PETALING JAYA: National football team winger Faisal Halim says he is unfazed by the hostile atmosphere at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium and has urged his teammates to be ready both mentally and physically when Malaysia take on Indonesia in their FIFA Asean Cup Group A match on Monday (Sept 28).
Speaking ahead of the high-stakes clash, Faisal said the Harimau Malaya would not be rattled by provocation from the home crowd.
"We shouldn't worry or be bothered by any provocation from Indonesian supporters. On the pitch, it's just 11 against 11, and we are the ones who control the outcome of the match.
''Fans can shout and cheer, but we choose to look at their energy as something that motivates us too," he said.
The 28-year-old Selangor captain added that Malaysia are approaching the match with realistic expectations, aware that nothing is guaranteed against a determined Indonesian side.
"In football, you can never say with 100% certainty that you're going to win or draw. It's 11 against 11 on the pitch, and we must be physically and mentally prepared to face Indonesia.
"It won't be an easy match, but every single player in the squad shares the same desire to win tomorrow night," he said.
Faisal also gave Indonesia due credit following their impressive showing against Singapore, where they won 2-0 on Friday, but stressed that Malaysia's focus is on nullifying the entire Indonesian unit rather than any single threat.
"Indonesia looked very organised and smooth in their match against Singapore, but football presents a different game every time. Every team bring different qualities to the pitch. We aren't focusing on just one single player; our attention is on their entire squad," he said.
