KUALA LUMPUR: The shortlisting of Mohd Faiz Subri's 'physics-defying goal' as one of the top three contenders for Fifa's Puskas Award 2016 has been greeted with exuberant cheer from Malaysians who took to social media to express their appreciation.
Netizens shared their happiness over the historic achievement and said they hope that Mohd Faiz will become the first ever Malaysian to win the prestigious award.
Facebook user Khairul Anwar Abdullah said, "Congratulations Faiz Subri who will be at the FIFA Football Award in Zurich on January 9 after (being) shortlisted as top three for Puskas Award 2016".
"Faiz Subri. His name is on par with Messi and Neymar for this award, really proud of it. World class award!," said @haziqbadrudin on Twitter.
Mohd Kassim Tarmimi, in his Facebook post, said: "Come on Faiz, show them even though (you) never wear the national jersey (you are) able to make history for our beloved country".
@SivanJohn on Twitter said: "Congratulations for being nominated. Let me just say congratulations because he has won it. Mark this tweet! #FaizSubri #PuskasAward".
Faiz Mat Lazim said: "Congrats (we) have a representative from Malaysia! Congrats Faiz Subri."
Netizens also urged Malaysians to continue voting for Mohd Faiz to enable him to win the award.
'Mr Right' said: "History will be created! A Malaysian will attend FIFA's highest award ceremony. @Khairykj @TeamMsia let's launch a campaign to make sure Faiz Subri wins."
"Thank God, Faiz Subri Congratulations! Hope you will win, for football fans, keep voting (for our) Malaysian representative," said Lee Ya Rie in a Facebook post.
The final three goals in the running for the Puskas Award 2016 were announced by Fifa on its Twitter account at 8pm last night.
Faiz had scored the 'wonder goal' during his free kick against Pahang during the Malaysian Super League match last Feb, leading the team to a 4-1 win against Pahang.
As of 9.30pm last night, a YouTube clip of Mohd Faiz's goal had amassed 1,384,112 views, while contender Johnath Marlone's goal received 904,436 views, and Daniuska Rodriguez of had 618,593 views.
Three goals which receive the highest votes will go through a second vote, and the winner will be announced at the Fifa Football Awards ceremony in Zurich, Switzerland on Jan 9, 2017. - Bernama
THE LINK IS BELOW
The final three goals in the running for the FIFA Puskás Award 2016 have been announced, whittled down from the initial shortlist of ten, and you can vote for your favourite to be the winner. All votes from the first round will be added to the votes from this second round, to find the overall winner. The vote, which decides the best goal between 30 September 2015 and 30 September 2016 inclusive, will close on 9 January, with the winner announced and presented with their award later that day at the ceremony in Zurich.
Marlone
Corinthians - Cobresal / Copa Libertadores / 21 April 2016:After attacking midfielder Marlone joined Brazilian heavyweights Corinthian in January, their fans were made to wait for the first goal from their new recruit. His maiden strike came in a Copa Libertadores clash against Chilean outfit Cobresal, and was followed half-an-hour later by his second – an effort that will be long-remembered by Timao fans. Edilson burst down the Corinthians right and delivered a cross slightly behind the No8. Marlone chested the ball int the air and, quick as a flash despite being closed down by Rodrigo Urena, scissor-kicked the ball in mid-air toward goal, seeing it fly past Sebastian Cuerdo.
Daniuska Rodríguez
Venezuela - Colombia / Women's U-17 Sudamericano Championship / 14 March 2016:
Alongside her compatriot Deyna Castellanos, Daniuska Rodríguez was one of the undoubted stars of the Women’s U-17 Sudamericano Championship, scoring six goals as hosts Venezuela won the title. One of the most memorable moments was Rodriguez’s individual effort against Colombia in the final group stage. The midfielder worked her way into the Colombian penalty area, twisted and turned her way past the challenges of Sofia Montoya and Manuela Vanegas with some intricate footwork, before blasting the ball into the roof of the net.
Alongside her compatriot Deyna Castellanos, Daniuska Rodríguez was one of the undoubted stars of the Women’s U-17 Sudamericano Championship, scoring six goals as hosts Venezuela won the title. One of the most memorable moments was Rodriguez’s individual effort against Colombia in the final group stage. The midfielder worked her way into the Colombian penalty area, twisted and turned her way past the challenges of Sofia Montoya and Manuela Vanegas with some intricate footwork, before blasting the ball into the roof of the net.
Mohd Faiz Subri
Penang - Pahang / Malaysia Super League / 16 February 2016:Nobody in the Bandaraya Pulau Pinang Stadium could have imagined the trajectory of the ball as Mohd Faiz Subri stepped up to take a free-kick some distance away from goal, far over to the left-hand side of the pitch. The diminutive No13, a prolific goalscorer in the Malaysian Super League, hammered his effort goalwards, struck in a ‘knuckleball’ manner, producing a swerve so wicked that goalkeeper Mohd Nasril Nourdin stood no chance.
