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Myanmar face China in qualifier

Oct 27 2007

Myanmar face China in qualifier

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By Agencies

Myanmar go into their World Cup qualifier second-leg against China trailling 7-0 after the first-leg [EPA]

Myanmar's second-leg of their Fifa World Cup qualifying match against China has been moved from their home city of Yangon to the neutral venue of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, due to security fears after the recent trouble in their country.

Fifa, football's world governing body, said Sunday's clash was shifted after the Myanmar Football Federation and the Chinese Football Association requested it be played on neutral ground.

Football officials in Kuala Lumpur did not specify what the security concerns surrounding the match were, but there have been suggestions that clashes between rival fans could break out.

Ahmad Fuad Daud, head of the competition unit with the Football Association of Malaysia, said about 200 policemen would be deployed to ensure security at the Shah Alam Stadium in Petaling Jaya.

"We will also have the anti-riot police on standby. We do not expect any violence," Ahmad Fuad told AFP after the China-Myanmar team managers' meeting on Saturday.

"I don't think there will be any trouble. Sports is sports. There must not be any political influence."

Tham Zaw,
Myanmar team treasurer

The official added that at least 10,000 supporters, mainly fans of the Myanmar team, were expected at the stadium for the second-leg match, after the first-leg ended with China winning 7-0 in Guangdong.

Myanmar are hoping for a win but know they face a difficult task, Tham Zaw, team treasurer, said.

"The Chinese players are tall, but we will try our best to win. I urge Myanmar people living in Malaysia to come and support their team," Zaw told AFP, adding he did not anticipate any violence.

"I don't think there will be any trouble. Sports is sports. There must not be any political influence," he said.

Malaysia is home to tens of thousands of Myanmar citizens, both refugees and legal and illegal workers.

China is a close ally of the junta, which triggered global outrage by suppressing mass anti-government rallies led by Buddhist monks.

China coach still not happy

Vladimir Petrovic, China coach, said he was not satisfied even with the 7-0 scoreline against Myanmar in Guangdong, and is expected to field his 11 best players.

"The players felt a little bit nervous at the beginning, but gradually they got into form and scored goals," said the Serb manager.

"I'm not satisfied with the finishing and the midfield, the players wasted too many chances to score," he added.

Brazilian Marcos Falopa, Myanmar coach, has admitted winning on Sunday might be a tall order but his players would try to prevent another thrashing at the hands of the Chinese.

"China is a strong team. Our players did their best, but we could not compete with them in physique or technique," Falopa said.

China are expected to advance from the first round of qualifying and move directly through to the third round.