KUNSHAN: The national youth squad are ready to continue their giant killing run at the AFC Under-23 Championships when they play South Korea in the quarterfinals at Kunshan Stadium on Saturday.
National coach Ong Kim Swee said his charges are prepared for all possibilities, including a penalty shootout.
The former international admitted that it will not be easy against the runners-up of the 2016 edition.
"South Korea are used to playing on the big stage. They have achieved so much in the sport,” said Kim Swee on Friday.
“It will be a tough game and I hope our players will be able to match them.
"My boys will not be overawed as they are used to playing under pressure, but it could be a little different this time as we are in the last-eight.
“We came here to learn from the giants of Asian football, but at the same time we want to create an upset.
"I want the players to focus until the final whistle."
Malaysia lost 4-1 to Iraq in their opening Group C match before bouncing back with a draw against Jordan (1-1) and a win over Saudi Arabia (1-0) to earn a quarter-final slot.
Kim Swee, who had also coached the team that lost 3-0 to South Korea at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, said it is a different situation this time.
"We cannot compare this game to the game in 2014 as they (South Korea) had home ground advantage at that time.
"It will be different as we are playing on neutral ground tomorrow and I believe we can be competitive against them,” he added.
Kim Swee conducted his final training session yesterday where he assessed the fitness level of the injured Dominic Tan, Syazwan Andik, Irfan Zakaria and Matthew Davies, and also Syahmi Safari, who is having fever.