Japan raves over 'god-like' Izwan after Lions draw
Izwan Mahbud put up a stellar performance in goal against Japan in Saitama to earn Singapore a 0-0 draw on Tuesday (June 16) night.
While the national goalkeeper, who plays for the LionsXII in the Malaysian Super League, has been roundly praised on our shores, the 24-year-old was also a major hit with Blue Samurai fans.
At least two Japanese YouTubers have put up videos of Izwan's - referred to as Mahbud by Japanese fans - outstanding saves while describing him as 'god-like'.
This video from bourin work is titled: "Japan vs Singapore: god-like saves of (Izwan) Mahbud compilation".
In another highlight reel, user JP SP described Izwan as a guardian deity (守護神) goalkeeper.
The plaudits wasn't just restricted to YouTube as Japanese tweeters were effusive in their praise of Izwan.
No translation needed here - MVP just means MVP.
If you guessed from the hand clap emoticon that Haruman726 applauded Izwan's performance, you're absolutely correct.
Apart from cheering on the Japanese team for trying, this user dedicated the second line of this tweet to Izwan for being a strong player.
Users like akiras2futbol looked up Izwan on Twitter and found his account, telling his followers to click the link to learn about the man who made those god-like saves against Japan.
User WEPESJP even dug up a video of Izwan celebrating the LionsXII's recent Malaysian FA Cup win over Kelantan.
Of course, Blue Samurai fans were also extremely frustrated by Izwan's heroics.
Here, presumably after Izwan foiled yet another Japanese attack, jgdjgdjgd is saying: "It's you again Mahbudddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd!"
Perhaps Izwan could be set for a career change in the J-League if his stock continues to rise in the Land of the Rising Sun...
Sources: YouTube, Twitter
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