Harimau Malaya will have to be ruthless when they play rivals Indonesia in a must-win AFF Cup Group B match on Sunday.
The Garuda played an ultra-defensive game against defending champions Vietnam and managed to earn a point at Bishan Stadium in Singapore on Wednesday.
With the draw, Indonesia only need a point against Malaysia at Singapore's National Stadium to join Vietnam in the semi-finals.
Malaysia, who are third in the group with six points, face a must-win situation as they had lost 3-0 to the Golden Dragons last weekend.
Indonesia lead Group B ahead of second-placed Vietnam on goal difference with seven points each.
Vietnam are likely to beat Cambodia in their final group match, also on Sunday, at Bishan Stadium.
National coach Tan Cheng Hoe said his players must go into the match with the right mindset against their unpredictable rivals.
"We watched Indonesia's match yesterday (Wednesday), and they played a defensive game to deny Vietnam a win," said Cheng Hoe yesterday.
"They were compact in all aspects, and it was enough to frustrate Vietnam."
"In the previous matches, they showed their prowess in scoring goals, but yesterday, they were defensive.
"It shows they are mentally strong. Their fitness is also good as they had prepared well.
"We know Indonesia just need a draw while we have to win the game.
"I believe they will be compact on Sunday. But we must also be prepared in other aspects as Indonesia have a strong attack.
"My players must have the self-belief that they can beat Indonesia. We have to adapt to any possibilities as we are unsure how Indonesia will approach the game.
"We cannot be too hasty and put unnecessary pressure on ourselves as it will affect our game.
"We need to find a way to crack Indonesia's defence open and score goals. However, we also need to be strong in defence.
While the Malaysian forwards were outstanding in their wins over Cambodia and Laos, they were toothless against Vietnam.
The forwards will have to find innovative ways to score goals as Indonesia will be parking the bus to frustrate them.
Winger Akhyar Rashid is Covid free and is available for the game, while defender Junior Eldstal has rejoined training after recovering from an injury.
Defender Dion Cools has also arrived in Singapore from Denmark and is cleared to join training as well.
Cools will have Eldstal or Dominic Tan for company in the heart of defence in the absence of centre-backs Aidil Zafuan Radzak and Shahrul Saad, who are both injured.
"Akhyar will be joining training tomorrow. Hopefully, Eldstal will regain his fitness after two or three training sessions.
"Cools looks motivated to play and bring stability to our defence, and this is a good sign," he added.