Malaysia coach K. Rajagobal has called for his side to show how badly they want to make the AFF Suzuki Cup final in Thursday's semi-final second leg against Thailand.
By ESPNSTAR.com staff
Both sides meet at the Suphachalasai Stadium with their last-four clash still firmly in the balance, after playing out a 1-1 draw in Sunday's first leg in Kuala Lumpur.
Nonetheless, the War Elephants' ability to get a vital away goal, which came in the 79th minute after Teerasil Dangda headed home a Piyaphon Buntao cross, has led many to suggest they are slight favourites to progress to the final.
Although Rajagobal admits his players have to improve on their display at the weekend, he believes they can do the job if they show the necessary desire.
"There is 90 minutes to play," he said at Tuesday's pre-match press conference. "It will boil down to how badly the players want to be in the final.
"We have to raise our game to another level compared to the first leg. We have nothing to lose and the players are ready."
Thailand were the only team to complete the group stage with a 100% record after recording three wins out of three in Group A, and while they are still regarded as the best side in the competition, Rajagobal insists his players have nothing to fear.
"We are as optimistic as always," he added. "I don't think my players will fear Thailand as we played well in the first leg and have played them before in the past too.
"They will show their character and today's [Tuesday's] training will be simulation for the players. But basically they are ready."
Should Harimau Malaya see off Thailand on Thursday, they will meet Singapore in the final after the Lions saw off Philippines 1-0 on aggregate on Wednesday.
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