Tactician who toppled Man United now targets Harimau Malaya

New Straits Times

2 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: It won't just be Malaysia and Vietnam battling it out at the National Stadium on June 10 — a tactical showdown is also brewing on the sidelines.
National coach Peter Cklamovski is expected to face his stiffest test yet in Vietnam boss Kim Sang Sik, a man whose strategic nous was on full display when he masterminded the Asean All-Stars' stunning 1-0 win over Manchester United on Wednesday.
Despite assembling the team just two days before the friendly and missing key players due to World Cup and Asian Cup qualifiers, Sang Sik's side looked anything but disorganised.
Against a Red Devils squad boasting captain Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo, the Asean XI pulled off a defensive and attacking masterclass to snatch a famous win in Bukit Jalil.
That result has raised eyebrows — and expectations — ahead of Vietnam's visit, with critics predicting a fiercely organised and compact Vietnamese unit arriving in Kuala Lumpur.
Football pundit Dr Zulakbal Abdul Karim believes Asean XI's triumph over United was no fluke.
"Sang Sik didn't have the best players, but still got them playing as a unit. That speaks volumes about his tactical awareness," said Zulakbal.
"It also suggests he's working with a vast scouting network and strong data analysis behind the scenes."
"In modern football, analytics dictate a lot, and Sang Sik clearly knows how to use that to his advantage."
Malaysia will need to be sharp.
The Golden Star Warriors have dominated the rivalry in recent years, winning seven of the last eight meetings since 2016.
The last time Harimau Malaya beat Vietnam was 11 years ago at the AFF Cup
But Cklamovski's side have shown signs of promise.
On Thursday, they held world No. 72 Cape Verde to a 1-1 draw at the KLFA Stadium.
With the possible inclusion of newly naturalised stars like Rodrigo Holgado, hopes are high for a turnaround.
Still, Vietnam remain an enigma. There's been little information on their squad, a move that hasn't gone unnoticed.
"We've seen very few updates on their preparations. It's clear Sang Sik is keeping his cards close to his chest," said Zulakbal.
"Vietnam are always well-drilled and difficult to break down. But Malaysia have also been doing their homework."
Several Malaysian officials were spotted in the stands during the Asean XI's win over United.
Not to be outdone, Vietnam's coaches also kept tabs on Harimau Malaya during their clash with Cape Verde.