Hey Malaysia, Myanmar are out to give you a taxing time

KUALA LUMPUR: Myanmar hope to keep their groove going in the AFF Suzuki Cup after coming through a hectic schedule.

They have played four matches in 12 days and that can be taxing for any team – but Myanmar are ready to go all out against Malaysia when they clash at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil today.

One of the tournament’s dark horses, Myanmar – led by German coach Antoine Hey – have beaten Cambodia 4-1, Laos 3-1 and drew in their last match against Vietnam 0-0.

Hey does not think playing four matches in a short span of time will be a disadvantage.

“We’ve the momentum after play- ing against Vietnam while Malaysia are starved of some momentum due to their one-week break,” said Hey.

“I rotated players to make sure we’ve everyone available for this game because we know this will be the most important game. We rested five key players against Vietnam and for Malaysia, we will have a full squad to choose from.”

Hey said the players were highly motivated although they are expecting to see a full house crowd for the do-or-die battle against Malaysia.

The former Schalke 04 midfielder stoked the fire in his team by saying they would not be intimidated by the Malaysian fans at the stadium.

“We would love to see the stadium as full as possible. The more the merrier. Our players have not shown any signs of nervousness.

“We will not be daunted by the atmosphere,” said the 48-year-old Hey.

Myanmar lead the Group A standings with seven points by virtue of goal difference, followed by Vietnam with seven and Malaysia six.

Myanmar just need a draw to qualify for the semi-finals while Malaysia must win to get into the next stage.

After watching all of Malaysia’s matches in the tournament, Hey believes Tan Cheng Hoe’s players have the quality.

“They controlled ball possession against Vietnam. It’s not easy to do so away from home. However, they could not create many chances and struggled against Cambodia.

“But my concern is my own team. We’re assessing our tactics and seeing what we can do with this talented side. The players are certainly prepared mentally and physically,” he said.

Ye Yint Aung, who could make his first international appearance for Myanmar against Malaysia, said his teammates were not under pressure to play against Malaysia.

“In the first two matches, we were trailing 1-0 but came back to win. We’ll follow the coach’s instructions and do our best against Malaysia,” said the 20-year-old midfielder.