myeplreviews.com

The Asian Cup started with a bang for three co-hosts, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand, each of them notching either a suprise win or draw which was considered a great result. From all the three teams, Indonesia was the most impressive, playing a high tempo game with confident passing play which at all time caught the Bahrains off guarded. Their full house stadium also got the players fired up to snatch a remarkable victory over the 2004 semi-finalist.

However, Malaysia, another co-host, got off to the worst possible start after being mauled 5-1 by tournament favourites China, which is now a much debated issue on the local scene. With fans, media and politician blaming the players for lack of heart in their effort, the coach Norizan Bakar actually got the tactics all wrong.

Okay, so Malaysia ranking is lower than China, and we have to accept that our technical aspect of the game was nowhere to be seen in an international match. Passing, shooting and stopping the ball was all in disarray, while many of the players simply didn’t know what to do or whom to pass whenever they have the ball. All these are technical abilities that China players have in abundance and we have to accept, Malaysia players can’t just improve in a day or two.

But when we are lacking in that areas, we should have been better prepared tactically. Logically, the team should have reverted to a more defensive style rather than playing with two strikers. The Chinese side cruelly exposed Malaysia’s lack of height in defence and speed on the flanks and the home side were only able to stem the tide after the introduction of K. Nanthakumar and Indra Putra in the second half. While Indra Putra might not be fit enough to start, Nanthakumar exclusion from the starting line up was a tactical blunder as he was the only the player that can match the height of the Chinese.

Packing the midfield area should also restricted China possession of the ball. The coach however was naturally eager to emulate other co-hosts results but the defence was opened up easily when China took control of the midfield area and was also winning 50-50 ball. Not only that, playing long balls to striker Akmal Rizal was also a no-brainer. His strength in attack is only when the ball is at his feet and providing long ball to him was asking to much.

Against Uzbekistan or Iran, Malaysia have to be more focused in defence and maintain their concentration throughout the match. It’s no use going for an all out attack when we clearly lack the technical and tactical aspect of the game. What Malaysia should do is play defensively and go for counter attacks. It may not be pretty but at least, they won’t be crushed easily………hopefully.

asian cup 2007, Malaysia

Popularity: 7% [?]