Bergson and Dion Cools look to Indonesia after a winning start

Harimau Malaya began the FIFA ASEAN Cup with a 3-0 win over Bangladesh in Jakarta, and by the time FIFA had them in front of a microphone the players had already turned their attention to Monday.

Two of them spoke to the governing body: the captain, Dion Cools, and Bergson, the Brazilian-born striker who scored on his first appearance for the country.

The debut

Bergson’s was one of three goals, with Arif Aiman scoring twice.

“I’m very happy with my debut and the goal,” he told FIFA. “The team adapted quickly on the pitch and the atmosphere going into the next game is incredible.”

His club team-mate’s evening surprised him least of all. “We’re used to seeing that. Arif is a great player,” Bergson said.

Monday at Gelora Bung Karno

Harimau Malaya play Indonesia at the same ground on Monday, kicking off at 20:30 Malaysian time.

Bergson told FIFA the fixture had been put to him from his first day with the group. “The next game means a lot to the people of Malaysia,” he said. “It’s similar to Brazil versus Argentina.”

Cools was drier about it when FIFA asked. “Yes, we know it’s an important game,” the captain said. “They’re big rivals of ours.” His stated priority before then is physical recovery.

What the group still holds

Group A runs to three matches a side, so Monday is not the end of anything. Harimau Malaya close theirs against Singapore at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung on 1 October.

This is also the first tournament the side has played since the ASEAN Championship semi-finals, where Vietnam won both legs, 2-0 in Kuala Lumpur and 2-0 in Hanoi.

Related

• Harimau Malaya’s opening win over Bangladesh
• Three debutants in the Harimau Malaya starting line-up
• Pakistan 0-4 Thailand and Vietnam 1-0 Philippines open Group B