KUALA LUMPUR: Caretaker coach Pau Marti Vicente has defended Harimau Malaya's performance in their 2-1 win over the Philippines in the Merdeka Tournament, despite critics labelling it as unconvincing.
Malaysia, ranked No. 134, found themselves trailing after an own goal by Feroz Baharuddin in the 27th minute, but fought back with goals from Syamer Kutty Abba in the 42nd minute and Safawi Rasid in the 73rd minute to secure a victory at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Wednesday.
While some questioned the team's display, Vicente, 41, dismissed suggestions that the players were nervous or lacked cohesion.
"I disagree with the notion that the players were nervous. We conceded early, and it impacted morale, but the players approached the situation the right way and kept creating chances," said Vicente after the game.
"It was a very difficult game against a physical Philippines team, but we deserved the result. The last 10 minutes were tough, but that's football."
The Spanish coach, who took over from Kim Pan Gon in July, said his team's performance is more important than any individual scrutiny on him, especially as his future as head coach will depend on results until the end of the year.
"This win is a good sign for the team. After a coaching change, the players needed to show that they can rise to the occasion, and they did.
We're in the final, and now we'll focus on preparing for Lebanon," added Vicente.
Malaysia will face Lebanon in the final on Sunday, a match that could further cement Vicente's credentials as Harimau Malaya's permanent head coach.