THE script for today’s FA Cup final promises Brazilian subplots and ‘sinister play’ that could decide the outcome of the battle between Perak and Kedah.
For Kedah fans, their sad story is that their team will have to play without their influential Brazilian centreback Renan Alves.
Alves, credited with a major role in shepherding the Red Eagles to the FA Cup final, is not allowed to play today after collecting two yellow cards in the Super League.
The absence of Alves has become such a big issue that Kedah’s former captain Khairul Helmi Johari feels that the media and fans should just focus on those who can play instead of one person who is unable to play.
Khairul’s call came after talks that Kedah’s chances of winning the FA Cup have been significantly affected by the suspension of Renan.
In fact, Kedah appealed unsuccessfully against the one-match suspension to FAM as the offence was committed in a different competition, not the FA Cup but the Super League.
Yet, the presence of a particular Brazilian in the opposing side has Kedah fans warning about “dark play”.
The Brazilian in question is Perak’s defensive midfielder Leandro dos Santos who has acquired quite a notorious reputation in the M-League.
Kedah coach Aidil Sharin Sahak warned his men to be wary of the expected “provocation” from the said-to-be “notorious” Perak player, Leandro.
“Not only will Kedah players need to be bold, they will also need to shut out provocation from the most notorious player on the pitch this season, Leandro,” said Aidil.
Kedah captain Baddrol Bakhtiar has urged his teammates to ignore Leandro’s antics but focus on the task at hand.
Leandro aside, Perak can count on two other Brazilians, Ronaldo Henrique Silva and Raianderson Da Costa Morais, also known as Careca, to be game changers.
The duo, who are midseason signings, have been a revelation, with their flow of goals and punchy game.
However, team officials of both the teams are trying to play down the pre-match hype of the Brazilian factor.
They claim Perak are not just about Leandro, and Kedah are not Alves.
By 11pm tonight, we will know whether Brazilians really run the FA Cup show.