Pakistan would have to play their best as they tackle South Korea for ensuring their eligibility for the third-fourth position match. PHOTO: AFP
With four points from as many matches, Pakistan need a victory over the Koreans to finish at least on the fourth spot and become eligible for the third-fourth position match to be played on the final day of the tournament.
If Pakistan manage a win over their Asian counterparts, they are likely to meet a team among the top three – Australia (eight points), Malaysia (eight) and New Zealand (six).
A draw in the match will involve calculations of goal difference to decide the fourth finisher between Korea and Pakistan. On the other hand, India have no chance to qualify for the bronze medal play-off as they have just three points to their credit.
Pakistan’s chief coach Akhtar Rasool said he was hoping for a good performance from his team in the last league match.
“The players are motivated for the match,” Rasool told The Express Tribune. “They played well in the draw against Malaysia. That match provided much needed confidence to the players after defeats to Australia and India.
“The youngsters are charged up and I am confident they will show more improvement against the Koreans. Definitely we are hoping for a third finish.”
However, the former Olympian said it will be a tough task for his side to beat the Koreans.
“They (South Korea) have lifted their game and will be a tough team to reckon with. They put up an impressive show in their 3-3 draw against Australia.
“We will definitely have to work very hard against them to avoid mistakes that could cost us the game.”
Finalists yet to be decided
Meanwhile, the finalists are also to be decided today with Malaysia, New Zealand and Australia in contention.
Australia and Malaysia are in the driving seat, both with eight points. However, Australia have a superior goal difference of eight while Malaysia are on two.
A win for New Zealand and a Malaysian defeat will see the two Oceania countries contesting the final.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 16th, 2013.
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Actually if Pakistan and Korea draw, and then India wins, India would be through to top four.