Tan Cheng Hoe – the head coach of the Malaysian team – is a man of few words.
But if there is one thing which he knows ahead of their clash against Thailand in the semifinals of the AFF Suzuki Cup, it is that they must avoid defeat at all cost.
And letting the Thais score even a single goal would probably signal the end of Malaysia’s campaign in the championship this year.
“We must not Thailand score here (in Kuala Lumpur). That will be a very big mistake as away goal or goals meant that we would make things hard for ourselves for the return tie,” said Cheng Hoe.
“We can beat the Thais if we are focused on winning. We need to show more of what we displayed against Myanmar (in the last group stage).
“The team is coming well together.”
The Malaysian team did just enough in their first game in Group A to beat Cambodia 1-0 before picking up their second full points with a 3-1 victory over Laos at home in Kuala Lumpur.
They then crashed to a 2-0 loss to Vietnam in third game in the group before blasting Myanmar 3-0 in front of their home fans in Bukit Jalil.
Making the semifinals have rejuvenated Malaysia’s campaign where it has given the team renewed confidence although taking on the Thais will be tough. Even at home.
“We know what we are up against. But for us, the focus is always on ourselves and not on the opposing team,” added Cheng Hoe.
“Football needs that element of luck. You can plan as much as you want tactically but at the end of the day, luck also plays a role.”
