Malaysia will not throw in the towel after going down to Singapore 3-5 and have pledged to overturn the two-goal deficit in the second-leg of the Asian Zone World Cup second round qualifying match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Thursday.
National coach Datuk K. Rajagopal has said that they would give the Lions a taste of their own medicine when they come to the Harimau Malaya den.
“When they (Singapore) can score ... I am an optimistic person ... and believe we can do the same back home.
“I am confident my boys will raise their game in Bukit Jalil. We need to repair the flaws. If not for the sloppy defending shown in the first-half when we conceded four goals, we should have got a better result on Saturday,” said a disappointed Rajagopal.
He said the Singapore twin-terrors Shi Jiayi and Qiu Li caused havoc for the Malaysian defence down the two flanks. The Malaysian defence led by centrebacks Mohd Muslim Ahmad, Mohd Fadhli Shas, Mahalli Jasuli and Mohd Asraruddin Outra Omar were under tremendous pressure.
“The two Chinese players have the height advantage but that is no excuse. Yes, our defenders are young and they have to go through it and come out better players,” said Rajagopal.
He said the defence lost focus and looked liked they were “hypnotised” at times.
“They looked nervous at times. But credit should be given to the fightback in the second-half and they scored two well executed goals through Abdul Hadi Yahaya and Safee Sali.
“Yes, if we can raise our game when we were down 1-4 in the first-half ... I am sure we can get the same energy level to do the damage to Singapore in Bukit Jalil,” said Rajagopal.
Singapore coach Radojko Avramovic said he did not expect Malaysia to storm back after the breather.
“Yes, I am disappointed we did not get a bigger goal cushion. The game is not over yet. We have just finished 90 minutes and there is another 90 to go in Bukit Jalil.”
Avramovic singled out the 41-year-old Duric who scored two goals and lasted the full 90 minutes.
“I have nothing to say about Duric but just like his professionalism,” he said.
No comments:
Post a Comment