Hassle in Hanoi
Vietnam expected to give Malaysia a bumpy ride
PETALING JAYA: Fancied Vietnam are expected to give Malaysia a tough time in their AFF Suzuki Cup Group A match in Hanoi today.
The Vietnamese are known for their attacking prowess and neat passing game.
To counter their attacks, Malaysia coach Tan Cheng Hoe has urged his players to be tactically disciplined throughout the 90 minutes and silence the Hanoi crowd with a win. Victory over Vietnam will seal Harimau Malaya’s spot in the knockout stages.
Cheng Hoe said besides the home ground advantage, Vietnam also had an extra rest day but his charges’ confidence is high after winning two games on the trot in Group A.
“We’re aware of Vietnam’s status. I want my players to give their best tomorrow and they must be focused,” said Cheng Hoe.
“I’m happy we got six points so far but performance wise, I know my players can do better. Vietnam’s coach (Park Hang-seo) will surely want his charges to do well in front of the home crowd.
Malaysia last faced Vietnam in the 2016 AFF Suzuki Cup but they were beaten by a solitary goal from Nguyen Trong Hoang. Malaysia beat Vietnam 4-2 in the second leg of the 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup semi-final in Hanoi.
Cheng Hoe said Malaysia would have to be on guard against three Vietnamese players – midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai and strikers Nguyen Van Quyet and Nguyen Cong Phuong.
“Van Quyet is revered by the fans and I’m sure he wants to be at his best against Malaysia. Quang Hai, Van Quyet and Cong Phuong are essential to Vietnam’s attacking system,” he said.
“I’ve told my defenders to be on their toes against them. We’ve to be very careful with our defending.”
When asked about Mahamadou Sumareh’s fitness, Cheng Hoe said the winger was recovering well but he was not 100% fit.
“We’ve to speak to the doctor. It would be good to see him 100% fit.”
He’s important to our system and we want all our players available for the match,” he added.