{
  "id": 550943,
  "title": "Criticism fuels Alif for Vietnam semi-final",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/criticism-fuels-alif-for-vietnam-semi-final",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-11T09:27:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2026/08/1508947/criticism-fuels-alif-vietnam-semi-final"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR: Young defender Alif Ahmad is channeling criticism into fuel for his upcoming test against Vietnam in the Asean Hyundai Cup semi-finals on Sunday. The rightback, 23, faced criticism after a poor performance in Malaysia's tournament opener, a 2-1 win over Myanmar. Despite the pressure, Alif views criticism as motivation to improve. \"For me, I take all the criticism as motivation because from the beginning, I felt the pressure as it was my first time playing with the senior team,\" he said. Alif's rapid rise from the semi-professional A1 Semi-Pro League to the national team was unexpected, but he sees it as a dream come true. He credits captain Paulo Josue and the coaching staff for helping him adjust to the senior squad. With a tougher Vietnam team in the semi-finals, Alif acknowledges the increased pressure and responsibility, but remains ready to give his best.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Rightback Alif Ahmad is using criticism as fuel as the young defender prepares for the biggest test of his fledgling international career against Vietnam in the Asean Hyundai Cup semi-finals on Sunday.",
  "key_points": [
    "Alif Ahmad faces criticism after poor performance in Malaysia's Asean Hyundai Cup opener.",
    "23-year-old defender takes criticism as motivation to improve.",
    "Alif Ahmad ready to give best in Vietnam semi-final."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}