KUALA LUMPUR: The tropical heat was close to 40 degrees Celsius, and Malaysia's opponents, the Thais, were also too hot to handle.But national Under-22 coach
E. Elavarasan said his boys shouldn't use the weather as an excuse after they wilted 2-0 to Thailand at the Prince Stadium in Phnom Penh yesterday.So, this was not so much about the temperature, but the spicy "Tomyam play" of the opponents.
"Here, the weather is really different and players need to adapt, but we do not want to blame anything."Yes, we lost 2-0, and Thailand had better chances and scored goals," he said.
Two fresh Thai substitutes, Anan Yodsangwal and Yotsakon Burapha, were deployed in the second half, and they scored a goal apiece against the ragged Malaysians.Elavarasan said his team were hoping for something to happen against the young War Elephants, but things did not work out.
Elavarasan said Malaysia can still qualify for the semi-finals despite the Thai setback. But the young Tigers will have to overcome defending champions Vietnam, who are in fiery form, tomorrow.Malaysia, who beat Laos 5-1 in their opening Group B match, must also overcome Causeway rivals Singapore in their last match.
Vietnam and Thailand currently occupy the top two places in Group B with six points each. Malaysia are third with three points, above Singapore and Laos.