KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia coach Kim Pan Gon revealed that he had to knock some sense into his men during halftime, and this led to them mounting a 4-3 comeback win over Kyrgyzstan in a World Cup Group D qualifier at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday,
World No. 137 Malaysia had taken a rousing lead through Dion Cools in the seventh minute but world No. 97 Kyrgyzstan seemed to have things going their way by storming back with goals from Kairat Zhyrgalbek (41st), Erniest Batyrkanov (44th) and Kai Merk (57th).
However, Harimau Malaya produced a barnstorming performance with Kyrgyzstan's Khristiyan Brauzman's own goal (71st), goal from Cools (77th) and Faisal Halim's injury time winner.
South Korean Pan Gon said he had to tell his men in the dressing room not to be overconfident and respect their opponents after letting their 1-0 lead turn into a 3-1 deficit in the first half.
"We had a very good start, very confident. We scored a goal and we controlled the match and we played well. Then we conceded," said Pan Gon in the post-match press conference.
"During the break, we told our players that we must be humble and respect the opponents. I like confidence but not overconfidence.
"I can help with the preparation... on the pitch they have to do the work.
"This is a good lesson for us. It was a difficult game and I didn't like the way we played. The players realised that and started to play well in the second half, and it was a relief for me as we won the match."
Malaysia will play Taiwan in Taipei on Nov 21 before resuming their campaign next year against Oman (away on March 21 and home on March 26), followed by an away match against Kyrgyzstan (June 6) and at home against Taiwan on June 11.