Malaysia adds formidable firepower, determined to defeat Vietnam team

Calling up Holgado is considered a bold move by coach Peter Cklamovski to strengthen the attack, which is currently the inherent weakness of the Malaysian team.

Holgado is the top scorer in the Colombian national championship (Photo: Getty).

Holgado, 29, was born in Buenos Aires but has a Malaysian grandmother. This makes him eligible to switch federations under FIFA regulations without having to meet the five-year residency requirement in the new country. His naturalization process is being rushed to complete in time to feature against Vietnam on June 10.

The striker, who plays for America de Cali (Colombia), is currently one of the outstanding strikers in the Colombian national championship, scoring 7 goals and 2 assists after 15 appearances this season. He also had an impressive season before with 10 goals, showing stability and efficiency in scoring.

The fact that a player from South America, who is not often associated with Asian football, was called up to the Malaysian national team has surprised many people. Even coach Da Silva of America de Cali could not hide his surprise: "At first I thought it was just a rumor, but after confirming it, I understood that this is a serious plan of Malaysia. Our club is cooperating to support Holgado to complete the necessary procedures."

Holgado's appearance is expected to make a difference in Malaysia's attack, especially when they face the experienced defense of the Vietnamese team.

Holgado is expected to make a difference for the Malaysian team's attack (Photo: Getty).

With a value of 800,000 euros, Holgado is currently the second most expensive player in the Malaysian squad, after Dion Cools (1 million euros), and is worth more than Xuan Son, the most expensive player in the Vietnamese team (700,000 euros).

In addition to his technical skills, Holgado also possesses technical skills, versatile finishing ability and good aerial combat. These are the qualities that coach Cklamovski is in dire need of to create breakthroughs in key matches.

According to Malaysian press, there is a high possibility that Holgado can debut for the Malaysian team in the match against the Vietnamese team. This promises to be an interesting unknown that the yellow team brings, and at the same time a real challenge for coach Kim Sang Sik's defense.

The match between Vietnam and Malaysia will take place on June 10. The winning team will have a better chance of winning the only ticket to the 2027 Asian Cup in Group F.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/malaysia-bo-sung-hoa-luc-dang-gom-quyet-ha-guc-tuyen-viet-nam-20250524203628988.htm