Tonight the Malaysian Tiger faced one of the stiffest task in defending the AFF Suzuki Cup which they had won it two years ago. They face Thailand the tournament hot favourite to lift the cup this year at Supachalasai Stadium in the 2nd leg tonight.
Certainly on paper, the Thais have the edge after their 1-1 draw in the first leg at Bukit Jalil National Stadium plus their fine form in group matches winning all three. But against Malaysia last Sunday they are not that vulnerable and solid at all like what had being reported.
For me, the Thais lack big games experience and mental strenght after they last won the cup back in 2000. There are not that impressive but only for goalkeeper Kawin sterling performance between the post saves them the day. Our team played one of the best game compared to their group match earlier with more discipline and determination. The 3-0 defeat in the opening match against Singapore did have a huge impact towards the national side performance in later stages as they slowly pick themselves up to reach the semi-finals.
Come tonight for sure all the Malaysian at home will be glued in front of the television watching anxiously for the next 90 minutes. A goalless draw will see the Elephant going through on away goals rule but a 1-1 draw the match will go into extra time.
But for me the national team have the edge after experiencing twice going through this stage against Indonesia before and I don't see why the national side not being able to breeze past the opponent as we improving match by match as the tournament progress.
Winfried Schafer boys are under great pressure to perform especially in front of their home fans but really I strongly believe our team have the guts and are not easily distracted by the opponent antics. If Norshahrul and Safee can deliver the goods early on then surely they will crack under pressure.
But for me actually our main obstacle was to reach the semi-finals after making a poor start. The boys did extremely well to defy the odds and well here we are. So boys, show them what you got. Tiger will roarrrs.
