RESULT : MALAYSIA VS VIETNAM (2-3)
AFF Suzuki Cup : Sathia prepares his charges for a bruiser against Vietnam
Malaysia will employ a more physical approach for the crucial Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup Group B match against Vietnam at the Sarakul Stadium in Phuket today.
National coach B. Sathianathan said that he had prepared his team to deal accordingly with the strength of their opponents.
“Vietnam are noted for their aggression and power play and we have to be ready to counter them in these areas,” he said in a telephone interview from Phuket yesterday.
Stocky striker Mohd Nizaruddin Yusop and tough centreback Mohd Kaironissam Sahabuddin, who were rested in the opening match against Laos in which Malaysia won 3-0 last Saturday, are set to start against Vietnam.
“I have to play my cards well because of the nature of this tournament in which we have to play three competitive matches in five days. I have to exercise more caution in my approach for the remaining two group matches,” he said.
To make matters more difficult, Malaysia have to travel to Bangkok tomorrow morning for their final group fixture against Thailand on Wednesday.
There is a need to move the match between Thailand and Malaysia to Bangkok because last round matches in group fixtures have to begin simultaneously and Phuket does not have another suitable venue besides the Sarakul Stadium, which will stage the match between Vietnam and Laos.
Sathianathan said the decision by the AFF has added more pressure on him and his charges.
“AFF must think of players and not just sponsors or broadcasters as they are the performers, and coaches put their act together.
“Players need rest to recuperate and they can’t do that by staying at the airport and waiting for the plane,” he said.
Malaysia need a win the match against Vietnam to confirm a place in the semi-finals. A draw or a defeat would put them in a position that will require them to beat favourites Thailand.
The Thais got off to a 2-0 win over Vietnam last Saturday.
If Vietnam get full points off Malaysia, they will gain an advantage because they play minnows Laos in their final fixture.
Meanwhile, defending champions Singapore and Indonesia both qualified for the semi-finals last night after winning their second straight Group A matches.
Singapore defeated Myanmar 3-1 while Indonesia thrashed Cambodia 4-0.
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