Dos Santos aims to help Malaysia break Vietnam jinx with 'inside knowledge'
KUALA LUMPUR: A Brazilian-born footballer playing in Ho Chi Minh City, could help Malaysia beat Vietnam in an Asian Cup qualifier on June 10 at Bukit Jalil.
Endrick dos Santos, currently on loan from JDT to Ho Chi Minh City FC, believes his "inside knowledge" of Vietnamese football could give Malaysia the edge.
The midfielder has spent the past year playing in the V.League 1, where many of Vietnam's national players also ply their trade.
Dos Santos said in Kuala Lumpur today that he has studied the Golden Star Warriors' strengths and weaknesses. And he has held discussions with his national teammates and Harimau Malaya analysts.
"They are fast, strong and aggressive, but they also have weaknesses. But I believe we should be in a good position again," he said.
Dos Santos, 30, revealed light-heartedly that even the Ho Chi Minh City coach (Phung Thanh Phuong) and the team's players told him to put on a big performance for Malaysia against Vietnam.
Malaysia have not beaten Vietnam in over a decade, but Dos Santos is confident that the tide is turning.
"I trust the guys, we are 100 per cent in a good way. It should be a good game. We know the opponents are strong, but we have stepped up," he said.
Dos Santos believes that playing in the Vietnamese league has given him valuable insight into their national team's playing philosophy and style.
He praised the strong team spirit and adaptability among the Malaysia players, especially with the arrival of new faces into the squad.
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