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Harimau Malaya's Performance A Cause For Concern

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 21 (Bernama) -- The national soccer squad Harimau Malaya's performance in a number of international friendlies ahead of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 which kicks off here Sunday has become a cause for concern because they are the defending champions.

The squad under, under the guidance of national chief coach Datuk K.Rajagobal, appears to be still trying to find its rhythm.

Their performance in their four "warm up" international friendlies in preparing for the Suzuki Cup, the most prestigious soccer tournament in the Asean region, is nothing to shout about.

They started off on a bad note losing 0-1 to Vietnam and 0-2 to Thailand and were held to 1-1 draws by Asian minnows Hong Kong and Bangladesh.

Malaysia are ranked 163rd in the world, Vietnam (138), Thailand (152), Bangladesh (171) and Hong Kong (172).

This has got supporters questioning if the national squad can repeat the feat they achieved in Jakarta two years ago.

Malaysia are drawn in Group B in the Suzuki Cup which will be played at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil here, together with Indonesia, Singapore and Laos.

They take on Singapore on Sunday, Laos (Nov 28) and Indonesia, the last edition's runners-up on Dec 1.

Group A is made up of Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar and the Philippines.

Singapore who share the same ranking with Malaysia whipped Pakistan 4-0 recently while Indonesia and Cameroon's Under-23 squad played to a 0-0 draw.

The two teams pose a serious threat to Malaysia.

Prior to this, Rajagobal, 56, had reassured fans not to be too concerned about rankings but the way the Harimau Muda are playing lately hardly inspires confidence.

All said, Harimau Malaya's moment of reckoning is nigh.

-- BERNAMA

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