on Yossi Benayoun, the Jewish Chelsea winger. I wished the spectators were more mature.

What mattered to me most than this ugly episode and Malaysia 'winning' was that my elder son thoroughly enjoyed the outing. And enjoy he did.

It was hot and humid (Apple iPhone 3GS)

This guy was right in front of us and he couldn't stop blowing his wanna-be vuvuzela but I dare not stop him (Apple iPhone 3GS)

Blame the camera but this was Chelsea paying homage after the final whistle (Apple iPhone 3GS)

No explanation, no announcement why the gate was closed but not a single complaint or noise was made (Apple iPhone 3GS)

Train was packed to the brim (Apple iPhone 3GS)