Thailand coach Milovan Rajevac wants to end his team’s losing track record against Malaysia at the National Stadium. While the head-to-head record of 13 matches is in favour of Thailand, the interesting fact is that their losses were in Bukit Jalil.
Playing at the National Stadium and in front of 80,000 fans is no easy feat, and Rajevac knows that all too well. “Traditions are there to be broken, and we are going to try and do that tomorrow,” said Rajevac with reference to the team’s defeats at the National Stadium in 2002 and 2014.
He admitted that it will be difficult in such an atmosphere. “Against Myanmar, the fans were the 12th player. Malaysia won and qualified for the semi-finals. I’m working with the team to have the same standards at home and away. For us, it is important to focus and play our game tomorrow.”
For Rajevac, tomorrow’s match is just the first half. “The second half will be in Bangkok. What we must do is to score and not get a negative result, especially when playing home and away. We must work well as a team, attack together and defend together.”
Malaysian coach Tan Cheng Hoe says the past results were but a record. “A record is a record, tomorrow’s a different game. Starting tomorrow, it will be a 180-minute match.”
“Everyone knows Thailand have better quality players, with better experience. It’s important that our players go into the game composed. Our players must play according to our strength, not worry so much about the Thais.
Cheng Hoe, who was assistant when Malaysia bagged it’s only AFF Suzuki Cup title in 2010, wants his players to forget about the last match with Myanmar. His concerns are understandable for it’s crucial the players that sensational win behind them and focus on the semis.
“Many said that we played very well in the last game (against Myanmar), but for me that episode is over. Once again, we are playing against a stronger and better opponent who have scored 15 goals. We have to be cautious of their attacks. It’s important our players don’t get carried away as we try for goals, and then concede to them. In the knock-out stage, away goals are important for any team.
For the record, Thailand, in AFF Suzuki Cup history, have won eight matches, drawn three and lost two. The two sides have met in the semi-final stage twice in 2012 and 2014 with Thailand emerging winners on both occasions.
