Singapore coach Raddy Avramovic insists his team will have the advantage in tomorrow's World Cup qualifying return leg as the expected huge local fan turnout at the National Stadium will work against K. Rajagobal's men.
"It will be difficult for the home side as the pressure will be on them to beat us in front of their 80,000 fans. I've seen many teams crumble under pressure in front of their fans before. It could happen on Thursday (tomorrow)," said Avramovic at the Maybank Training Centre in Bangi yesterday.
"We have not played in a huge stadium for a long time but it will not affect us in any way. In fact, my players are eager to spoil the party for Malaysia. They are excited about it and as a coach, I like their confidence."
"We have not played in a huge stadium for a long time but it will not affect us in any way. In fact, my players are eager to spoil the party for Malaysia. They are excited about it and as a coach, I like their confidence."
But when reminded of Malaysia's good track record at home, the 62-year-old coach who was tongue-tied for a fleeting moment, quickly rephrased his statement and said that it would be difficult for his team in the return leg.
"We must not write off the AFF Cup champions as they tend to play better at home. It is going to be tough for us. We need to play well to defend our 5-3 lead from the first leg," said Avramovic, who confirmed that his core players, except for the suspended Ismail Yunos, are all available for tomorrow.
"Everyone in the team has responded well in training. As for now they are calm and focused on the match. It is important that my team do not become too confident at this stage," added the Serb.
"Everyone in the team has responded well in training. As for now they are calm and focused on the match. It is important that my team do not become too confident at this stage," added the Serb.
Avramovic said the key to a Singapore victory is for the players to remain calm and relaxed during the match.
"We must remind ourselves that it is them (Malaysia) who need the goals, we do not need to be very offensive. As long we play to our game plan, we can win this tie."
He added: "My boys are determined and confident at this point. It is important that they do not let the Malaysian fans intimidate them. Football is a game of 22 players. Our job is to only focus on our opponents and not their fans." The minor scuffle between fans of both teams in last weekend's first leg at Jalan Besar Stadium could turn the return leg into a fiery affair, not only on the pitch but also at the stadium stands.
The FA of Malaysia has assured that stadium security will be tight to avoid any untoward incidents. Ticket sales are also picking up as fans turned out in thousands at the National Stadium, Shah Alam Stadium and MBPJ Stadium to purchase tickets yesterday. More than 10,000 tickets have also been sold online.
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