Malaysian experts and press are looking forward a 2-0 win over Vietnam today in the Suzuki Cup 2010’s first-leg semifinal before arriving at Hanoi to play the second-leg match.
But their former coach Wan Hassan, who used to lead Malaysia to the final at the AFF Cup 1996, admitted it was very hard to defeat Vietnam.
However, “it’s not impossible. We used to win them 1-0 in the opening match at the Sea Games in Jakarta in 1997.”
He advised Malaysia’s coach Krishnasamy Rajagobal to press in on the Vietnamese players, allowing them little space in between so as to frustrate their tactics.
“A 2-0 victory over Vietnam will offer Malaysia big advantage in Hanoi,” said Rajagobal. “However, we'll be careful and try to keep a clean score sheet because Vietnam desire to score.”
Rajagobal is worried his players are not experienced enough.
“Only ten out of 23 players who used to compete in Sea Games 25 are serving the team [Malaysia] while the rest here are around 19 or 20 years old and they need more experience.”
Malaysian media predicted a tough game for their side.
“I think the game may end in a draw,” said correspondent Harris Rajadin from Berita Harian. “Vietnam are strong and they eliminated Singapore with a single goal, set up just after only two passes.”
Correspondent Sayed Ismail from TV3 TV Channel forecast Malaysia have a 70 percent chance of winning the game.
“It is very difficult to defeat Vietnam, but I think Rajagobal will have good tactics,” said The Star Online’s correspondent Eric Samuel.
Devidner Singh from New Straits Times is confident Malaysians will win because “they are in Kuala Lumpur, not in Hanoi. I guess Malaysia will win 1-0.”
