BANGKOK: Leftback Mohd Zubir Azmi is not taking his spot in the national team for granted.
The 23-year-old is the only player to feature in coach Dollah Salleh’s team in all five matches in the AFF Suzuki Cup. And the Terengganu defender is keeping his fingers crossed he will make the team again in the first leg of the final against Thailand at the Rajamangala Stadium on Wednesday.
“To be honest, I’m exhausted but it’s totally eclipsed by this feeling of pride playing for the country,” said Zubir.
“It’s just my luck that I’m on form now. There are other good players who can take my spot in the final if I suffer a drop in form.
“No one’s place in the team is confirmed. I just make sure I work hard so the coach has no option but to field me,”
Zubir made his international debut for Malaysia as a substitute in a friendly against Australia on Oct 7, 2011. But it was not a memorable outing as Malaysia suffered a 5-0 defeat.
The next year, Zubir made the team for the Suzuki Cup but Malaysia were ousted in the semi-finals.
Now, Zubir is eager to get his hands on the Cup.
But he knows the odds are stacked against Malaysia. Thailand are the favourites, having beaten Malaysian 3-2 in the group stage in Singapore on Nov 26.
Zubir said he would have to watch out for nippy wingers Charyl Chappuis and Chanathip Songkrasan in the final.
“These two Thais are very fast and skilful. You can’t afford to take your eyes off them. They will punish your mistakes like they did in the group stage,” said Zubir.
He added that he would work closely with centreback Mohd Shukor Adan to nullify the Thais’ threat.
“Shukor is a legend, he reads the game well and gives instructions to the other players ... he makes your job easier if you listen to his command.
“We lost to Thailand earlier but this is the final. It’s a different ball game now and I’m fired up to help Malaysia win the Cup,” said Zubir.
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