PETALING JAYA: Defenders, be on alert!
After watching Indonesia beat Singapore 2-0 on Friday, national interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe wants Harimau Malaya to keep things tight at the back against the Garuda’s dangerous strike force.
Harimau Malaya, ranked 136th in the world, will take on hosts Indonesia in their second FIFA Asean Cup Group A clash at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta today.
Malaysia thumped Bangladesh 3-0 in their opening match on Friday, but Cheng Hoe warned that world No. 119 Indonesia will be no pushovers.
“Looking at Indonesia’s match against Singapore, we can clearly see that their attack is very strong, with several dangerous players,” said Cheng Hoe.
“They also have a world-class defence and goalkeeper. That is why we must be fully prepared, especially since their attack is well-coordinated and dangerous. We need to give 100 percent focus when playing against Indonesia,”
“Especially in our defensive line, we need commitment, discipline, and to play as a cohesive unit tomorrow, even though we will be playing in front of a packed crowd at the venue filled with Indonesian supporters.
“But we will still step out with confidence, as a team that believes it can achieve something — regardless of any provocation from supporters or players on either side. We must always control our emotions; what matters is staying focused purely on the match.”
Cheng Hoe also believes the organisers would provide the best security arrangement, as the derby usually can turn unruly.
“In terms of security, we don’t foresee any issues this time, as I believe FIFA is aware of the situation. We aren’t worrying too much about it — our focus remains on the match against Indonesia.”
