Latest news with #RodrigoHolgado
Sinar Daily
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Sinar Daily
Harimau Malaya squad bolstered with four new heritage players for AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers
The inclusion of these four players brings the total number of new heritage players for Malaysia this year to seven. 10 Jun 2025 01:37pm The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) announced in a statement that the four players are striker Rodrigo Holgado from Colombian club America de Cali, Sabah FC defender Jon Irazabal from Azerbaijan, Velez Sarsfield striker Imanol Machuca from Argentina, and Istanbul Basaksehir striker Joao Figueiredo from Turkey. - Bernama photo KUALA LUMPUR - The Harimau Malaya squad welcomed a timely boost ahead of their Group F AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier match against Vietnam at the National Stadium Bukit Jalil on June 10, following the inclusion of four new heritage players for the country. The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) announced in a statement that the four players are striker Rodrigo Holgado from Colombian club America de Cali, Sabah FC defender Jon Irazabal from Azerbaijan, Velez Sarsfield striker Imanol Machuca from Argentina, and Istanbul Basaksehir striker Joao Figueiredo from Turkey. The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) announced in a statement that the four players are striker Rodrigo Holgado from Colombian club America de Cali, Sabah FC defender Jon Irazabal from Azerbaijan, Velez Sarsfield striker Imanol Machuca from Argentina, and Istanbul Basaksehir striker Joao Figueiredo from Turkey. - Bernama photo "All four players have been undergoing training sessions with the team for several days and have shown very impressive performances. As quality players, they are well prepared to strengthen the national squad to realize the dreams of all Malaysians," the statement read. Meanwhile, Machuca, 25, stated that the opportunity to wear the national team colours is very special and a great honor for him. Holgado, 29, admitted that he has fallen in love with the atmosphere in Malaysia and is ready to give his all for the team coached by Peter Cklamovski. Irazabal, 28, shared his excitement about playing for the national squad, describing it as an unique moment, while Figueiredo, 29, expressed his desire to go further with Harimau Malaya on the Asian stage. The inclusion of these four players brings the total number of new heritage players for Malaysia this year to seven. Previously, FAM had secured the services of three heritage players, namely center-back Facundo Garces, who played in Argentina's top league; Portimonense SC midfielder Hector Hevel from Portugal; and left-back Gabriel Palmero, who represents Spanish club CD Tenerife B. Malaysia and Vietnam currently share the top spot in Group F of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers with three points each after both recorded wins in their opening matches. Harimau Malaya began their Group F campaign with a 2-0 victory over Nepal at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Iskandar Puteri, Johor last March, while Vietnam defeated Laos 5-0 at home. - BERNAMA
The Star
12-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
It's not only about goal but grit as Malaysia hail Holgado's heroics
On target: Malaysia's Rodrigo Holgado (foreground) vies for the ball with Vietnam's Pham Xuan Manh during the Asian Cup qualifying match. — AP PETALING JAYA: Harimau Malaya debutant Rodrigo Holgado is a man on a mission, one who wears both his heart and ambitions on his sleeve. After winning over Malaysian fans with a heroic debut in Harimau Malaya colours, the Argentine-born striker wasted no time in turning his focus back to his club duties, proving that his commitment stretches far beyond borders. Without much rest, Holgado hopped on a flight almost immediately after the match to return to Colombia, where his club America de Cali are chasing the league title. The 29-year-old Holgado was the talk of Bukit Jalil on Tuesday night, not just for his goal in Malaysia's commanding 4-0 victory over Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifiers, but for the sheer grit he displayed. Bloodied after a head collision with a Vietnam defender, he refused to come off, choosing instead to battle through the pain and cap off his night with a 59th-minute strike that sealed his name in the hearts of Malaysian fans. 'A dream night,' he said on his social media page yesterday. 'Very happy to represent this beautiful country and fulfil this dream in my football career.' The striker was effusive in his gratitude – not just to the fans and coaching staff of Harimau Malaya, but also to his club and their supporters for standing by him during a crucial point in their championship campaign. 'I want to thank everyone who was part of it – my teammates for the welcome, the coaching staff, and all the people of this wonderful country who made me feel so happy from the first minute,' he said. 'To America de Cali and the people above all, for supporting me despite competing at this crucial moment in the championship. 'I promise to continue defending the jersey until the very end, as I always have, and to give my all to achieve that title.' From bleeding on the pitch in Bukit Jalil to flying halfway across the world in pursuit of glory in Colombia, Holgado is proving that passion knows no borders.
The Star
12-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
It's not only about goal but grit as M'sia hail Holgado's heroics
Malaysia's Holgado (C) scores a goal during the AFC Asian Cup qualifier Group F football match between Malaysia and Vietnam at the National Stadium Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur on June 10, 2025. - AFP PETALING JAYA: Harimau Malaya debutant Rodrigo Holgado is a man on a mission, one who wears both his heart and ambitions on his sleeve. After winning over Malaysian fans with a heroic debut in Harimau Malaya colours, the Argentine-born striker wasted no time in turning his focus back to his club duties, proving that his commitment stretches far beyond borders. Without much rest, Holgado hopped on a flight almost immediately after the match to return to Colombia, where his club America de Cali are chasing the league title. The 29-year-old Holgado was the talk of Bukit Jalil on Tuesday night, not just for his goal in Malaysia's commanding 4-0 victory over Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifiers, but for the sheer grit he displayed. Bloodied after a head collision with a Vietnam defender, he refused to come off, choosing instead to battle through the pain and cap off his night with a 59th-minute strike that sealed his name in the hearts of Malaysian fans. "A dream night," he said on his social media page yesterday. "Very happy to represent this beautiful country and fulfill this dream in my soccer career." The striker was effusive in his gratitude – not just to the fans and coaching staff of Harimau Malaya, but also to his club and their supporters for standing by him during a crucial point in their championship campaign. "I want to thank everyone who was part of it my teammates for the welcome, the coaching staff, and all the people of this wonderful country who made me feel so happy from the first minute," he said. "To America de Cali and the people above all, for supporting me despite competing at this crucial moment in the championship. "I promise to continue defending the jersey until the very end, as I always have, and to give my all to achieve that title." From bleeding on the pitch in Bukit Jalil to flying halfway across the world in pursuit of glory in Colombia, Holgado is proving that passion knows no borders.
The Star
11-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Cklamovski fires up team to work harder after beating Vietnam for first time in 11 years
Going all out: Malaysia's Rodrigo Holgado heading the ball during their match against Vietnam at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. — Bernama PETALING JAYA: Results don't come without action, and national football team head coach Peter Cklamovski knows work is never done if they are to keep Malaysia's Asian Cup dreams alive. Harimau Malaya delivered a powerful performance against Vietnam on home turf in their 2027 Asian Cup third round qualifiers, thrashing their opponents 4-0 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Tuesday. Cklamovski hailed his players' performance in front of 61,512 fans, as Malaysia got past their first tough fixture in the group against Vietnam to keep their Asian Cup dreams burning strong. 'Dream for it, because we've got that dream, without a doubt. We see the commitment the players have for that dream. 'We don't just think about it, but we have to do it by action, every day. And the performance the players put in is a reflection of what I see every day. 'I see a committed group of players hungry to build a team mentality that will make Malaysians proud. I'm very proud of the players,' he said. Cklamovski was quick to field fresh legs in the squad, giving playing minutes to newly arrived heritage players Joao Figueiredo, Rodrigo Holgado, Facundo Garces, Jon Irazabal, and Imanol Machuca. And they were quick to deliver. Figueiredo was first to break the deadlock in the 49th minute, followed by Holgado in the 58th. Seasoned heritage players La'vere Corbin-Ong and Dion Cools sealed the win in the 66th and 88th minutes, respectively. Malaysia also ended their 11-year winless streak against Vietnam as their last victory over the Golden Star Warriors was at the 2014 AFF Cup, when Harimau Malaya won 5-4 in the semi-final. Cklamovski was thrilled with his team, as they now sit top of Group F, three points clear of Vietnam in second, while Laos are in third with one win and Nepal remain without a point. 'I thought the first half was good, we probably could have gotten in front but it was important that we stayed focused in the second half. 'We stayed disciplined and worked hard as a team. That's important because we don't just rely on one player but 11, regardless of who is out there,' he said. Although the dream to qualify for Saudi Arabia stays alive, Cklamovski reminded the team that the win against Vietnam is just a small step in their long journey. 'We can dream, but we have to recover, analyse the game, and then get on to the next one. 'We just got three points from the game, that's all. We've got more work to do and more steps to take,' he said. Harimau Malaya will play their next qualifier match against Laos on Oct 9.
New Straits Times
11-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Argentina-born Holgado sheds blood for Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: New heritage player Rodrigo Holgado literally shed blood for Malaysia in an Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam yesterday. The Argentina-born striker suffered a bloody cut on the back of his head in Malaysia's spectacular 4-0 triumph over the Red Star Warriors at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. After a clash with a Vietnam player, Holgado had blood stains on his jersey. Holgado also had a memorable debut for Malaysia, scoring a goal against a team deemed as the strongest in Southeast Asia. Blood and a goal, that was Holgado's answer to those critics who have questioned the commitment and quality of heritage players. Holgado said he was pleased with his performance for Malaysia. After having played his part in putting Harimau Malaya on top of Group F (with six points from two matches) and in a strong position to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup, he has to quickly return to his Colombian club, America de Cali.
