MALAYSIA LACK STING
Former international James says strikers need to work on finishing
FORMER international Datuk James Wong was not impressed with the Malaysian strikers who he deemed had put on a poor performance in the 0-0 draw against Thailand in Saturday’s AFF Cup semi-final first leg match.
James, who helped Malaysia qualify for the 1980 Moscow Olympics which they later boycotted, said Tan Cheng Hoe’s side would have easily defeated the War Elephants by more than two goals had they been more composed in their opponent’s penalty box.
“The team lacked the killer touch. The Thais did not play well. Malaysia were motivated and aggressive but towards the end of the first half, they lost their sting.
“Our attacking players were not composed enough. They pass the ball into the opponent’s box for the sake of doing so without thinking ahead. You must have players who can time their runs in the box in order to get goals,” he said.
The former Sabah striker, however, was impressed with Gambia-born Mohamadou Sumareh.
“Sumareh impressed me with his skills. He is really good with the ball. But I am just surprised that our attacking players do not know what to do in front of the opponent’s goal.
“Strikers need to be cool when they have opportunities. They need to make quick decisions, whether to opt for a simple placing shot or to use power instead. We lack this aspect.
“It was frustrating for me to watch the game. I was at a coffee shop last night watching the game with my friends. We cheered on for the team hoping for goals. But we became frustrated after several missed chances,” he noted
The 65-year-old wasn’t impressed with Milovan Rajevac’s men.
“I thought Thailand were better than that but they looked nervous in the first half especially their defenders. I thought it would be a walkover for Malaysia as they controlled the opening 25 minutes.”
And for the return leg in Bangkok on Wednesday, James hopes Cheng Hoe’s side will be patient in all departments and also offer more in attack.
“The team need to work on their crosses from both sides of the pitch. They need to know when to attack and also to track back to their positions.
“Anyway, the team are getting there in all aspects. Malaysia are in good hands under Cheng Hoe, but they must work harder,” James added.