Group J of the AFC U-23 Championship 2020 Qualifiers brings up an intriguing clash between China PR and Malaysia.
Actually its a tough game for Malaysia team. But in football nothing is impossible. While this is a forte malaysia team to prove it is wrong. Its a real test in exam. after two easy team. either for malaysia team or china team. Gus hiddik also admit that this is the know whether china can go or not.
Ahead of China PR’s AFC U-23 Championship 2020 Qualifier match against Malaysia, the former’s coach Guus Hiddink feels it will be a good contest between the two sides.
Hiddink’s men thrashed the Philippines 8-0 in their last outing in Group J while beating Laos 5-0 in the first match of the campaign.
Despite these wins, Hiddink reveals that their clash against Malaysia is the real match-up to watch.
He said: “I’ve watched Malaysia play and I’ve got to say, I love watching them.”
“Malaysia have skillful and adventurous players. We expect a huge resistance from Malaysia.
“I’m also aware of their tag as giant-killers as they’ve beaten fancied nations like Saudi Arabia and South Korea last year. It will be a test for my players.”
In the interview, he was asked which specific Malaysian star was he the biggest fan of, and the Dutchman joked: “That’s too difficult (to pronounce the names). I try to understand your language but I end up breaking my tongue.”
Speaking about the big win over the Philippines, Hiddink reveals his happiness of the team’s transformation.
He said: “Last year, China notched narrow victories but also had their defeats.
“They’ve achieved more now. I’ve huge respect, and I’m also surprised with their commitment and performance.
“They follow what is implemented in training. I’m happy with these results compared to when I started with them in September.
“There are 12 to 13 players in this group who have made tremendous progress. Also, the depth is there because my bench players are also on the same level with the first 11 players.”
Finally, Hiddink believes that the Chinese Football Association should continue to expose the talents of their stars.
“How many games are they going to get with their respective clubs after this tournament? Clubs should not be afraid to introduce young players in first teams.
“CFA must think of a way to create more competitions because it would help their football development in the future.”
Both teams have won their first two matches so far and the winner of their coming battle will determine who moves on to the final tournament in Thailand.
China PR are currently atop the standings with a superior goal difference.
They’ve been nothing short of dominant with a 5-0 win over Laos to kick-start their campaign and a big 8-0 thrashing of the Philippines in their second contest of the competition.
As seen, they have yet to concede a goal and are looking like a real contender in the competition.
On the other hand, Malaysia may not have had the same dominating scoreline, but they have the same number of wins against the same opponents.
A brace from Akhyar Rashid helped them get a 3-0 win over the Philippines while a tough Laos squad pushed them to the limit before an 81st-minute strike from Safawi Rasid saw them take a 1-0 victory.
Now the two teams are going to face-off with Malaysia needing a win to advance whil China PR just need to make sure they won’t lose to move on.
Malaysia and Johor Darul Ta’zim star Safawi Rasid has claimed that the U-23 national team has two advantages heading into their final 2020 AFC U-23 Championship Qualifiers fixture against China PR on Tuesday.
Malaysia have recorded two straight victories in their qualification campaign so far — a 3-0 drubbing of Philippines and a 1-0 narrow win over Laos in their last game.
Now, they face Guus Hiddink’s China who are level on points with them, but are topping the group courtesy of a better goal difference.
Malaysia will need to defeat Team Dragon on Tuesday for direct qualification or depend on results from other groups to qualify as one of the four best second-placed teams from 11 groups
Safawi’s freekick secures Malaysia 1-0 win over Laos in 2020 AFC U-23 qualifier
And Safawi, who scored the winner against Laos, feels two things are going Malaysia’s way as they face Asian giants China at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.
“Frankly, we have two advantages going into [Tuesday’s] game against China. We are playing on home ground with the backing of our own fans. So, my teammates and I hope the stadium will be filled to the brim,” the JDT attacker said.
“We admit that we did not play well against Laos. So, we hope to step up and do better against China and qualify for Bangkok,” he added. The tournament proper will take place in Thailand next January.
When to watch?
The match is on March 26, 2019 and will be played at Shah Alam Stadium.
Kick-off is at 8:45 PM SGT
Where to watch?
For those in Malaysia, the match should be shown on Astro Arena and online on Astro On the Go.
You can also join in on the conversation as FOX Sports Asia will have a live blog through the match!
We will update the live streaming match today. All the best malaysia team.
LIVE STREAMING MALAYSIA VS CHINA AFC U23 26.3.2.019
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