PETALING JAYA: Malaysia thrashed Singapore 4-1 in their final group game of the AFF Cup at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil two years ago.
Come Friday, Harimau Malaya will want to repeat that feat.
And it is not impossible. Just ask playmaker Sergio Aguero (pic).
The naturalised Argentine said the situation would be similar to two years ago when they faced Singapore in Bukit Jalil. In that match, Aguero put his name on the scoresheet in the 88th minute.
“It is a must-win game (on Friday), for sure. Do I feel pressure? Not much but I know Singapore are not an easy side to take on,” said the Pahang player.
“When we enter the game, we have to enjoy and play the game right. If we replicate the game we played against Thailand on Saturday, we have a high chance of beating Singapore and hopefully get into the semi-finals.
“Plus, the game is at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, so we have the home crowd advantage and we have to use it as our strength.
“I always tell my teammates this, every game in this competition is like a final. So we have to be at our very best to beat Singapore.”
Aguero said that there would be no secrets when it came to form and tactics, thanks to technology, and he knows the coaching staff led by Pau Marti Vicente will come up with the best plan against the Lions.
He was impressive in the 2-2 draw against Cambodia but looked devoid of ideas in Malaysia’s poor 3-2 win against Timor Leste.
Against Thailand, though they lost 0-1, Aguero produced a midfield masterclass and wished the attackers in front of him had finished off the chances he created throughout the game.
“Against Timor Leste, I know I was not myself, I could have given more.
“So against Thailand, I put a little pressure on myself to perform.
“I also rallied my teammates in the dressing room to give their all. The defeat against Thailand did not demoralise us, instead, we are even more hungry to win.
“After arriving in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, we spent time with our loved ones for two days, and now are back, fully focused on getting the job done against Singapore.”
