KUALA LUMPUR: National player Paulo Josue is hoping Harimau Malaya can use their underdog status to good effect and spring a few surprises at the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar (Jan 12-Feb 10).
Malaysia, currently No. 130 in the world, are the lowest ranked side in Group E. The other teams in the group are South Korea (No. 23), Jordan (No. 87) and Bahrain (No. 86).
Brazil-born Josue, who earned his citizenship early last year, believes Malaysia can catch their opponents off guard.
"It's a tough competition with difficult opponents but we're ready to face them. We are the underdogs and if the opponents do not do their best then we might surprise them," said Josue today.
"The coaching staff have already given us a lot of information about our opponents and there are some weak points me might use against them.
"Of course they are good teams and have good players who play in Europe, so we have to be aware.
"But as I said earlier, we are the underdogs and if they come into the match overconfident, we can surprise them.
"Of course, we ourselves cannot be overconfident because we are the lowest ranked side in the group.
"If we can do well and get some points from the first and second games (against Jordan and Bahrain) we have a chance of qualifying for the next round.
"The four best third-placed teams in the group stage will go to the next round so we have to think about that. Maybe three or four points could be enough."
The attacking midfielder said the squad is adjusting well to the conditions in Qatar.
"We are adapting to the weather and the pitches, which are faster," said Josue.
"This is probably why the coach (Kim Pan Gon) wanted us to come here early. So far everything is looking good.
"We have been running a lot, Pan Gon has demanded a lot from the players and we will be ready. We must be fit."
Josue added that it is an honour for him to be part of the Asian Cup squad.
"It is a big honour to be here, the whole of Asia is watching this tournament," he said.
"Players from Europe (based there) including the English Premier League, such as those playing for South Korea, will be coming. It is a big privilege for us.
"I hope Malaysia will continue to keep playing in the Asian Cup in the future and continue to develop."
Josue has made eight appearances for Harimau Malaya since making his debut in March last year and has already hit the back of the net four times.
Malaysia will play Syria in their final tune-up match in Doha tomorrow.
They will face Jordan in their opening Asian Cup match on Jan 15 followed by Bahrain (Jan 20) and South Korea (Jan 25).