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Facing a Tough Battle: Malaysia Aims to Break Vietnam's dominance in the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifier
Kuala Lumpur, June 2 - National head coach Peter Cklamovski understands the formidable challenge ahead as Harimau Malaya prepares to confront Vietnam in their Group F 2027 Asian Cup qualifier next week (June 10).
Cklamovski, a 46-year-old Australian coach, admires Vietnam but is resolute on creating history for Malaysia.
"Malaysia has struggled against Vietnam for over a decade. That's more than a decade and this is an opportunity we aspire to rewrite and alter a bit of history." said Cklamovski, during a team training session also attended by the Vietnamese media. "I respect Vietnam profoundly. But my focus isn't on individual players; it's on the entire team. We can't wait for the challenge on June 10th."
The Vietnamese squad is led by South Korean Kim Sang-Sik, whom Cklamovski acknowledges as a skillful and talented coach.
"I've scrutinized every player on their squad. They're an impressive team, a strong unit. I hold Vietnam in high regard – they're a talented footballing side," he said.
Vietnam and Malaysia lead the group after winning their opening matches, with three points each. Interestingly, Malaysia last defeated Vietnam in 2014, a streak that has been followed by seven losses and a draw in their eight subsequent meetings across all competitions. Their last encounter ended with a 3-0 victory for Vietnam in the 2022 ASEAN Football Federation Cup.
Before the much-anticipated match, Cklamovski's men will square off against world number 72 ranked Cape Verde in a closed-door friendly at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, tomorrow night. The two teams previously played to a 1-1 draw in their Tier 1 international match at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras, last Thursday.
With Vietnam and Malaysia aiming to progress in the tournament, the upcoming match promises to be a thrilling and decisive fixture for both teams.
- "Vietnam and Malaysia's upcoming encounter in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifier is set to be a highlight in the international sports scene, taking place in Kuala Lumpur."
- "National football coach Peter Cklamovski has acknowledged the skill and talent of Vietnam's coach, Kim Sang-Sik, ahead of their significant clash."
- "As Malaysia seeks to break Vietnam's dominance in the Asian Cup Qualifier, the national team is also preparing for a friendly match against Cape Verde, currently ranked 72nd in the world."
- "The 2027 Asian Cup qualifier group stage sees both Malaysia and Vietnam, who have already achieved victories in their opening matches, competing against each other in the European leagues, including the Champions League."
