South Korea versus Great Britain: Sultan Azlan Shah Cup – Preview
South Korea will face-off Great Britain in the 20th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, being played at the Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Stadium in Ipoh, Malaysia on May 14.
Korean Team
South Korea, the sixth ranked team in the world, made an impressive start by defeating India in the inaugural day of the seven-nation invitational. However, it was the only best performance from them in the tournament so far. They failed to maintain their
level and lost to Pakistan in the very next day by two goals, 4-2. The third game between Korea and New Zealand concluded with a draw at 1-1. In the contest against Australia, they failed to take Kookaburras down and lost the game by two goals, 4-2. Interestingly,
Malaysia, which has not won any game among the first four, thrashed South Korea in their second last match.
Therefore, the Azlan Shah Cup, despite impressive the start has not proved to be a good experience for the Koreans. The squad is comprised of youngsters and experienced players. Alike the previous matches, Korea will rely on their attacking style of play.
Apart from the recent disappointed performances, the Koreans are very powerful competitors in the continent. They ruled over the sport for years in the region with winning two Azlan Shah Cups and four Asian Games titles. In the last edition of the invitational,
they clinched the trophy with India, as the final game was not played due to heavy rainstorm.
Great Britain
Great Britain, the squad comprising players from England and Scotland, showed outstanding performances in the invitational. It is standing on the second spot after the Australian side with three victories and two losses. It defeated Malaysia on the opening
day, while lost to India in the second game of the event.
Before losing their second game in the hands of Australia, Great Britain edged past Pakistan and New Zealand respectively, in the third and fourth games. As for Great Britain, it is their first appearance in the Malaysia-based event, as they partook in the
previous events only representing England. They have had one gold medal in their credit, earned back in 1994. The British squad seemed to be performing well except defeats from India and Australia.
Players to watch
From the Great Britain, Jonathan Clarke will be the British star to look for on the field. He has had more than 157 international caps and is at his best in the ongoing tournament. From the other side, Jang Jong Hyun will put up a good performance, attempting
to get a good place in the invitational.
Head-to-Head Statistics
In the historic match between Great Britain and South Korea, played during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the British team took the opponent, Koreans, by three goals, 5-2. During the Champions Trophy 2009, the English side overwhelmed Korea by two goals, 4-2.
Prediction
As per the previous and recent track record, the Great Britain is expected to shine-out. The game will be head-to-head with a victory for the British side.
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