KUALA LUMPUR: The national women's football team may never get to qualify for the World Cup proper, but they will at least get to play a team headed for that exalted stage.
That chance will come when Malaysia meet 2023 World Cup co-hosts Australia in their final Group A match at the AFF Championship in Manila later today.
Malaysia coach Jacob Joseph does not expect his team to win. They just want to avoid a thrashing by Australia.
Malaysia, who drew against Singapore (0-0) and Indonesia (1-1), and lost 4-0 to both Thailand and the Philippines in their earlier group matches, are in no shape to face Australia.
Jacob said: "We know to get a point (against Australia) is difficult. We're trying to do damage control."
