LANGKAWI: Robert Alberts was not pleased with the pitch condition at the Selayang Stadium during Sarawak’s 0-0 draw against Sime Darby in the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals first leg match on Saturday.
The Sarawak coach felt that the uncut grass prevented the Crocs from playing their usual fast-pace game.
“The FIFA rules state that the length of the grass on a playing pitch must not be more than 2.7cm. We were playing on grass that must be at least 5cm. We could not move the ball fast on the ground, and my players were sinking in the grass,” complained Alberts.
Despite his unhappiness with the playing surface, the Dutchman felt that the draw between this year’s top two Premier League teams was a fair result.
“It was a game of two halves. Sarawak were aggressive in the first half while Sime Darby came out stronger after the break.
“We should have been awarded a penalty in the first half when their goalkeeper fouled (Muamer) Salibasic, but a 0-0 draw is not too bad to bring home to Kuching for the return leg.”
The Crocs can also thank their goalkeeper Sani Anuar Kamsani for helping them keep a clean sheet as he made fine saves to keep out efforts from Sime Darby’s Croatian forward Karlo Primorac and former international Mohd Fadzli Saari.
Sarawak have good reason for feeling confident as they are unbeaten in all their 11 Premier League and three Malaysia Cup group matches at the State Stadium in Kuching.
In the Malaysia Cup, they beat Lions XII 2-1, Kedah 4-0 and Perak 6-1 during the group stage.
And Roberts feels that the strong support at home can help propel the Crocs into their first Malaysia Cup semi-final appearance since 2001.
Said Alberts: “The Sarawak fans have been superb in backing us throughout the year. Even during the first leg in Selayang, our fans outnumbered the home team’s supporters.
“We will get another strong backing from them on Saturday, and the best way to repay their faith is to qualify for the semi-finals.”
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