Having struggled to defeat Timor Leste, the Malaysian team was heavily criticized: ‘Don’t dream of winning the championship’

Returning to Bukit Jalil’s home field to meet Timor Leste in the second round of AFF Cup 2024, the Malaysian team aims to win big. However, after the first half, the “Malay Tiger” suddenly lost 2-1 to their opponent. Only thanks to Paulo Josue’s double goal in the second half did the Malaysian team win 3-2.

After 2 matches, coach Pau Marti and his team (Spain) have 4 points, temporarily rising to the top of Group A because they are 1 point ahead of the next-placed team, Thailand (Malaysia played 1 more match). However, the playing style that the Malaysian team has shown since the beginning of the tournament has made fans unhappy.

Sheet The Star Evaluation: “In both first matches of the 2024 AFF Cup, the Malaysian team faced weaker opponents. However, coach Pau Martí’s team looked weak, lacking vitality and lacking cohesion. More significantly, in both matches Malaysia were the first to lose by 2 goals. It’s only thanks to luck that we have 4 points like now.

During the break between the match with Timor Leste, many fans expressed their anger and left early. From a vibrant “fortress”, Bukit Jali Stadium is now increasingly sparse. In the immediate future, Malaysia will also meet Thailand and Singapore – the people who hold the most AFF Cup championships. If things do not improve, the Malaysian team will have a much harder time. Don’t dream of winning the championship! What the Malaysian team needs to do now is to play better to pass the group stage and regain the trust of the fans.”

Meanwhile, sheet New Straits Times criticized the playing spirit of the Malaysian team after two matches at the AFF Cup 2024. They said that this was the biggest reason why coach Pau Marti and his team encountered many difficulties.

“Coach Pau Marti tried to inspire the players on the sidelines but it didn’t seem to be effective. His announcement that he would leave the Malaysian team right before the opening match caused the players’ morale to be severely affected.

Dominic Tan – Malaysia’s captain in the match against Timor Leste is the clearest proof of the team’s weak spirit since the beginning of the tournament. When we conceded 2 goals, Dominic Tan made a direct mistake and could not follow the opponent. On the other side of the front line, Timor Leste captain João Pedro is the opposite spirit. This guy has 1 goal and 1 assist, is determined in every ball and has humiliated Dominic Tan many times every time he has a direct confrontation. New Straits Times emphasize.

After the hard-fought victory over Timor Leste, coach Pau Marti also admitted that Malaysia is facing many difficulties. He shared: “What happened in this match is difficult to explain. Malaysia faces so many difficulties but sometimes we have to accept things that are beyond our plans. In addition to not having a really good spirit, Malaysia is also full of worries when many players are injured. I hope that when they return, Malaysia will play well and have more luck.”