PETALING JAYA: The heat is on – and especially so for Dion Cools.
The Malaysian football captain has won silverware for the clubs he has represented but has not achieved that yet for Harimau Malaya.
The 28-year-old defender hopes to break that duck by helping 134-ranked Malaysia lift the Merdeka Tournament title when they take on 116-ranked Lebanon at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tonight. The former Club Brugge player and now featuring for Buriram United, Cools hopes the team can continue the momentum in the tournament after beating the Philippines 2-1 on Wednesday. Lebanon ousted defending champions Tajikistan 1-0 on the same day.
“I don’t see it as pressure. We have played two finals already, and last year we lost. I see it as an opportunity to win a medal and keep it in my trophy cabinet. I see it as a great challenge and motivation,” said the player, who was born in Kuching, Sarawak.
“We had a good game last Wednesday. We want to continue that momentum. Lebanon will be tough but we have been positive during games and training.”
Cools, who has won 27 caps with Malaysia, has never faced Lebanon before in his international career, which makes it an intriguing task for him.
But he has been talking to some of his national teammates who have faced the Lebanese side in the past such as rightback Matthew Davies, winger Safawi Rasid and midfielder Syamer Kutty Abba.
“I think we just need to focus on ourselves, look at what they’re doing and try to achieve the best we can tomorrow. This is another opportunity to win a trophy for us.”
Cools also hopes to see Malaysian fans back in the stands to give them full support.
“I really hope we can get as many fans as possible in the stands and we actually need them to give us some extra energy. We wish all the fans would come and support us on Sunday (today), as we really need them,” he said.
Meanwhile, coach Pau Marti Vicente said his charges are motivated to play the game against Lebanon but urged them to be even more aggressive compared to the game against the Filipinos.
The Spaniard said it is time to end the 11-year wait for the trophy as Malaysia last won it in 2013 when the Under-23 team beat Myanmar 2-0.
“We feel motivated to play this game.
“It is difficult to be perfect in football. But we try our best to have the best attack and defence. We want to be in a good position to win.
“We need to be more aggressive upfront. Luck does play a role but we have to have lots of chances. We must be strong and solid.”
