Plenty of praises in defeat
BRAD Maloney has little to complain though Malaysia failed to reach the Sea Games football final.
Rather than griping about what could have happened, the Australian offered plenty of positives on the 1-0 loss to Vietnam in the semi-final on Thursday.
Malaysia were able to drag favourites Vietnam into extra-time but the homesters finally scored through Linh Nguyen Tien in the 111th minute.
Maloney said he now has a better picture of the Malaysian team for the Under-23 Asian Cup in Uzbekistan next month.
The coach said he has identified the team’s weaknesses after they played five matches in Hanoi.
“I thought we were disciplined and well organised. But Vietnam had the majority of the ball possession which left us with no clear-cut chances. We did not threaten their goal a lot but we were disciplined in defence.
“We lacked in retaining ball possession, which is something we need to improve on.
“Vietnam are a good, physical and quick team. All I have to say is that I am proud of my players’ performance and efforts.”
Maloney, whose team shocked 16-time Sea
Games champions Thailand 2-1 in their group match last week, praised his boys for their fighting spirit against Vietnam. “I credit the players on how far we’ve gone, we’re still undefeated in 90 minutes, even in that game the goal conceded was in the 111th minute.
“We’re also the youngest team in the semi-finals whereas the other three squads had overaged players,” said Maloney. Malaysia
were the only team that fielded all Under-23 players.
Malaysia will play Indonesia for the bronze medal tomorrow while Vietnam will meet Thailand in the final.