In the closed match against Cape Verde, the Malaysian team tried the fire of many things ‘unexpected weapons’ preparing water for the match against Vietnam on June 10.
With a discreet but full plan, the Malaysian team in rematch with Cape Verde on June 3 at Bukit Jalil did not open the door for the media or the audience. Coach Peter Cklamovski wants to keep all the closed information as possible before the key match in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifier.
This is the second time in less than a week against Malaysia against Cape Verde. In the “first leg” match on May 29, both had a 1-1 draw. However, the biggest difference lies in the force: In this rematch, the Malaysian team is expected to launch in the field of a series of naturalized players who have been “closed” in silently.
According to Malaysian media, at least three added names are defender Facundo Garces (Argentina, Alaves – Spain), striker Jefte Betancor (Spain, from Olympiacos – Greece) and center -back Jon Irazabal (also in Spain, kicking for Sabah FC). In addition, the most notable name-the Colombian striker Rodrigo Holgado-will also meet on June 3 after FAM completes the summons of FIFA Days.
Before the attention from the public and the press about the number of naturalized players who were actually present in the Malaysian team, CKLAMOVSKI coach did not reveal it. During the press conference on June 2, he only confirmed that two people were Holgado and Garces. However, experts believe that the actual figure may be larger, and the closed match with Cape Verde is the last test for Malaysia to review the quality of these new faces.
The Malaysian press proved very expected of this group of naturalized players. Garces, 25, is considered a modern center -back: strong in the air, handled well with both legs and has the ability to launch attacks. Meanwhile, Holgado stands out with a stable goal performance when playing at the Chilean National Championship and recently the Argentina Second Division. This player has a strong play style, suitable for pressing tactics and border attacks that Malaysia is building.
The remarkable point is that the Malaysian team chose to launch a series of newborns in a closed match, which rarely seen in FIFA Days. Obviously this is an attempt to keep the information about the squad, how to operate the gameplay as well as the style of the rookies in the secret round. The home team wants a surprise for Vietnam, especially when the opponent is suffering from force due to injuries and physical restoration.
CKLAMOVSKI coach wants to hide the “unexpected weapons” for the match on June 10 to receive Vietnamese guests in the second match of Group F of the last round F of the 2027 Asian Cup. Photo: chromosome.
Cklamovski himself did not hide his ambition to use a group of naturalized players as a “new tactical weapon”. While domestic pillars such as Safawi Rasid, Arif Aiman or Dion Cools are in medium performance, Malaysia needs a new push both in terms of expertise and psychology to create mutations in a decisive match like meeting Vietnam.
Up to now, the Malaysian team has not announced the official list of 23 players for the match on June 10, and according to New Straits Times, all decisions will be made after the match against Cape Verde. With the majority of rookies already present at Kuala Lumpur, CKLAMOVSKI coach will have enough information to make the final choice in a few days.
On the Vietnamese team, although not adding naturalized players, coach Kim Sang-Sik is building a collective cohesion from the internal soldiers and overseas Vietnamese players, focusing on organization and pressing ability. The confrontation of a Malaysia is full of variables, playing on Bukit Jalil’s “pan of fire pan”, which is definitely a big challenge for Vietnam, especially when the opponent is hiding the strongest cards to launch in time.