KUALA LUMPUR: For the second time in three months Vietnam shocked Malaysia in a friendly match, beating the visitors 1-0 in Hanoi. Malaysia, who hopes to defend their AFF Suzuki Cup title later this month, could very well have lost by a larger margin, but goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi made a number of spectacular saves to give his side a chance, but it didn't matter. Malaysia could must little attack against the home side, who were victorious on Song Lam Nghe An midfielder Nguyen Trong Hoang's goal in the 74th minute. Fans watching the match in Kuala Lumpur were unexpectedly disappointed and wonder if their national side will be up to the task later this month. “I don't know about this team. They seem weak,” said one watcher at a Kuala Lumpur bar. He told Bikyamasr.com that “there is much work to be done if they are to have the pride of Malaysia.” Vietnam's confidence is on a high, only having lost one of their last 9 outings, which included an impressive 2-0 win over Harimau Malaya back on September 11. Malaysia still has plenty of improving to do, especially given they face a tricky route to the semi-finals after being grouped together with Singapore, Indonesia and Laos. Vietnam, on the other hand, are in Group A and will play co-hosts Thailand, Philippines and Myanmar.
