Thailand's football team manager Winfried Schaefer confessed he is wary of Malaysia's fanatic home support as he began preparations for the twoleg semifinals of the Asean Championship.
The Thais are the only side in the eight-team biennial finals with a perfect record, after qualifying as Group A winners, while defending champions Malaysia struggled to clinch the second qualifying spot from Group B.
Thailand, who are bidding to regain the title, will first visit Malaysia in the semifinal first leg on December 9 before hosting the return leg four days later at the Supachalasai Stadium.
Having studied the Malaysians, who beat Indonesia 20 in their final group match, the 62yearold trainer reckons they will be formidable opponents, particularly with their frenzied support at the intimidating Bukit Jalil stadium.
"They're dangerous, especially at home where passionate fans normally pack the stadium to the rafters. Such strong support really helps them as the players feel more motivated," said the veteran coach, who took over the national post last year.
Thailand beat Malaysia in a tuneup for the competition, but Schaefer said that result would have no bearing when the two sides clashed, with a spot in the final against either Philippines or Singapore up for grabs.
"We beat them 20 recently but we cannot read much into that result because both of us used many reserves in that game. The win was no doubt a boost to our morale, but we cannot underestimate them. They pass the ball well and their teamwork is good since they have been together for a while," said Schaefer.
Football Association of Thailand president Worawi Makudi said that if the Thais manage to win what would be their fourth championship title, prize money plus a bonus worth Bt8 million from tournament sponsors Suzuki would go directly to the players and team staff.
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Source: http://www.news.thethailandlinks.com/2012/12/04/schaefer-fears-cauldron-of-malaysian-stadium/
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