Liga Super Malaysia 2014: Standings & Results
Alright guys, let's dive into the Liga Super Malaysia 2014 season! This was a thrilling year for Malaysian football, and we're going to break down the final standings and recap how each team performed. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just curious about the history of Malaysian football, this is your one-stop guide.
Final Standings
Understanding the final standings is crucial to appreciating the narrative of the 2014 season. It wasn't just about who won; it was about the battles for qualification spots, the fight to avoid relegation, and the individual team stories that made the league so compelling. Let's break down the key aspects of what the standings represent.
- Champion: The team that finishes at the top of the table is crowned the champion. In 2014, this team not only earned bragging rights but also secured a coveted spot in the AFC Champions League, the premier club competition in Asia. The journey to the top is always a testament to a team's consistency, tactical prowess, and mental fortitude.
- AFC Cup Qualification: Teams finishing in the upper echelon of the league standings also have the opportunity to qualify for the AFC Cup. This competition offers a platform for Malaysian clubs to compete against other top teams from across Asia, enhancing their reputation and providing valuable experience for players and coaching staff. The race for these spots is often fiercely contested, adding drama and excitement to the league.
- Mid-Table Stability: Teams that finish in the middle of the table often represent those who have had a decent season but perhaps lacked the consistency or quality to challenge for the top spots. These teams play a crucial role in the league, providing competitive matches and often acting as kingmakers, determining the fate of teams above and below them.
- Relegation Battle: The teams at the bottom of the standings face the dreaded prospect of relegation to a lower league. This battle to avoid relegation often goes down to the wire, with teams fighting tooth and nail in the final weeks of the season to secure their survival. The pressure is immense, and the consequences of failure can be significant for the club's future.
- Points System: In 2014, like most football leagues, the Liga Super Malaysia awarded three points for a win, one point for a draw, and zero points for a loss. This system incentivizes teams to go for the win, leading to more attacking football and exciting matches. The accumulation of these points over the course of the season determines the final standings and ultimately decides the fate of each team.
So, let's take a look at how the teams stacked up in the Liga Super Malaysia 2014 season.
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johor Darul Ta'zim | 22 | 13 | 5 | 4 | 44 | 23 | +21 | 44 |
| 2 | Selangor | 22 | 12 | 5 | 5 | 34 | 18 | +16 | 41 |
| 3 | Pahang | 22 | 11 | 6 | 5 | 34 | 24 | +10 | 39 |
| 4 | Terengganu | 22 | 11 | 4 | 7 | 40 | 31 | +9 | 37 |
| 5 | Perak | 22 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 30 | 22 | +8 | 34 |
| 6 | ATM | 22 | 9 | 4 | 9 | 32 | 30 | +2 | 31 |
| 7 | Sarawak | 22 | 9 | 4 | 9 | 28 | 31 | -3 | 31 |
| 8 | Sime Darby | 22 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 29 | 37 | -8 | 27 |
| 9 | Kelantan | 22 | 7 | 4 | 11 | 23 | 29 | -6 | 25 |
| 10 | PDRM | 22 | 6 | 4 | 12 | 28 | 43 | -15 | 22 |
| 11 | LionsXII | 22 | 5 | 6 | 11 | 19 | 32 | -13 | 21 |
| 12 | T-Team | 22 | 3 | 5 | 14 | 20 | 41 | -21 | 14 |
Key Takeaways:
- Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) clinched the title, marking a significant milestone in the club's history. Their consistent performance throughout the season, both in attack and defense, was the key to their success. This victory laid the foundation for their continued dominance in Malaysian football in subsequent years.
- Selangor finished as runners-up, showcasing their competitive spirit and quality. They put up a strong fight but ultimately fell short of challenging JDT for the title. Nevertheless, their performance was commendable and secured them a place in the AFC Cup.
- Pahang secured third place, demonstrating their strength and resilience. Their solid defense and tactical flexibility allowed them to compete with the top teams in the league. They also earned a spot in the AFC Cup, further enhancing their reputation.
- T-Team faced relegation, a disappointing end to their season. Despite their best efforts, they struggled to find consistency and ultimately paid the price. Relegation meant a period of rebuilding and reassessment for the club.
Top Goal Scorers
Who were the guys banging in the goals? Let's check out the top marksmen from the 2014 season. These players lit up the league with their scoring prowess, providing moments of brilliance and excitement for fans. Their goals were crucial in determining the outcome of matches and shaping the narrative of the season. Beyond just individual accolades, the top goal scorers often become iconic figures, remembered for their contributions to their respective teams and to the league as a whole. The race for the golden boot adds an extra layer of competition, with strikers pushing themselves to the limit to outscore their rivals and etch their names into the history books.
| Rank | Player | Team | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paulo Rangel | Terengganu | 16 |
| 2 | Dickson Nwakaeme | Pahang | 15 |
| 3 | Mohd Safee Mohd Sali | Johor DT | 12 |
| 4 | Matias Conti | PDRM | 12 |
| 5 | Francis Forkey Doe | Terengganu | 11 |
Paulo Rangel of Terengganu emerged as the top scorer with an impressive 16 goals. His clinical finishing and ability to find the back of the net consistently made him a nightmare for defenders. Rangel's goals were instrumental in Terengganu's strong performance in the league. His contributions were not only about scoring goals but also about creating opportunities for his teammates and leading the line effectively.
Key Matches and Moments
Every season has its defining matches and moments. Here are a few from 2014:
- Johor Darul Ta'zim vs. Selangor: This match was a title decider, with JDT emerging victorious and solidifying their position at the top of the league. The atmosphere was electric, with fans creating a cauldron of noise and passion. The match itself was a thrilling encounter, filled with drama, intensity, and moments of individual brilliance. The result had significant implications for both teams, with JDT taking a giant step towards the title and Selangor left to rue missed opportunities.
- Pahang's Winning Streak: Pahang's mid-season winning streak propelled them into contention for a Champions League spot. Their consistent performances and tactical flexibility allowed them to overcome tough opponents and climb up the league standings. This streak showcased their resilience and determination to compete at the highest level.
- T-Team's Struggles: T-Team's inability to secure crucial wins led to their eventual relegation. Despite their efforts, they struggled to find consistency and ultimately paid the price. Their struggles highlighted the importance of squad depth and tactical adaptability in a competitive league.
Conclusion
The Liga Super Malaysia 2014 season was full of excitement, drama, and memorable moments. Johor Darul Ta'zim's title win, Paulo Rangel's goal-scoring exploits, and the intense relegation battle all contributed to a captivating season of Malaysian football. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to the game, the 2014 season serves as a testament to the passion and competitiveness of Malaysian football. So there you have it, folks! A quick trip down memory lane to relive the highs and lows of the Liga Super Malaysia 2014. Hope you enjoyed it!
