IT WILL BE MAKE OR BREAK AGAINST VIETNAM: FARIZAL

The Malaysians had started their opening match of the SEA Games with a 11-0 beating of Timor Leste on 2 Dec.

While Vietnam had held Thailand to a 1-1 draw in the first match before blasting Timor Leste 4-0 in their second match yesterday.

“I consider this match against Vietnam as our final – a question of make or break,” said Farizal, who have been in excellent form for the Malaysians this past year.

“That is why I have studied the Vietnam game well to get accustomed to their style of play. And I am determined to give my very best.“

But past record seem to be standing in the way of the Malaysians where in their last three meetings, it has all gone in the way of Vietnam.

Six years ago at the SEA Games in Hanoi, Malaysia were denied a place in the final while in the Philippines two years later, the Malaysians were again at the receiving end in the semi-final stage.

At the AFF Suzuki Cup last year, Malaysia lost out in the group stage and a place in the semi-finals through a fumbling Helmi Eliza Elias in goal.

“I admit that I was not tested by Timor Leste, so the focus will be on Vietnam tomorrow,” he added.

GROUPINGS

Group A: Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Timor Leste, Cambodia

Group B: Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Indonesia

RESULTS AND FIXTURES

2 Dec (Main Stadium): MALAYSIA 11 Timor Leste 0/ THAILAND 1 VIETNAM 1

4 Dec (Chao Anu Vong Stadium): THAILAND 4 CAMBODIA 0/ VIETNAM 4 TIMOR LESTE 0

5 Dec (Main Stadium): Singapore vs Indonesia (1500hrs)/ Laos vs Myanmar (1745hrs)

6 Dec (Main Stadium): Vietnam vs Malaysia (1500hrs)/ Timor Leste vs Cambodia (1745hrs)

7 Dec (Chao Anu Vong Stadium): Myanmar vs Singapore (1500hrs)/ Indonesia vs Laos (1745hrs)

8 Dec (Chao Anu Vong Stadium): Timor Leste vs Thailand (1500hrs)/ Cambodia vs Malaysia (1745hrs)

9 Dec: Opening Ceremony

10 Dec (Chao Anu Vong Stadium): Myanmar vs Indonesia (1500hrs)/ Laos vs Singapore (1745hrs)

11 Dec (Chao Anu Vong Stadium): Cambodia vs Vietnam (1500hrs)/ Malaysia vs Thailand (1500hrs)

14 Dec (Chao Anu Vong Stadium): Semi-finals

17 Dec: Third/ Fourth Placing (1500hrs at Chao Anu Vong Stadium)/ FINAL (1700hrs at Main Stadium)