 |
China coach Arie Haan (m) in
a training session on September 7,
2004. (Xinhua) |
China coach Arie Haan warned his players to avoid any slip-ups against Malaysia when they resume
their quest for the 2006 World Cup finals on Wednesday.
Haan, boosted by China's second-place finish at the Asian Cup last
month, remained optimistic of a second successive World Cup berth but
warned of the "treacherous"
road ahead.
"Our journey to make the World Cup finals began in February and though
the road is long and treacherous, I am optimistic that we have what it
takes to qualify," Haan said ahead of the qualifier.
"Though we defeated Malaysia 4-0 in the earlier meeting, I would rather
not take that as a yardstick. For the match tomorrow night is an entirely
different ball game and we can ill afford to slip," he warned on Tuesday.
Haan said he was hoping for a dominant performance as China, beaten by
Japan in the Asian Cup final, try to maintain their 100 percent record in
Group 4.
"I expect a commanding performance from my players as not only is the
result of paramount importance to me but so is the way the team performs,"
he said.
However, China will have to do without suspended Manchester City star
Sun Jihai and Li Weifeng and Shao Jiayi, who are both nursing Asian Cup
injuries.
Malaysia, pointless after
their opening three fixtures, go into the game buoyed by a new coach and a
2-1 friendly win against Thailand last month.
Bertalan Bickei, who took over after Englishman Allan Harris's contract
was not renewed, warned that his team would be no pushovers.
"Our chances are slim to win the match as China are a class above but
we do not intend to let them steamroller us," he said before his first
competitive match in charge.
"The Malaysian players have to start believing in their ability and
from what I have seen thus far their skills are second to none," he added.
"That is why I believe that my team is capable of playing some good
football and the experience gained from playing China will serve them well
in the matches to come."
A total of 32 teams split into eight groups of four are taking part in
Asia's World Cup qualifying tournament. The eight group winners advance to
final qualifying next year.
(Agencies) |