SINGAPORE – Regardless of lacking 4 gamers who’re isolating after testing constructive for Covid-19, Malaysia coach Tan Cheng Hoe on Saturday (Dec 11) backed his staff to drag an upset over defending champions Vietnam of their Suzuki Cup Group B sport on the Bishan Stadium on Sunday night time.
“Undoubtedly, our boys are wanting ahead to shocking Vietnam,” he stated on the pre-game press convention. “We all know they’ve depth of their staff, however what’s most necessary is our personal technique and plan to play in opposition to them.”
A win on Sunday can be Malaysia’s first over Vietnam in eight makes an attempt – their final win was within the second-leg semi-final of the 2014 Suzuki Cup – and would all however safe progress into the semi-final for Tan’s males. That they had overwhelmed Cambodia (3-1) and Laos (4-0) of their first two matches.
There’s added spice to the fixture as it’s a rematch of the ultimate of the final version of the Suzuki Cup, which was received by Vietnam. Within the two-legged closing, the 2 sides drew 2-2 in Kuala Lumpur earlier than Vietnam received 1-0 in Hanoi.
Each coaches on the helm then – Tan for Malaysia and Park Hold-seo for Vietnam – are nonetheless of their posts right this moment.
Since then, Malaysia and Vietnam have met twice extra – in World Cup qualifiers in October 2019 and June 2021 – with the latter popping out tops each occasions.
Tan, nonetheless, didn’t seem bothered by the previous and was centered absolutely on the long run. He conceded that Vietnam’s stature – they had been the one South-east Asian staff that progressed to the third spherical of the World Cup qualifiers, and are at the moment the one Asean staff ranked within the prime 100 on the earth – made them the favourites in Sunday’s tie.
The coach can be hamstrung with out the companies of the 4 self-isolating gamers together with star winger Akhyar Rashid, in addition to injured half-Swedish midfielder Junior Eldstal, and half-Belgian wingback Dion Cools, who has but to reach within the Republic.
Nonetheless, Tan careworn: “We have now to consider and be constructive in our mindset, that regardless of the state of affairs, we’ve to point out up and play to our capacity.”
Vietnam midfielder Luong Xuan Trong, who attended the media convention instead of South Korean coach Park, stated their gamers wouldn’t underestimate their rivals.
“It has at all times been robust for us in opposition to Malaysia,” stated the 26-year-old. “They’ve good approach and techniques, and they’re very bodily and really sturdy in physique contact.”
Luong additionally stated he and his teammates had been wanting ahead to the conflict, describing it as an acid check to their hopes of retaining their title.
“This sport is the spotlight of the group stage… and if we wish to be the champions, we have to overcome this issue,” he stated.
The sport between Malaysia and Vietnam will kick off at 8.30pm. The opposite Group B match, between Indonesia and Laos, will kick off at 5.30pm, additionally at Bishan.
