Big consideration for Asia Cup qualifier

No more speculation. Its time for us to get behind the national team and support them during home and away games.

In one month time, the national team will play in Doha for their Asia Cup qualifier opener. Forget the history, forget the home team's reputation. Malaysia must go there with pride and great self belief.

But i hope the team will not play with the same game plan. I don't want to see our boys spend the entire 90 minutes chasing shadows. The team need to start playing real football, keeping the ball collectively as long as they can. Do not give the ball away cheaply. To play with such higher level of technique and composure, it will require a specific set of players with specific mentality. Players who can keep the ball in close control and under extreme presure. Do we have the right players for the job?

A big consideration for the head coach is, the need to add steel and physical presence in the squad. Tall centre backs and tall striker are needed for this middle east mission. Players with great endurance to absorb an expected tough aerial challenges, great energy in one to one situation. I suggest to recall experience and much muscular players to cope with the demand of the game that will be raised by the opponent. Shukor Adan and ATM's  Taj Tajuddin to be the rear guard, while rookie striker Muhd Afiq Azmi should be given a chance to play as a lone striker.

A combination of experience, technical ability, physical qualities and tactical discipline would be the key for our middle east adventure. Time to change, dare to change. My personal choice if everybody is fit and eligible:

Farizal Marlias (GK), Mahali Jasuli, Shukor Adan, Rizal Fahmi, Asraruddin putra, Gary Steven Robbart, Shakir Shaari, Nurfarhan Muhamad, S kunanlan, Nurshahrul Idlan  Talaha, Muhd Afiq Azmi.

Reserve: Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, Amiridzwan Taj Tajuddin, Bunyamin Umar, Zairo, Safee Sali, Indra Putra mahyuddin, Ashaari Shamsudin.