Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
THE national football team know that there is no holding back as they look to overturn a two-goal deficit against Mongolia in the second leg of their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup 2023 first round qualifiers tomorrow night.
The Wasps trail 2-0 from the first leg after goals from Norjmoo Tsedenbal and Naranbold Nyam-Osor in either half at the MFF Stadium in Ulaanbaatar last Thursday.
National football coach Robbie Servais knows that there is no other choice but to go all out on the attack.
“Obviously we have to put the cards on the table as we are not in a position to play hide and seek,” said Servais in a pre-match press conference earlier today.
“We need to score goals… at least two in 90 minutes so that completely changes the mindset of the game
“We have to look for goals that is clear and also bearing in mind they (Mongolia) are physically strong and we cannot concede,” he added.
“If we concede, it will be very difficult for us as we have to score four times.
“Taking all those pieces of information into consideration including weather and pitch conditions here as well as analysis we made from Mongolia, we came to a plan and hopefully that will give us something tomorrow,” continued the Dutchman.
Servais is also banking on the home support to spur the team.
“It is going to be difficult and Mongolia are the favourites. We have to take the initiative and they can react to that which is easier,” said the former SIngapore U-19 coach.
“We are in that position now and have to deal with it. Hopefully the crowd will give contributions as we can use that support from the 12th man.
“If we get a full house or have many people turn up, that will really help us in our challenge,” he added.
On the other hand, Mongolia coach Michael Weiss exactly what they have to do and that is to protect their lead.
“We have to try and prevent Brunei from attacking and building up and getting to their own game,” said the German.
“They can be dangerous and clinical up front. This is the approach.
“We will not sit too deep with controlled offensive play to be safe in counter situations and make sure we get one goal,” he added.
“If we get one goal and Brunei will have to score four and I think will be difficult. That is our target,” concluded Weiss.
