Calming presence: Dion Cools during a training session in Doha. — FAM
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian football team literally have a tall order to meet when they kick off their Asian Cup campaign in Qatar against Jordan in Group E at the Al-Janoub Stadium tomorrow.
The Middle East outfit, nicknamed the Chilvarous Ones, boast many imposing players who stand over 1.82m (6’’), most notably towering centrebacks Yazan Al-Arab and Anas Bani Yaseen who are both 1.88m tall. Then, there is that lanky hitman Ali Olwan, who is 1.84m, to deal with. This calls for alarm during set-piece situations, where the Jordanians will enjoy an advantage in getting the goals.
The Harimau Malaya won’t expect any ‘’chivalry’’ from their opponents in this area, but centreback Dion Cools has calmed the nerves of his teammates as they attempt to produce a surprise result.
A cool Cools said Malaysia will play to their strengths and utilise them to counter the threats posed by the physically impressive Jordanians.
‘’We have fast and agile players to give the taller and bigger players a run for their money. We have our own qualities and shouldn’t fear them,’’ said Cools.
He added that in matches like these, Selangor midfielder Brendan Gan would play a key role in neutralising the opponents.
‘’Brendan’s strength and tenacity will be crucial in the battle in midfield. We also have players with a low centre of gravity like Faisal (Halim) who can be a handful to the tall players.’
“With those qualities, we hope to produce something special against Jordan.”
Cools said he is feeling good coming into the tournament and his match fitness is up to par, having played several recent games for Buriram United in the Thai League.
The 27-year-old is expected to be the first-choice centreback against Jordan.
“I feel 100 per cent as I’ve played half a season in the Thai League this year, so match fitness is not an issue.”
Cools is one of the four captains in the team, along with rightback Matthew Davies, winger Faisal and fellow centreback Shahrul Saad.
