Singapore plans strategy against Malaysia

Singapore coach Raddy Avramovic is keeping his strategies a secret as he refused to speak to the media ahead of tomorrow's second round, first leg World Cup Qualifying match against Malaysia.

 

However, there is no doubt Malaysia's Safiq Rahim and Safee Sali will be getting some attention from the homesters.

They have been the focus of a great deal of media attention here following their wonderful strikes in Malaysia's 6-3 defeat to Liverpool last weekend.

The Singapore players have also made it known to the local media that Safiq and Safee will be treated with respect and caution tomorrow.

Serbian-born Mustafic Fahrudin said Safiq is a man for big occasions.

"We must try not to concede free kicks around the box as Safiq is superb with set-pieces. If not for Safiq's two goals in the first round (World Cup Qualifiers), we will have been playing Taiwan, not Malaysia, on Saturday," said defensive midfielder Mustafic yesterday.

Safiq's international form this season has been near perfect despite a poor outing in the domestic league with Selangor.

The central midfielder, who will likely leave Selangor for an Indonesian Super League club next season, has scored three spectacular goals in his last three matches.

Mustafic noted that Malaysia's flankers - S. Kunanlan and Amirulhadi Zainal - are also potential match winners.

"Their flankers are fast and skilful and we need to find a way to stop them," added the 31-year-old.

English-born centre-back Daniel Bennett is expected to be given the job of marking Safee tomorrow.

Bennett said Safee must not be given space as he is quick with his decision making in the box

"Safee reads the game well. We're going to have to fight at the back and deal with a lot of long balls. Malaysia work hard and don't stop running," said the 33-year-old.