Tough match against Denmark, too bad we didn't get France. Lee Chong Wei and Chong Wei Feng are in a must-win situation, and one of the doubles have to cause an upset. I think Malaysia will stick to the same line-up as yesterday but change Goh Soon Huat for Liew Daren.
Those who have written off Msias chances vs S.Korea have forgotten the ghost of Sven Pri. In 76, the Danes had a great team that could win the Cup. Fleming Delfs and Sven Pri were in the team, Msia had a Team comprised of underachievers and untested likes of Saw Swee Leong , James S and Phua Ah Hua. THe Danes were confident of a white wash save for Sven who warned team mates not to underestimate Msians, they had the weight of history on their side as 3 times champions. Individually they maybe minnows but together with the history they are like an old GIANT boxer that still pack a knock out punch if not careful. Time and time again Sven Pri has been proven right
http://www.hmetro.com.my/myMetro/articles/2014052200444220140522004442/Article. Chong Wei really doesn't hold his punches towards darren. U gud enuf meh ? LoL....
Chong Wei Feng and Goh V Shem/Tan Wee Kiong are really the bright point for Malaysia so far. Very commendable performances for them. Liew Daren, however has been a huge disappointment. Well done for achieving the semi-final target. Hopefully they can go one better. Again, it is down to the same 3 points for them to win - Lee Chong Wei, Chong Wei Feng and MD#2 against Indonesia/Korea
Goh & Tan ! From their performance against the Indian pair to their performances against the Koreans and today against the Danes, huge difference - in style of play, in confidence levels and in being able to be counted upon. Wud be interesting to see their future
But chong wei's game is not convincing enough to me. I expect a huge upset tomorrow. Let's hope it wont happen
Tommy playing in his first tournament after a few months injury, I don't think he is at his best. LCW even though not at his best, will still defeat Tommy at Tommy current condition. MD1 will likely be INA but a surprise MAS combination might make it an interesting affair. So at 1-1, the key match might be MS2. MAS will try to put their best pair in MD2 to try to steal it.
Goh with Lim is suicidal and unfair to Goh but what the heck, this is a team event and sacrifices are the norm. China?
Interesting Mas suggestion to have: MD1: GVS/LKW MD2: HTH/TBH I am also thinking of Indonesia possibility of playing Simon at MS2 because in-form Simon seems to be more consistent that CWF (to deprive Mas of maybe winning 3-1 via MS1, MS2 and MD2). But then, Rumbuka at MS2 is also quite formidable, and should the score be tied at 2-2, the outcome with Simon at MS3 if 'almost' a forgone conclusion.
It's all about team tactics to shuffle your players around and win the match. Sacrifices? Sometimes yes. For instance, in the Men's doubles, would you want MD1 60-40, MD2 60-40 in favour of the opponents getting two or .......... MD1 70-30, MD2 45-65 that gets your team a fighting chance of getting at least a win. Had this same dilemma with a team I am in. There are a few with strong personalities. The others insisted on playing their strongest area rather than tactically rearranging as I suggested (so we kept coming second). Things only changed when I suggested bringing in a professional coach in who would clearly outrank everybody in team selection. Team selection changed with good results!
how the landscape has changed. the last time Malaysia beat Indonesia in any Thomas Cup match was 1992. aside from China, Japan is the only nation who has consistently entered the semi-final stage since 2010!
BTW, Goh and Lim is not really suicidal nor unfair to Goh. They are regular partners, they enter Superseries tournaments regularly and they should be ready to step up to this challenge. After all, the Thomas Cup is where heroes are made....
I personnally feel that Malaysia line up for tonite : MD1 : TBH/TWK MD2 : GVS/LKW Or MD1 : GVS/TWK MD2 : TBH/CPS, this is why CPS being selected !
HTH/TBH won't be pushed to no.2 even if GVS partners up with LKW. Against Germany, they played TBH/TWK and GVS/LKW but TBH/TWK played first men doubles. I personally think Malaysia will stick to the formula that has been working for them, put GVS/TWK as MD#2. As usual, LCW, CWF and GVS/TWK are in a must-win situation in order for them to progress.
