Dion Cools addresses the media at Wisma FAM. - Photo by FAM
PETALING JAYA: It’s not cool when you concede goals.
And that is why Dion Cools has made a clarion call to his defence to not only win but keep a clean sheet when they face Oman in the return fixture of the World Cup 2026-Asian Cup 2027 second-round qualifier at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil today.
Malaysia lost 0-2 to Oman in Muscat last Thursday but several critics praised the centreback line led by captain Cools for giving a strong defensive performance.
The Buriram United player, however, said it was pointless to defend well but still concede goals.
“We defended well against Oman, especially in the first-half, but in that same game, we conceded two goals,” said Cools.
“As a defender, I will do my best to keep a clean sheet.
“At the back, I want our defence to keep the opponents’ score at zero. I just want us to be more solid when we take on Oman again.
“While the focus is to defend well, we also want to create more chances in Bukit Jalil, and we hope to do that with great gusto.’’
Cools has been a steady leader in the Harimau Malaya squad as he is known for his calm presence at the back and at times, when needed to go forward, he does it well with his overlapping runs and strong attacking presence during set-pieces.
The same will be demanded of him in the return fixture as Malaysia know a win will help them qualify for the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and also book a spot in the 2027 Asian Cup.
Cools admitted Oman were a tough nut to crack in the first match.
“Oman have a solid team. I don’t think they have exceptional players, but when they operate as a unit, they are tough to beat,” he said.
“I don’t see them as a team with lots of weaknesses, so we need to be at our best.
“It’s good that the turnaround from the previous game is not long – just three days. We need make quick adjustments, react fast and bounce back.”
Meanwhile, Oman’s versatile player Ali Al-Busaidi said they were ready to strike again.
“We are here to win and top the group. Whatever the conditions that we may face – bad weather, poor pitch or a tough opposition, we will be ready,” said Al-Busaidi.
“We respect Malaysia because they have good players. But we as a team have grown a lot, and we believe in our abilities to move forward in the qualifiers.”
