The Malaysian team is in a period of renewal in all aspects, with coach Peter Cklamovski and naturalized players.

Hector Hevel is one of the most anticipated naturalized faces. The midfielder of Dutch origin plays an important role in helping Cklamovski build tactics.

Harian Metro - Hector Hevel.jpg
Hevel is Malaysia's hope. Photo: Harian Metro

In the friendly matches with Cape Verde, 1 draw and 1 loss, Hevel was absent. He was rested for Malaysia's important goal in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

Ahead of the match against Vietnam, in Group F of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers (only the top team will officially qualify for Saudi Arabia), Malaysia hopes Hevel can make a difference.

In the past 11 years, Malaysia has not won against Vietnam . A total of 7 defeats and 1 draw. No team in Southeast Asia has made the "Golden Tigers" fall into such a bad result.

Hevel made his Malaysia debut against Nepal in March, scoring a goal. The 29-year-old said the Golden Tigers are changing, especially with the arrival of a number of naturalised players.

“We understand that Malaysia have not won against them for a long time. Vietnam is a quality team, they played well,” Hevel told the press on the afternoon of June 7.

“But we also have our own weapons and have analyzed what we can do to win,” Hevel said confidently.

“So I think we are more ready and confident for the match next Tuesday (8pm, June 10) . We will try our best to win.”

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Malaysia has not beaten Vietnam in the past 11 years. Photo: FAM

Hevel, who plays for Portimonense in Portugal, is excited about the recent wave of naturalization in Malaysia.

“Malaysia has changed with the addition of new naturalised players. That will strengthen the squad, so I think everyone is ready for the match and the goal is to win,” Hevel added.

Coach Cklamovski and his players faced great pressure against the reigning Southeast Asian champions. Hevel himself was also affected mentally, especially when he scored in his debut match for Malaysia.

“No, I don't feel any pressure,” Hevel said optimistically. “Obviously when you score in your first game, the attention comes to you.

However, that doesn't mean I will always score in every match, but I try to perform my best in midfield to support the team."

“Maybe not to score goals, but I want to create chances and open up attacking situations for my teammates. There are many ways for me to contribute to the team's overall goal,” Hevel concluded.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/sao-nhap-tich-malaysia-tuyen-bo-thang-tuyen-viet-nam-2409225.html