PETALING JAYA: Lebanon are expecting a stronger Malaysian side in the Merdeka Tournament final today.
Their national team coach Miodrag Radulovic said there are big differences in the transformed Harimau Malaya who are powered by a few naturalised players now.
The national football team had suffered identical 1-2 defeats to Lebanon in the Asian Cup qualifiers in June 2017 and in Beirut in March 2018.
Radulovic, who is from Montenegro, said times have changed as Malaysia are a new Harimau Malaya, bolstered by some quality mixed heritage and naturalised players.
“I have analysed the Malaysian team. They have several naturalised players who are strong. They have individual quality, which to me is impressive. It will be a tough game,” he said.
He revealed that he spoke to several Montenegro players playing in the Malaysian Super League before heading to Kuala Lumpur for the Merdeka Tournament.
“Before coming here, I have spoken to Rudo (Adrian Rudovic), who plays for Kuala Lumpur and also Argzim (Redzovic), who plays for Terengganu. They have given me a lot of pointers, which will help me,” said Radulovic.
“We are ready and honoured to be part of today’s match.”
Lebanon qualified for the final after beating Tajikistan 1-0 in the semi-final on Wednesday while Malaysia beat the Philippines 2-1.
“The previous results against Malaysia cannot be used as a measurement. Now it is different. In each line, they have quality. They (Malaysia) look well against the Philippines and we expect a good game from them.”
Lebanon are physically imposing and have some stellar technical players like midfielder Rabih Ataya, who played for UiTM and Kedah in the past and Hassan Matouk, who is a veteran but a potent poacher.
Malaysia will have to be at their best if they want to get the title but Radulovic certainly has some tricks up in his sleeve to take down Malaysia.
