Sunday, July 29, 2018

Back against the wall in cold Perth

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's back will be against the wall when they play provincial side Australia A in the fourth friendly in Perth Monday.
  For, coach Stephen van Huizen's men had lost the first three 3-2, 4-2 and 3-0 and can't afford any slip-ups in the remaining two matches.
  Malaysia are targeted to win gold in the Jakarta Asian Games, and qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, but their performance in Australia has been anything but good.
  And since in Jakarta they will be playing Thailand at 12 noon and Bangladesh at 2pm, the training stint in cold Perth will have to be reversed with a hot schedule upon their return.
  Malaysia are in Group B and the other teams are Pakistan, Oman and Indonesia.
  "Yes, I am aware that we will be playing two mid-day matches in Jakarta and so have planned for morning and lunchtime training when we return from Perth," said van Huzien.
  In Perth, it is now 14-17 degrees Celsius.
  On the previous three defeats, van Huizen feels even though they are playing Australia A and not the World No 1 side, they have not been up against easy opponents.
  "Australia A is made up of players who are trying to break into the main squad as well as players who are trying to make a comeback after retirement.
  "So, they give their best to impress selectors and I expect the remaining three matches to be just as tough."