Azlan Shah Hockey Cup heading towards climax
The 19th edition of the premier annual hockey event in Malaysia is heading towards an exciting climax, as at least five teams are in the reckoning of a place in the final of the event.
Reigning champions India are the ones best placed they are at the top of the standings, followed by a close bunch of four teams including Australia, Malaysia, Korea and Pakistan.
The final preliminary round matches are to be held tomorrow and the final line up will shape up at the end of the day.
Australia, Korea, Pakistan and Malaysia are fighting for a place in the final. While Australia play against China, Pakistan and Korea will square off against each other.
Host Malaysia who is yet to win the title even once in 18 attempts have completed all their matches and will play the waiting game, biting their nails, hoping that results go their way.
The equation is a little complex for the hosts and they can be bounced out if world champions Australia win by four or more goals, they will put Malaysia out of the running and have to wait for the result of the Pakistan and Korean match.
If Pakistan and Korea play out a draw, and Australia win, then the Aussies will progress to the final.
On the other hand for either Asian powerhouses Korea or Pakistan to progress, not only do they have to win, but they also have to better the goal difference of the Aussies.
Australia currently has plus four, Malaysia plus eight, Korea plus seven and Pakistan plus six.
It is all expected to all boils down to the first two matches of the day, Australia against China as well as Pakistan against Korea. The Indians can make the results more complex.
The reigning champions on the other hand just need to win against Egypt to book their place in the final.
But even the Indians will know that it is easier said then done. Last year the Egyptians held the Indians to a 2-2 draw, and a similar result can knock them out of the final contention.
Meanwhile Korean coach Shin Seok Kyo said that they were rather disappointed with the draw against Australia.
“We were out for a win and I reckon based on our performance we should have got all three points,” said Shin.
“Against Pakistan it will not be easy as they have a young team that can run for 70 minutes, something that can trouble us.
“Both the teams will have to play attacking hockey as the situation calls for it and I expect it to be an open game.”
While the Pakistan and Korea match will probably be the highlight of the day the match between minnows China and World champions Australia is expected to be a one sided encounter.
Albeit the Chinese have vowed to make life difficult for the Aussies they are expected to approach the game with g*y abandon as they did against Malaysia.
The strategy simple pack numbers behind the ball and rely on fast counter attacks to catch their opponents off guard.
“We used this tactic with relatively good results against Malaysia and I expect my players to be more focused in the match against Australia,” said China coach Zhuang Xiaodong
“I intend to field the same team as against Malaysia as we too want to get at least a point off the world champions. The Aussies cannot expect any favours from us.”
The fans will be in for a treat, as Australia will set the tone for the proceedings for the remainder of the night. The excitement is reaching its zenith at the Astro arena in Ipoh; the battle for the title heats up it can be anyone’s game.
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