KUALA LUMPUR (17 June 2012) – Defending ASEAN champions Malaysia plan to head to Europe in August as Vietnam have pencilled in a match against Mozambique next week in Ho Chi Minh City.
Malaysia are looking at a trip to either Austria or Hungary in August – after the big matches against Arsenal on 24 July and then Manchester City on 30 July.
Malaysia team manager Datuk Subahan Kamal said that chief coach K. Rajagobal had identified either Austria or Hungary as the best venue for a centralized training camp to form part of their preparation for the AFF Suzuki Cup in November.
“We have taken into account the views of the national coach, so we will be planning a trip to either Austria or Hungary,” added Datuk Subahan. “Initially, there were talks that Manchester United will be here in August but since they have decided to go elsewhere, we have to change our plans and head to Europe instead.”
In the meantime Vietnam, fresh from their 3-0 loss to China and then 2-1 win over Hong Kong last week; will take on Mozambique on 23 June at the Thong Nhat Stadium in HCM City.
“I am not pleased with the scoring, but pleased with the way the team played. Players showed their fighting spirit in the two friendlies but we have a lot of work to do to improve our game,” said Phan Thanh Hung, the chief coach of Vietnam.
“Players are fit physically but the team need to play more games to help players link up better.”
