AFF Suzuki Cup semi-finals. Two legs elimination.
Thailand finished 1st in Group A, winning comfortably all the games. In the last game to Vietnam, german coach Schäfer rested regular players, and they are expected back to reinforce the team. These teams played a friendly game, one month ago. Thailand won 2-0, having the main control. Looking at Malaysia' problems, and Thailand raising its form, I will back the guests to win this game. Thailand will travel to Bukit Jalil stadium against Malaysia in semi-final first leg on Sunday. It will be important match to Thailand if they want to go to Final. Thailand itself has been showing impressive performance so far in the AFF Cup. They came out as winners of Group A after beating three opponents present, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Myanmar. Not strange if then Thailand became favorites to win the AFF 2012. Malaysia finished 2nd in Group B, winning surprisely to Indonesia in last game, when they were thought already eliminated. Coach Rajagobal has five important players injured, in doubt to play the game. Among them is top goalscorer Mohd Sali (49 caps, 21 goals), as well as three midfielders, Wan Nor, Shaari, and Kunanlan. Malaysia also had defeated Thailand 0-2 in a friendly match last month, but that is only friendly match and this time the atmosphere of Bukit Jalil fans will be different and Malaysia have prove that they difficult beaten in their home after crucial win against Indonesia although first match lost against Singapore because of the team unlucky. Thailand's target of avoiding defeat in the first leg of the Malaysian cons will already be ideal considering the second leg will be held in Thailand. | |
