JAKARTA, Nov 20 (Bernama) -- "Forget the preliminary matches if we want to win and retain the gold medal."
That's the message national coach Ong Kim Swee has given to the Malaysian football players who will meet hosts Indonesia in the football final of the SEA Games here tomorrow.
Malaysia's 1-0 win against Indonesia in the Group A match on Thursday was a useful experience to ensure that the under-23 players remain cautious and not become complacent.
"I do not want them to be overconfident. I know they are tired and I want them to be aware of their own strengths and performance.
"In terms of spirit, the players will go all-out against Indonesia. This is the last hurdle for us to defend our gold medal victory in Laos," he said when met at the hotel near the Bung Karno Stadium where the national football squad is staying.
Ong said the squad needs to be realistic in the 90-minute match and prepare themselves psychologically to face the Indonesian players and the vociferous home crowd.
"Disregard their taunts. We must use our remaining fitness in the best possible manner. I believe that if we push for an early win, the players will become tired by the 60th minute because we are already tired," he said.
Kim Swee, who has served out a one-match suspension for protesting against a decision of United Arab Emirates referee Fahad Alkassar during the Malaysia-Indonesia match on Thursday, said there are some injury problems but there are also other dependable players.
"I have a plan on whom to field in the match against Indonesia tomorrow," he said.
Malaysia will wear the yellow jersey in the match, scheduled to kick off at 7 pm (8 pm in Malaysia) tomorrow at the Bung Karno Stadium.
That's the message national coach Ong Kim Swee has given to the Malaysian football players who will meet hosts Indonesia in the football final of the SEA Games here tomorrow.
Malaysia's 1-0 win against Indonesia in the Group A match on Thursday was a useful experience to ensure that the under-23 players remain cautious and not become complacent.
"I do not want them to be overconfident. I know they are tired and I want them to be aware of their own strengths and performance.
"In terms of spirit, the players will go all-out against Indonesia. This is the last hurdle for us to defend our gold medal victory in Laos," he said when met at the hotel near the Bung Karno Stadium where the national football squad is staying.
Ong said the squad needs to be realistic in the 90-minute match and prepare themselves psychologically to face the Indonesian players and the vociferous home crowd.
"Disregard their taunts. We must use our remaining fitness in the best possible manner. I believe that if we push for an early win, the players will become tired by the 60th minute because we are already tired," he said.
Kim Swee, who has served out a one-match suspension for protesting against a decision of United Arab Emirates referee Fahad Alkassar during the Malaysia-Indonesia match on Thursday, said there are some injury problems but there are also other dependable players.
"I have a plan on whom to field in the match against Indonesia tomorrow," he said.
Malaysia will wear the yellow jersey in the match, scheduled to kick off at 7 pm (8 pm in Malaysia) tomorrow at the Bung Karno Stadium.
-- BERNAMA
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