“We have tried to deliver top performances in every game, and the notable shift from our time at the AFC Asian Cup™2023 Qatar to now lies in our team spirit. We're truly supporting one another. The players are united in their efforts, fighting together, and relishing the opportunity to play as a unit,” said Tarkovic.

 

“Without this mentality and team spirit, winning any game becomes exceedingly challenging. We capitalised on our opportunities and were determined to secure victory.”

Despite the defeat ending their hopes, Chinese Taipei goalkeeping coach Glyn Shimell wants his players to focus on the next two games.

 

“The future is bright and there are players we can work with and there are players who show promise. They will certainly get opportunities in the next two games, Oman at home and Malaysia away,” said Shimell. “We have been pleased with their progress.”

Oman, meanwhile, delivered a polished performance in their 2-0 defeat of Malaysia 2-0 with strikes from Omar Al Maliki and Mohammed Al Ghafri.

 

“The match was more difficult than the first match we played last week in Oman,” said Oman head coach Jaroslav Silhavy. “The Malaysian team were playing at home and trying to make up for last week’s defeat. We controlled the match and wasted many chances, but I’m happy with the players' performance, and bringing joy for our fans.”

Despite seeing his side fall to their second consecutive defeat, head coach Kim Pan-gon is confident Malaysia can turn their fortunes around in their remaining two matches.

 

“It's a very tough game we played today, as a leader and head coach I apologise to (the) Malaysia fans that we couldn’t give you a good result,” said Kim. 

 

“We still have two more games - if there is a miracle we still have a chance. We will fight until the end. This is not the end of the world.”