MALAYSIA SUFFER THE BLUES

But Malaysia put up quite a performance throughout the 90minutes to restrict Chelsea to just a goal in each half for the win which was witnessed by close to 50,000 fans.

“I thought that we played quite well and the goals that we conceded came from mistakes which we should not have committed,” said B. Sathianathan, the head coach for Malaysia.

“The team will learn from here where we have plan trips abroad in preparation for the Merdeka Tournament (in October) and also the Asean Football Championship (in December).”

Malaysia started strongly with Mohd Amirulhadi Zainal unleashing a stiff grounder which narrowly missed the upright while Chelsea replied through John Mikel Obi with a short pass to Frank Lampard only to see his attempt blocked.

Nicholas Anelka (pic) came close in the 16th minute while several minutes later, a volley off Deco was parried out by Malaysian custodian Mohd Helmi Eliza Elias.

Chelsea finally went in front in the 27th minute when an incisive pass from Joe Cole allowed Nicholas Anelka to score.

The Blues then made a flurry of changes at the break as Malaysia tried to restrict their opponent space.

In the 53rd minute, Malaysia fell further behind when substitute Ashley Cole picked up a pass from Frank Lampard to fire in from close range for Chelsea’s second goal.

“The scoreline does not matter. It was important that I get to look at the players further and how they play throughout these last few friendly games,” added Luiz Felipe Scolari, the head coach for Chelsea.

“In Moscow, we will start the next stage of our pre-season and players like (Michael) Ballack will have to train more and get ready to play in the next match.”