After arguably the best match of the 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup in the first leg of the final, we bring up a three key factors that could decide which nation lifts the coveted trophy this weekend. Thailand will take a 2-0 advantage into the second leg against Malaysia at the National Stadium in the Kuala Lumpur suburb of Bukit Jalil.
1. Majestic Bukit Jalil needs to roar as one
Despite a two-goal deficit going into the second leg, Malaysia have one potent weapon that could work in their favour. If there is one stadium in Southeast Asia that can ignite the passion of millions, it is Bukit Jalil. It is the grand venue where many of Malaysia's best victories have been savoured. It is the same ground where legends are made.
In front of an expected 90,000 crowd, the eleven Malaysian warriors can use this to their advantage. A crunching tackle by Safiq Rahim or a mazy run by Indra Putra Mahayuddin in the opening minutes could get the voices united.
We have to remember that this is a young Thai team. Their most senior player is BEC Tero Sasana defender Chayapat Kitpongsritada and official captain Adul Lahso, both of whom are unlikely to start the game. The golden boys comprising of Chanathip Songkrasin, Charyl Chappuis and Tanaboon Kesarat could be rattled if the home team have a proper go at them in the first 15 minutes. And if Malaysia score early, this will be the kind of match which keeps the fans on the edge of their seats.
2. Thailand must not sit back and play out time
The War Elephants came this far not by virtue of playing a calculated game. They kept their promise to entertain and attack which is the reason why they are the tournament's highest scoring team with 12 goals. They are also the first team to have put in 100 crosses.
Against Malaysia on Saturday, Kiatisuk Senamuang must not change his team's style of play and sit back to hold their two-goal advantage. This team are not made to defend deep. With players like Chanathip, Kroekrit Thaweekarn and Chappuis, they must continue their passing game. The Thais have made 2275 passes throughout the tournament. They must keep the ball in Malaysia's half.
The defensive pairing of Suttinan Phukhom and Tanaboon looked shaky in the opening minutes of the first leg. Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, Amri Yahyah and Indra pressed high up the pitch and were direct in their passing. If the Thais allow this to happen, it could come back to haunt them should they concede early on.
3. Records are meant to be broken
We can go on and on about how the team that has won the first leg of the Suzuki Cup final has gone on to life the cup in all 10 previous tournaments. We can bring up the fact that Malaysia have gone further than expected in this competition. We can even say that Dollah Salleh has already done a fantastic job with a team that barely looked like title contenders just a month ago.
But having come this far, why stop here? Just seven days ago, Shukor Adan led his men out at the My Dinh Stadium and stood tall like giants when everybody expected them to be brushed aside by Vietnam. They went on to record an improbable 4-2 comeback victory that sealed their berth in the final.
Malaysia need another rousing performance like the one they produced after losing 2-1 in the semifinal first leg against Vietnam. If Shukor is passed fit from his back injury, who is to say that the 35-year-old veteran cannot inspire the boys in yellow and black to repeat that amazing feat?
These sort of matches are what makes heroes. The kind where legends are born. And if the players, along with their 90,000 compatriots rally in unison, this could be a turning point for the Malaysian national team who have failed to hit the same, dizzy heights since being crowned champions for the first time in 2010.
A total of nine players in the current squad were part of that 2010 championship team -- Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, S. Kunalan, Safiq Rahim, Mahali Jasuli, Muslim Ahmad, Fadhli Shas, Norshahrul, Amri Yahyah and Safee Sali -- and their experience in overcoming the odds will need to come alive this Saturday.
As Malaysia's legendary striker Mokhtar Dahari, fondly known as SuperMokh, once said: "If you're ashamed to stand by your colours, you better seek for another flag."