NATIONAL coach Tan Cheng Hoe is a hard man to please. Malaysia recorded their biggest victory in a World Cup qualifier since the 9-0 drubbing of Macau in 1993 by thrashing Timor Leste 7-1 in Friday’s first leg playoff match at National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
But Cheng Hoe described the win, their third in four matches this year, as still work in progress.
La'Vere Corbin-Ong (12th minute), Shahrel Fikri Fauzi (23rd), Norshahrul Idlan Talaha (43rd), Safawi Rasid (45th and 59th) and Akhyar Rashid (89th) were on target as Harimau Malaya had more than 70 per cent possession againstayouthful Timor Leste.
Captain Joao Freitas scored for the visitors in the 52nd minute.
It was an impressive victory considering that both teams were playing on a deplorable pitch. While Timor Leste had difficulties adapting to the muddy and bumpy pitch, Malaysia overcame it by adding more variety into their short passing game.
Malaysia will face Timor Leste again in the return leg on Tuesday at the same venue.
“There are no perfect matches in football. Overall, we performed well, and we played the way we wanted,” said Cheng Hoe.
“However, we need to improve further in terms of passing and ball transition (from defence to attack), and also learn how not to lose concentration during matches. I believe the players will improve after every game.
“We will work on these elements in training in the next few days. At the moment I am very worried about injurie s.”
Cheng Hoe, however, is expected to mix-and-match his squad for the return leg.
“I need to give other players in my squad a chance to get a feel of playing in a World Cup qualifier.
“I will remind my players not to take things lightly on Tuesday. Timor Leste will, definitely, be an improved side. “We need to maintain our winning momentum in the return leg. Another win will boost our confidence ahead of other matches this year,” he added.
Timor Leste coach Norio Tsukitate hopes his young team can pick up valuable points from the thrashing.
“It will be difficult in the return leg. My players are lacking in experience.
“In the first half, Malaysia played a high pressing game, and it caught us by surprise.
My players could not play their normal game, but this is a good learning curve for them.
“It is tough in Timor Leste. The domestic league is only about five or six months long and after that, the players do nothing... some drink whiskey and alcohol and do not train.
“So I chose a young squad this time as the seniors were not in good condition,” said Tsukitate.