Substance over style
Vingada tells players to forget about good football and win
PETALING JAYA: National coach Eduardo Vingada would gladly settle for winning ugly if it meant Malaysia’s survival in the Asian Cup qualifiers.
The Harimau Malaya, who will take on Hong Kong at the Hong Kong Stadium today, are still winless and Vingada is desperate to get a first victory under his belt since taking charge in June.
The players have shown glimpses of improvement under the Portuguese’s last four matches but their backs are against the wall in this do-or-die Group B match.
The 64-year-old Vingada said that the match against Hong Kong is a “final” and he is optimistic of winning the match.
“I would prefer to collect points compared to a good game. In football only result matters.
“I like good football but sometimes it’s the results that’s important in the end. We have to fight, run and put our heads where Hong Kong players will put their feet. It’s like a final for us,” said Vingada in the pre-match press conference yesterday.
“We want a positive result to keep us in the fight, this is a crucial game.
“The team are in a better condition compared to the time I arrived. It’s not just because of me, the players have worked harder, they now know me better. I too now know them better.”
Malaysia opened their campaign with a 2-1 loss to Lebanon at the Larkin Stadium in Johor Baru on June 13. They were then held to a 1-1 draw by Hong Kong in their second match at the Hang Jebat Stadium in Melaka on Sept 5.
Lebanon currently top the group with seven points while North Korea and Hong Kong have two points. Malaysia prop the group with a point with a match in hand with North Korea.
Suspension to first choice rightback Rizal Ghazali and centreback Aidil Zafuan Abdul Razak and injuries to strikers Ahmad Hazwan Bakri and Shahrel Fikri Mohd Fauzi have further weakened the team for the crunch tie.
Centreback Mohd Shahrom Kalam who attended the press conference said that the players are all ready to get a positive result.
“We know it’s an important match, we need a positive result to keep us in the run for a slot in the Asian Cup,” said the defender.
“Our players are ready mentally and physically. We are not here for a holiday, we are playing for pride and the key is to stay disciplined and focused throughout the match.”