The 19th edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament has provided some pulsating action as leading hockey players from around the world exhibit their skills at the Astro turf in Ipoh, north of Malaysia.
The hosts will take on India on Wednesday night and it is a match that they have to win to keep their slim hopes of making the final this Sunday.
The home team has five points from four matches and is currently in fourth spot. They have India and China left to complete their preliminary round fixtures and need to get maximum points from these two matches.
The Aussies, currently on six points, have three more matches remaining, against Pakistan, South Korea and China.
India defeated Australia 4-3 in a highly charged match last night which was their first win over the Aussies since 2003 in Hobart when India prevailed 5-3 in the Four Nation final. And for Arjun Hallapa it was indeed a sweet win as he made his international debut in that match.
“It has been a long wait but it was worth it. But playing Malaysia is entirely a different proposition as they have the fans who are passionate about hockey,” said Hallapa.
“We anticipate a close match as Malaysia needs to win the match and will not give us much space.”
Malaysian coach Stephen van Huizen will depend on the likes of S. Kumar, Mohd Madzli Ikmar, Mohd Amin Rahim, Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin and Tajol Rosli Mohamad to keep the Indian’s in check.
“We know what is required and will have a game plan. But India are improving and will be difficult opponents,” said Stephen.
“We have to reduce committing errors on the pitch in order to have a realistic chance of beating the Indians.”
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