Malaysia started their campaign with a 2-0 win over Brunei on Tuesday before beating Laos-4-1 on Friday, while Singapore were held to a 1-1 draw by a 10-man Laos, edged Vietnam 1-0 and beat a 10-man Brunei 2-0.
Brunei coach Kwon Oh-son, a former South Korea international, said that Singapore play a simple pattern of football while Malaysia have been improving rapidly since their first game.
“We played our best game against Malaysia in the 2-0 defeat and played badly for the 2-0 defeat to Singapore,” said the 54-year-old coach.
“Singapore’s game is based on strategies and their players execute their tactics well but I think Malaysia are better because they are good individually and tactically. On paper Malaysia are a better side but anything can happen on the field.”
Meanwhile, Laos coach Kimura Kokichi said that Malaysia are the team to beat because the players understand tactics well and are much more creative.
“The Malaysian team seems to have more ideas when they play and change around their tactics well on the pitch,” said Kokichi.
“Singapore play a very organised game and are dangerous in set pieces. Malaysia look a better side but it’s hard to predict the outcome of a match.”
thestar.com.my
