Malaysia hold mighty Thais, thanks to the supporters
PETALING JAYA: Thailand were under pressure from the get-go in the first leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup semi-final against Malaysia due to boisterous atmosphere at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Saturday.
Thailand’s national coach Milovan Rajevac said the fantastic atmosphere certainly spurred Malaysia to do their best.
“Malaysia played really well. They dominated possession and covered the most distance in the match. They gave 120% but this is only the first leg. The final spot will be decided in Bangkok,” said Rajevac.
“We came here with a plan but the players could not execute it. The Malaysian players were really motivated and aggressive as they wanted to score. We were not at our best but we did not lose the game. That matters,” added the Serbian, who previously coached teams like Ghana, Qatar and Algeria.
Rajevac promised a different Thailand in Bangkok but refused to divulge the details.
“There will be changes but there is no need for us to tell it here.
“We will be preparing for a tough match because it will decide the finalist.
“Our aim is to score many goals in Bangkok.” The War Elephants have played three games at the Rajamangala Stadium and won them in convincing fashion but their defence will need to be tight as an away goal from Malaysia will make their task tougher.
Thailand are the top scoring team in the tournament having netted 15 goals in the group stage, 14 of which came in Bangkok.