MALAYSIA should still advance to the Asian Games second round for the first time in 32 years even with a defeat to hosts China today but coach K. Rajagobal is eyeing second spot in Group A. With Malaysia leading China on goal difference, a draw would be enough to set up a last-16 meeting with the Group C runners-up -- either South Korea or North Korea.
A defeat at the Tianhe Stadium, though, could mean a meeting with favourites Iran but Rajagobal said he was not worried about who they face in the next round, which would be the first time the football team clear the first round since 1978.
"We have set our minds on staying positive, a draw would take us both through and we would finish second. But it does not matter who we face next, it would still be a good experience for the players," said Rajagobal after yesterday's training session at the Huagang Stadium.
S. Chanthuru, who suffered muscle spasms after scoring the winner against Kyrgyzstan on Monday, is back in the frame after coming through his first training session without problems.
It leaves Rajagobal with a decision to make over who will start with striker Izzaq Faris Ramlan a possible omission from the side that lost 2-0 to Japan.
"I'm now facing a dilemma on who to start off with. I've tried a few options today (yesterday) and will have a look at the attitude of the players first.
"I've told them we are under no pressure, instead China will face the pressure of playing in front of their home crowd because they want to finish second too."
Malaysia can derive confidence from the fact that the Under-23 side held China's senior team 0-0 in a friendly match in Shah Alam last year ahead of the Sea Games.
Among the players who played then and remain on the team are Safiq Rahim, Amar Rohidan, S. Kunanlan, Asraruddin Putra Omar, Mahalli Jasuli and Norshahrul Idlan Talaha.
The last meeting between the two sides at the Asian Games was in 2006 in Doha when China won 3-1.
Read more: Asian Games: Malaysia out to make history http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/42devbulass/Article#ixzz158i2rD29
A defeat at the Tianhe Stadium, though, could mean a meeting with favourites Iran but Rajagobal said he was not worried about who they face in the next round, which would be the first time the football team clear the first round since 1978.
"We have set our minds on staying positive, a draw would take us both through and we would finish second. But it does not matter who we face next, it would still be a good experience for the players," said Rajagobal after yesterday's training session at the Huagang Stadium.
S. Chanthuru, who suffered muscle spasms after scoring the winner against Kyrgyzstan on Monday, is back in the frame after coming through his first training session without problems.
It leaves Rajagobal with a decision to make over who will start with striker Izzaq Faris Ramlan a possible omission from the side that lost 2-0 to Japan.
"I'm now facing a dilemma on who to start off with. I've tried a few options today (yesterday) and will have a look at the attitude of the players first.
"I've told them we are under no pressure, instead China will face the pressure of playing in front of their home crowd because they want to finish second too."
Malaysia can derive confidence from the fact that the Under-23 side held China's senior team 0-0 in a friendly match in Shah Alam last year ahead of the Sea Games.
Among the players who played then and remain on the team are Safiq Rahim, Amar Rohidan, S. Kunanlan, Asraruddin Putra Omar, Mahalli Jasuli and Norshahrul Idlan Talaha.
The last meeting between the two sides at the Asian Games was in 2006 in Doha when China won 3-1.
Read more: Asian Games: Malaysia out to make history http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/42devbulass/Article#ixzz158i2rD29
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