KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's Spanish coach Juan Garrido wants his team's front line to improve against Vietnam today in an Under-23 Asian Cup football match in Doha.
That is very true as the Malaysian team didn't have a single shot on target in their 2-0 loss to Uzbekistan in Group D in Doha on Wednesday.
Garrido, whose team face Vietnam, and Kuwait on Monday, said: "We must face reality and accept our role as the underdogs.
"But we must prove our worthiness on the field. The Uzbekistan match highlighted our need to bolster our offensive strategies," said Garrido.
At the other end, Vietnam look ominous, having beaten Kuwait 3-1 last Wednesday.
Vietnam top the group, tied on points with Uzbekistan. Kuwait and Malaysia, who both lost their opening matches, trail in third and fourth positions respectively.
Former national Under-23 coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee saw the Malaysian team adopting a very defensive approach in the failed match against Uzbekistan. And he feels they shouldn't do that against Vietnam.
Kim Swee said: "We must adopt an attacking mindset to secure a win. In this crucial stage, attack is the best defence."