Liga Super Malaysia 2014: Final Standings & Results

by Jhon Lennon 52 views

The Liga Super Malaysia 2014 season was a thrilling one for football fans across the nation. This article dives deep into the final standings, offering a detailed look at which teams battled it out for the top spots and who faced the daunting challenge of relegation. We'll explore the key matches, top goalscorers, and overall performance of each team, providing a comprehensive recap of the entire season. Whether you're a die-hard fan looking to reminisce about the season's highlights or a casual observer wanting to catch up on the action, this is your ultimate guide to the 2014 Liga Super Malaysia.

Final League Standings

Let's get straight to the heart of the matter: the final league standings. The 2014 season saw intense competition, with teams vying for the coveted title and qualification for continental tournaments. Here’s a breakdown of how each team finished:

  1. Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT): The Southern Tigers roared to claim the title, showcasing a dominant performance throughout the season. Their consistent form and strategic gameplay set them apart from the competition. JDT's triumph marked a significant milestone in Malaysian football, solidifying their position as a powerhouse in the league. Their success was built on a strong defense, creative midfield, and clinical finishing up front.

  2. Selangor: The Red Giants put up a strong fight, securing the runner-up position. Selangor displayed resilience and tactical prowess, making them a formidable opponent for any team. Their campaign was characterized by a balanced approach, combining solid defense with attacking flair. Key players stepped up to deliver crucial goals and maintain consistency.

  3. Pahang: The Elephants had a commendable season, finishing in a respectable third place. Pahang's strong team spirit and determination were evident in their performances. They showcased a well-organized defense and a potent attacking force, making them a tough team to beat. Their mid-season form was particularly impressive, propelling them up the league table.

  4. Terengganu: The Turtles showed glimpses of brilliance but ultimately settled for a mid-table finish. Terengganu's inconsistency plagued their campaign, preventing them from challenging for the top spots. Despite having talented players, they struggled to maintain consistency throughout the season.

  5. Sarawak: The Crocodiles had a mixed season, with moments of brilliance interspersed with disappointing results. Sarawak's home form was a key factor in their survival, as they managed to secure crucial points in front of their fans. However, their away form was a major concern, hindering their progress up the league table.

  6. ATM FA: The Gladiators faced challenges throughout the season, ultimately finishing in the lower half of the table. ATM FA struggled to find consistency, with their defensive vulnerabilities often exposed. Despite their efforts, they couldn't string together enough wins to climb higher in the standings.

  7. LionsXII: The Singaporean side had a relatively uneventful season, finishing in a mid-table position. LionsXII's performances were inconsistent, lacking the spark and creativity to challenge the top teams. Their away form was particularly disappointing, contributing to their mid-table finish.

  8. Kelantan: The Red Warriors endured a difficult season, battling inconsistency and internal issues. Kelantan's struggles were evident both on and off the field, impacting their performances. Despite having a passionate fanbase, they couldn't live up to expectations.

  9. ** পুলিশ T-Team:** The Titans faced a tough challenge, ultimately succumbing to relegation. পুলিশ T-Team's defensive frailties and lack of firepower proved to be their downfall. Despite their efforts, they couldn't secure enough points to avoid relegation.

  10. Perak: The Bos Gaurus also faced relegation, marking a disappointing end to their campaign. Perak's struggles were evident throughout the season, with their defensive vulnerabilities and lack of creativity proving costly. Despite their history and fanbase, they couldn't avoid the drop.

Key Highlights and Moments

The 2014 season was filled with unforgettable moments, from stunning goals to dramatic comebacks. Let's take a look at some of the key highlights that defined the campaign:

  • Johor Darul Ta'zim's Title Triumph: JDT's dominant performance throughout the season culminated in their first-ever Liga Super title. Their consistency and tactical brilliance set them apart from the competition.
  • Selangor's Resurgence: The Red Giants mounted a strong challenge, finishing as runners-up and showcasing their resilience and determination.
  • Pahang's Strong Finish: The Elephants secured a commendable third-place finish, thanks to their strong team spirit and organized gameplay.
  • Relegation Battles: পুলিশ T-Team and Perak faced the unfortunate fate of relegation after struggling throughout the season.
  • Top Goalscorers: The race for the Golden Boot was fiercely contested, with several players showcasing their scoring prowess.

Top Goalscorers

Every season has its heroes, and in the Liga Super Malaysia 2014, several players distinguished themselves with their goal-scoring exploits. These players not only found the back of the net consistently but also played a crucial role in their teams' performances. Here are some of the top goalscorers of the season:

  • Paulo Rangel (Selangor): Rangel's prolific goal-scoring ability made him a nightmare for defenders. His clinical finishing and ability to find space in the box were instrumental in Selangor's success.
  • Dickson Nwakaeme (Pahang): Nwakaeme's physical presence and powerful shots made him a constant threat to opposing teams. His goals were crucial in Pahang's strong finish.
  • Safee Sali (Johor Darul Ta'zim): Safee's experience and composure in front of goal were vital for JDT's title-winning campaign. His leadership on and off the field made him an invaluable asset to the team.

Team Performances in Detail

Each team had its own unique story to tell during the 2014 season. Let's delve deeper into the performances of some of the key teams:

Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT)

JDT's title-winning campaign was built on a solid foundation of tactical discipline and individual brilliance. Their coach, Bojan Hodak, instilled a sense of unity and purpose within the team, leading them to achieve their full potential. Key players like Safee Sali, Luciano Figueroa, and Hariss Harun played pivotal roles in their success. JDT's home form was particularly impressive, turning their stadium into a fortress. Their ability to control games and dictate the tempo made them a formidable opponent for any team. Moreover, their strategic signings and youth development programs laid the foundation for sustained success in the years to come. JDT's triumph not only brought joy to their fans but also inspired a new generation of footballers in the region.

Selangor

Selangor's resurgence under coach Mehmet Durakovic was one of the highlights of the season. The Red Giants displayed resilience and determination, bouncing back from setbacks to secure the runner-up position. Paulo Rangel's goals were crucial, while players like Azamuddin Akil and Fitri Omar provided creativity and stability in midfield. Selangor's defensive organization improved significantly, making them a tough team to break down. Their ability to grind out results, even when not at their best, was a testament to their mental strength. Selangor's fans, known for their unwavering support, played a crucial role in motivating the team throughout the season. The Red Giants' strong finish instilled a sense of optimism and renewed hope for future success.

Pahang

Pahang's third-place finish was a reward for their consistent performances and strong team spirit. Coach Zainal Abidin Hassan instilled a sense of discipline and work ethic within the squad, leading them to achieve their potential. Dickson Nwakaeme's goals were vital, while players like Hafiz Kamal and Azam Azih provided stability and creativity in midfield. Pahang's defensive organization improved significantly, making them a tough team to break down. Their ability to adapt to different opponents and game situations was a testament to their tactical flexibility. Pahang's fans, known for their passionate support, played a crucial role in motivating the team throughout the season. The Elephants' strong finish instilled a sense of pride and renewed hope for future success.

Relegation Struggles

At the other end of the table, the battle to avoid relegation was equally intense. পুলিশ T-Team and Perak faced the unfortunate fate of dropping down to the second tier of Malaysian football. Both teams struggled to find consistency and lacked the quality needed to compete at the highest level. Their defensive frailties and inability to score goals proved costly. The relegation battle highlighted the competitive nature of the Liga Super and the importance of maintaining high standards throughout the season. For পুলিশ T-Team and Perak, the challenge was to rebuild and bounce back stronger in the following seasons.

Conclusion

The Liga Super Malaysia 2014 season was a memorable one, filled with drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments. Johor Darul Ta'zim's title triumph marked a new era in Malaysian football, while Selangor and Pahang also impressed with their strong performances. The relegation battles added another layer of intrigue to the season. Overall, the 2014 season showcased the passion, talent, and competitiveness of Malaysian football. As we look back on the season, we can appreciate the efforts of all the teams, players, and coaches who contributed to making it a success. The memories and lessons learned from the 2014 season will continue to shape the future of Malaysian football for years to come. So, here's to the beautiful game and the unforgettable moments it brings!