VIENTIANE, Dec 9 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian football squad will face an 'acid test' in their final Group A match against defending champion Thailand at the Chao Anu Vong Stadium here on Friday.
National coach K. Rajagobal said the 4-0 win against Cambodia yesterday was the morale booster for his charges after their 1-3 defeat to Vietnam, three days ago.
"The win is a breather for my men. But now, I want them to forget about Vietnam or Cambodia as Thailand is the real challenge for us," he told reporters after his training session here on Wednesday.
He said, Malaysia should look out for Adul Lahsoh, Kiatprawutsawaeo, Suttinun Phukhom (captain) and their twin strikers Sompong Saleb and Anawin Jujeen who are the backbone and deadly strikers for the Thai team.
Rajagobal believes that if his squad could stop the Thai speedy strikers, then it would give them a tough time to find the Malaysian net.
Malaysia need to beat Thailand to ensure their semi-final berth as Thailand is leading the group with seven points from three matches while Vietnam is second with the same points but with less goals scored.
Malaysia is third with six points from three matches; Cambodia is fourth with three points from three matches while Timor Leste which lost all three matches is at the bottom.
Only two top teams will make for the semi-finals.
Commenting on yesterday's match against Cambodia, Rajagobal gave credit to S. Kunanlal, K. Gurusamy and Safiq Rahim for their tireless efforts to find the net.
"I can see the whole team is on fire. They know their duty and delivered it," he said.
The goals against Cambodia were scored by Abdul Manaf Mamat (34th min), Norshahrul Idlan Talaha (76th min), S. Kunanlal (81th min) and Shafiq Rahim (84th min).
Meanwhile, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek believes that the Malaysian squad can beat Thailand although on paper, it appeared to be a difficult task.
"I believe the squad can create a miracle for a win against Thailand but it needs to be cool and not be emotional. The Malaysian squad should also not be overwhelmed by their opponent," he said.
-- BERNAMA
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