Malaysia gained a boost for their ongoing 2016 AFF Suzuki Cup preparations against Vietnam after one of their own made FIFA's 10-man shortlist for the Puskas award on Monday.
Penang's Faiz Subri, who netted an outrageous "knuckleball" free kick against Pahang in the Malaysia Super League in February, was nominated alongside Barcelona superstars Lionel Messi and Neymar.
Faiz, who bagged a brace in that 4-2 win over Pahang, hit a stunner from 40 yards on the left wing that took a vicious swerve to land in the top right-hand corner.
That strike instantly became a viral internet sensation, and propelled the Penang forward to overnight stardom.
The Football Association of Malaysia went on to nominate his goal for the FIFA Puskas award later that month, which the world body recognised.
If he makes the three-man shortlist for the award on Dec. 2, Malaysia will have a first-ever player representative at the 2016 FIFA Ballon d'Or, on Jan. 9.
Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi made the Puskas shortlist for the fourth time after scoring a curling free kick against United States in the Copa America semfinal in June.
Neymar's overhead flick and volley for Barcelona against Villareal also made him one of the leading contenders.
The other players to complete the shortlist are Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid), Mario Gaspar (Spain), Hlompho Kekana (South Africa), Marlone (Corinthians), Hal Robson-Kanu (Wales), Daniuska Rodriguez (Venezuela) and Simon Skrabb (Gefle).
