Azlan Shah Cup: Pakistan face Malaysia in fight for survival

National hockey coach Rasool hopes for improvement in must-win match.

KARACHI:

After suffering two back-to-back defeats, Pakistan are desperate to overcome hosts Malaysia in a must-win game in the Azlan Shah Cup tournament today in Ipoh.

Pakistan kicked off their campaign with a victory over defending champions New Zealand, but then embarrassing losses to Australia and India forced them to slip to the bottom of the points table in the six-nation event.

With just three points to their credit, a loss or even a draw will take Pakistan out of contention for playing in the final.

“Our only target now is to win at all costs,” Pakistan’s chief coach Akhtar Rasool told The Express Tribune. “We are looking for a place in the final as there is still a possibility that we may finish on the podium.”

So far, Malaysia are enjoying a good tournament as they are yet to be beaten in the competition. They are placed second behind Australia with wins against South Korea and New Zealand and a draw against the world champions.

Rasool, a former Olympian, felt it will not be an easy task for his charges to overcome the hosts.

“They (Malaysia) are an in-form team and playing good hockey. We’ll have to work hard against them as they have proved themselves tough opponents in the tournament.”

However, Rasool hoped his team was capable of bouncing back in the tournament.

“We are not playing too badly. The players in the team mainly constitute youngsters who play well on the field but lack skills in finishing and in defence.

“If we manage to bring improvement in these departments, we have a chance of getting maximum points against Malaysia. I am hopeful that the team will not repeat their mistakes and will secure victory.”

Malaysia wary of Pakistan’s possible resurgence

Meanwhile, Malaysia only need one win from their remaining two fixtures to book their place in the final but are wary of a potential challenge from Pakistan.

The team’s coach Paul Revington said the greenshirts are a dangerous side when wounded.

“We will plan the game accordingly and not rush into doing something that could prove fatal to our hopes,” said Revington, according to the tournament’s website.

“Pakistan are still in with a chance for a place in the final, and I am sure they would want to redeem their pride. What better way to do so than a strong display against Malaysia?”

The coach added that despite the team’s unbeaten run, much was left to achieve the target.

“There is much work to be done and the success so far is due to hard work put in by the players, coaching staff and the management.”

Team needs combined effort: Shahnaz   

Meanwhile, former hockey great Shahnaz Sheikh said Pakistan can make a comeback in the tournament by displaying a combined effort.

“We are focusing too much on individual game,” Sheikh told The Express Tribune.

“Our players who are mainly youngsters do not have those skills and speed yet. The team management must devise a strategy that will work best for pairs or trios in defence to get much-needed improvement in these departments.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 14^th, 2013.