Asian powerhouse Korea will take on Australia, in a match of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament on Thursday.
The Koreans have seven points from four matches, winning against Egypt and China and drawing against hosts Malaysia, Their only defeat thus far was against reigning champions and table toppers India.
They have a chance to make the final provided they defeat both Australia and Pakistan. And despite it being a tall order, the Koreans remain optimistic that they have what it takes to turn the tables over these two teams.
Coach Shin Seok Kyo said that any team will find it difficult to perform playing in the afternoon and the humidity had affected them, despite the fact that the Koreans are said to be one of the fittest teams in world hockey.
“It is not easy to recover when you play at that hour as it is energy sapping and it affects our performances,” said Shin.
While the other teams are battling it out for a place in the final, minnows China and Egypt go into the match tomorrow seeking their first win in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
While China has one point, courtesy of their draw against India in their opening match, the Egyptians have yet to gain a single point.
“From the onset we have targeted finishing fifth and in order to do that we have to end up either fifth or sixth at the end of the preliminary round,” said Egyptian coach Mathias.
“We have a young team here and over time they will improve. Playing tournaments such as this will help them get the match exposure that is needed for a team like ours.
“Realistically we have a final chance to avoid finishing last and to do that we have to defeat China as India look formidable.”
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