Take that: V. Ruventhiran (right) unleashing a cross against the Philippines. — Photo by FAM
PETALING JAYA: Young Malaysian wingback V. Ruventhiran has had a taste of beating Thailand and believes it can be done again in the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup qualifiers.
Earlier this year, Harimau Malaya beat Thailand 1-0 in the first-leg semi-final of the AFF Mitsubishi Cup in January, in which Ruventhiran played a key role.
With that game in mind, the 22-year-old believes Harimau Muda can emulate the efforts of the senior team in their final Group H game against Thailand in the qualifiers at the Chonburi Stadium today.
“We have done a good job in the last two games (against Bangladesh and the Philippines) to set the stage for the big game against Thailand,” said Ruventhiran.
“I’ve the experience of beating them in the AFF Championship.
“And I have the same faith with the Under-23 squad... we can do something special.
“The two clean sheets from the previous games are good but now enough. We need to be consistent and beat Thailand too.”
Ruventhiran was in the starting line-up of the last two games and impressed with his tireless runs and incredible work rate for 90 minutes.
And one can expect the same commitment from him against the Thais today.
“Malaysian fans want us to win this game and we will do everything to win despite the huge pressure.
“We have a good team camaraderie and we will play as a unit to beat Thailand and top the group so that we can qualify for the Asian Cup.”
Sixteen teams consisting of 11 group champions in the qualifying competition along with the four best group runners-up and hosts Qatar will qualify for the final round in Qatar next year.