KUALA LUMPUR: Heavyweights South Korea are yet to fire on all cylinders at the Asian Cup, and could that offer Malaysia the chance to salvage some pride?
On paper, however, the Taeguk Warriors are expected to breeze past Harimau Malaya in their final Group E match at the Al Janoub Stadium on Thursday.
The Koreans are second in Group E with four points after two matches and behind leaders Jordan on goal difference.
Malaysia are out of contention for a last 16 spot following defeats to Jordan (4-0) and Bahrain (1-0).
However, winning Group E may not benefit the Koreans, as they will likely face the Group D runners-up, Japan, in the last 16.
However, South Korea will face Group F champions, either Saudi Arabia or Thailand, in the 16 if they finish second in their group.
South Korea's No. 1 goalkeeper Kim Seung Gyu is out of the tournament due to a knee injury, while seven other players are on yellow cards — a caution away from suspension.
Among those at risk of suspension are Bayern Munich centre-back Kim Min Jae, Red Star Belgrade midfielder Hwang In Beom, Midtjylland striker Cho Gue Sung, and Celtic forward Oh Hyeon Gyu.
Jurgen Klinsmann's side have not been exceptional, relying solely on individual brilliance for results instead of a tactical approach in their previous matches."
Former international S. Balachandran, who featured against the Koreans during the 3-0 defeat in the World Cup qualifying match on June 5, 1989, said anything can happen in a match.
"Everyone knows South Korea are at a different level and World Cup regulars.
"Their players play regular football with top clubs in Europe and are used to top-level football.
"Harimau Malaya have to go all out. It's the last match in the group, and we are already out of the competition, so the team have nothing to lose.
"There is no pressure on the Malaysian players. Kim Pan Gon's side must forget about the defeats to Bahrain and Jordan and focus on getting a positive result against South Korea.
"We still have to show pride in this match."
Balachandran said Malaysia must build on the positives from the match against Bahrain.
"Korea will be looking for the goals against Malaysia. We need to be resolute in defending and try to launch quick counter-attacks.
"It will be hard against a quality opponent like South Korea.
"We must make our chances count at this level as we will not get many
"We had our chances against Bahrain but did not put them away.
"The players need to focus until the final whistle."