HANOI: Desperate times call for desperate measures.
And national football coach Dollah Salleh, apart from hoping for a miracle, will ring the changes in the do-or-die second leg semi-final match at the My Dinh Stadium on Thurdsay.
In the first leg, the Harimau Malaya were outplayed by the inventive Vietnam who won 2-1 at the Shah Alam Stadium on Sunday.
Malaysia need two clear goals to join Thailand in the final. The Thais defeated the Philippines 3-0 at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok on Wednesay.
Dollah will reshuffle his line-up and hope that it pays dividends.
“I will make some changes to the line-up ... it’s not about who will play but more of how will we play. If the team can maintain their tactical discipline, we can get a result here,” said the former Police coach.
“Yes, we have an uphill battle but we still have a chance of winning. I’m trying something with the team and I hope it works against Vietnam,” said Dollah at the pre-match press conference on Wednesday.
Midfielder Mohd Hafiz Kamal, striker Norshahrul Idlan Talaha and rightback Mahali Jasuli are expected to be axed following their dismal outing in the first leg.
Veteran striker Indra Putra Mahayuddin and midfielder Mohd Badhri Mohd Radzi will be given a starting role instead.
Despite the odds stacked against them, Dollah believes everything is possible in football and said that his side have nothing to lose.
“The players have moved on from the first leg defeat and are looking forward to the game, they are committed to the cause and ready to give 200% against Vietnam.”
The national team will be boosted by the return of suspended skipper Mohd Shukor Adan who hinted of retirement after the Suzuki Cup and winger Mohd Amri Yahyah.
Meanwhile, Vietnam coach Toshiya Miura expects the Harimau Malaya to roar back into action tonight.
“Malaysia will be doing everything to get a result here and make it harder for us,” said the Japanese coach.
“It will not be any easy match for us ... and I don’t think an early goal from us will kill the match. We will have to be very cautious.”
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