Lissek has Aussies all figured out

24/02/2002

PAUL Lissek returned from his mother's funeral in Germany yesterday, and
he was as busy as a bee making final arrangements to host Australia in the
opening match today.
Not many expect Malaysia to beat the Australians, who last hammered in
four goals with ease in the final of the 1998 Commonwealth Games, but
Lissek is determined for a good start in the World Cup.
He started by holding an informal meeting with his charges who were left
under the care of Stephen van Huizen for almost a week, and then tackled
them group by group.
"I divided the players into small groups of defenders, midfielders,
strikers and those who will take the penalty corners and made some last
minute brushing up to put up a good fight," said Lissek after attending
the managers meeting.
The 18 players selected before the Chinese New Year break have been
retained although there was an initial fear that goalkeeper Nasihin Nubli
might be benched.
Nasihin fractured his thumb before the friendly against Pakistan but
National Sports Institute director Dr Ramlan Aziz has certified him fit
and he will now play with a flint attached to the thumb.
When asked on the players' reaction on his return: "They said they were
happy that a member of the team has returned and the family is one again."
Last night, Lissek had a final video session with the team before they
tucked in for a good night's rest to face their biggest challenge in the
World Cup.
And hopefully, the nation will also be able to sleep well after the
match against Australia ends.
TIMESPORT'S PICK
Champions How will Malaysia finish
Lazarus Rokk INDIA Eight
Vijesh Rai GERMANY Ninth
Jugjet Singh PAKISTAN Semi-finalists
K.M. Boopathy PAKISTAN 11th
S. Selvam AUSTRALIA 10th
jugjet@nstp.com.my
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