What hair-raiser?
Hairiey not intimidated by fiery atmosphere against dragons
THE Vietnamese are football-mad. In every game the national team plays, the stadium is filled to the brim and the roar of “Vietnam, Vietnam” is deafening.
For the rivals, it can be frightening.
That is the cauldron the Malaysia Under-23 lads will be in when they face the Red Dragons in the semi-final at the Viet Tri Stadium in Phu To today.
Despite the fiery atmosphere, Harimau Muda’s wingback Hairiey Hakim believes he and his mates can cope as he had experienced that kind of atmosphere before in 2019.
“When my club Terengganu won the Bangabandhu Cup, we played in front of a packed stadium. It was intense and noisy, but we coped with it. That experience will help me against Vietnam,” said the 22-year-old from Kuala Terengganu.
“Mentally, we have to be strong in front of such a crowd.
“I have told myself that this is the time for me to prove I am worthy of the badge I am wearing.
As wingback, he will be facing two of the fastest wingers in Southeast Asia – Nguyen Hoang Duc and Ly Cong Hoang Anh.
But Hairiey is unfazed.
“I do not need to be scared of the players. We have to play hard and make them afraid of us.
“Even if you are fast or nippy, we have our advantages. Many people think I am quiet and reserved, but that does not mean I am scared. I want to show that I can fight as well as the next guy.”
Maloney, during the pre-match press conference, said his boys were eager to take on the defending champions.
“This Vietnam side have a lot of quality players, with three outstanding overage players.
“We are the youngest team. Their attackers are dangerous but my boys are up to the task and have played some senior football, domestically and internationally.”
Opposition coach Park Hang-seo was equally confident and brushed off talks that Vietnam are overly reliant on their overage players.
“They all have experience and talent, but if someone thinks Vietnam are relying too much on them, I disagree.
“They are leading the team and showing great influence.
“I think that from the semi-finals, their experience will be useful in difficult circumstances, but I believe in the other youngsters. They will be warriors.”