DOHA: For Kim Pan Gon, it was a day that Harimau Malaya tasted blood on that mountain on top of Asia, and earned their stripes.
His men took on world No. 23 South Korea, who were ranked 107 places higher than them. But on this day, the result said Malaysia were the equal of South Korea - three-three.
Pan Gon said it was a fantastic game that resulted from a collective effort from the Malaysian government, M-League clubs and players.
But he admitted it was difficult earlier to motivate the players after they missed their target of reaching the round of 16.
"I'm proud of all the players. In the first half, we struggled but in the second half, we came back.
"We were up, then we were down and we finished with an equaliser.
"It was an amazing performance and result. South Korea have quality and were strong in ball possession.
"We tasted top level (football), we smelt it, we dealt with the fear, we gained a lot and there is plenty to go for the next step."
At the other end, South Korea coach Jurgen Klinsmann was angry with some of the decisions made by Saudi Arabian referee Khalid Saleh Al Turais.
Klinsmann felt that two of Malaysia's three goals shouldn't have been allowed.
He said the penalty that was awarded to Malaysia when Arif Aiman Hanapi was fouled, shouldn't have been given.
The German coach did not explain in detail about the "second" goal.
"I'm a bit angry. I felt that two of the three goals shouldn't be given. But these things happen," said Klinsmann.
"I feel we could have done better in defensive transition."