KUALA LUMPUR: The Harimau Malaya have just proved that they could neutralise Thailand’s much feared players with solid teamwork.
This was stated by national goalkeeper Farizal Marlias after his team held favourites Thailand to a 0-0 draw in the AFF Cup semi-final first leg at Bukit Jalil on Saturday.
In fact, so effective was Malaysia’s teamwork that they should have beaten Thailand instead of letting them escape with a draw.
Farizal feels that if World No 167 Malaysia can maintain their good teamwork against World No 118 Thailand in the return leg in Bangkok on Wednesday the War Elephants can be beaten.
Though five-time AFF Cup champions Thailand have many talented players, Farizal feels that Malaysia are better tactically.
On Saturday, the JDT goalkeeper, together with defenders Aidil Zafuan Abd Radzak, Shahrul Mohd Saad and Muhamad Syazwan Andik Mohd Ishak shut out the Thais, foiling eight goal attempts
National coach Tan Cheng Hoe’s strategy in assigning certain players to man-mark the much vaunted Thai trio of Adisak Kraisorn, Sanrawat Dechmitr and Supachai Chaided, was a success as Malaysia had 60 per cent possession of the game
“Coach (Cheng Hoe) told us to stay focused and give it our best. We did exactly that,” said Farizal.
For the return leg in Bangkok, Farizal said he and his teammates aim to keep up the same style of play that saw Malaysia create close to 20 scoring chances in the first leg.
“I hope we can maintain our momentum in the second leg as it can produce a positive result for us.” he added.