World Cup Qualifying Southeast Asia

Insiders Look on Malaysia and Thailand’s Clash

By: , November 13, 2019 7:33 pm

Malaysia are set to host Thailand at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium tomorrow, as the race of qualification from Group G continues to heat up. This will be the first meeting between the two sides since Malaysia beat Thailand in the semi-finals of the 2018 AFF Cup, and they are hoping that another win could indicate a shifting power balance in the region. Football Tribe’s Thailand-based SEA Editor Gian Chansrichawla is joined by Malaysian football fan and writer Sivan John, who discuss their thoughts ahead of this crucial match.

What are your thoughts going into this game? How confident are you? 

Gian: After our previous results, confidence should be really high in the Thailand camp. The 2-1 win over the UAE was one of the most impressive results in recent memory, especially since we did it without Chanathip in the team. Unfortunately, I’m still scarred from the AFF Suzuki Cup loss at the Bukit Jalil, so I’m definitely not underestimating Malaysia. I think we’re likely to have an open game, so if Thailand can keep the energy high and disrupt the hosts play with the same level of discipline and energy we showed against the UAE. However, it will require great mental fortitude from the young players in the team, some of whom will experience the fierce atmosphere of these games for the first time. 

Sivan: Whenever Malaysia plays against Thailand, it's always going to be an interesting fixture. We still regard the Thais as the leader of the pack in ASEAN. But now there is a sense of confidence within the Malaysian camp going into this kind of game. The respect is there but the fear factor isn’t prevalent anymore. I’m expecting a huge turnout for this game. Buoyed by the fans who will take on the mantle as the 12th man, I trust Malaysia will play with a lot of conviction to collect full three points. Besides after being unlucky not to take anything from our last two fixtures, there will be added to get something from Thursday game in order to keep our hopes alive, at least for China 2023. 

Which player are you expecting to step up and make the biggest impact for your team? 

Gian: I think the player I’d bank on is Teerasil Dangda. He’s got so much experience at this level. Thursday’s game will be a mental one as much as anything else, and the veteran striker could have the upper hand. However, another player I would keep an eye on is Phitiwat Sukjitthamakul. He joins the team having helped his club side Chiangrai United win the Thai League title and is continuing to repay Nishino’s vote of confidence with each passing game. He is going to need to be on his game to help Thailand control the midfield. 

Sivan: The man of the moment, Safawi Rashid who is currently in the form of his life. Alongside the Akhyar Rashid and Syafiq Ahmad who is expected to form the SAS trident attack. I wouldn't count out the evergreen and reliable Norshahrul Talaha. Brendan Gan is expected to remain industrious in midfield.  Not forgetting Mohamadou Sumareh, Malaysia’s spark plug from the bench.

Which player do you fear the most on the other side? 

Gian: With the high line we play, I think Safawi Rasid and Mohamadou Sumareh could be incredibly dangerous. Containing them and preventing them from breaking past the press will be the key to Thailand’s success. Syafiq Ahmad is also in fine scoring from, so he’s worth keeping an eye on too. Keeping a clean sheet will be tough as Nishino is still struggling to find a partner to Manuel Bihr at the back who can play in the style that he wants. 

Sivan: Chanathip Songkrasin and Teerasil Dangda, both players who didn’t feature the last time we got the better against Thailand (2018 AFF Championship). So we know that this is a different Thai side. In these two, Thai have players who capable of inflicting damage against Malaysia. I would also keep an eye on Buriram’s young duo Supachai Jaided and Suphanat Mueanta though I’m not sure if they can cope playing in front of a partisan crowd at Bukit Jalil.

What are your thoughts on your manager and the opposing manager? 

Gian: Nishino’s attacking style is beloved by the Thai fans. It’s fascinating to see Thailand play without fear against teams like the UAE. However, despite that, the side are able to keep their solidity. While looking to play an attacking game, they can press consistently, defend against transitions and mitigate the opponent’s attackers. I think that is what separates Nishino from Tan Cheng Hoe. Both have made their sides attacking and fun to watch again, but the latter needs to work on how Malaysia adapt to face the big teams on the continent. I expect him to follow in the footsteps of former Thailand boss Kiatisuk “Zico” Senamueng, and there will soon be a day of reckoning to see if his preferred style can actually be effective in the big games. 

Sivan: Tan Cheng Hoe attacking philosophy is what I really like about him. Thanks to him, we are playing the kind of football which we can be proud of.  Gone are the days where we tend to be result-oriented yet boring. TCH’s approach may not necessarily guarantee a good ending but it can certainly take Malaysia somewhere in the long run. Having Akira Nishino is a huge deal for Thailand considering the wealth of experience he brings including managing Japan at the World Cup. I also like to think he has brought back some stability in the dressing room that was missing following Zico’s stepping down. 

Predictions

Gian: Draw. I’ll be happy with that in the circumstances. I think it’ll be an open game with goals for both sides, but Nishino’s Thailand won’t be easily beaten…I hope 

Sivan: I’m taking a big risk here by predicting that Malaysia will run and gun out with either 1-0 or 2-1 win considering how important it is that we need to keep our dream alive well if not the World Cup then surely the Asian Cup in 2023. I’m confident that we will get a good result.