Malaysia in `lightweight' group

23/08/2001

HOSTS Malaysia have been given a `kind' draw for the 10th men's World Cupin Kuala Lumpur from Feb 24 to March 9 next year. The draw, released by the International Hockey Federation (FIH)yesterday, pits Malaysia in Group B with South Korea, Australia, England,Cuba, Poland, India and Japan. In Group A are the heavyweights of hockey - Holland, Pakistan, Germany,Argentina, Spain, South Africa, Belgium and New Zealand. Canada, France and Wales are the reserve teams should any of thequalifiers drop out. But to reach the semifinals, Malaysia will have to lift their game as inGroup B, the fight for the top two will be among Australia, Korea, Indiaand the hosts. Japan could pull off an upset or two but England, Poland and Cuba shouldnot be a problem if Malaysia can raise their fitness level before theWorld Cup. Group A is definitely the `group of death' because Holland, Pakistan,Germany, Argentina, Spain and South Africa look to be evenly matched. The group is so tight that even Olympic and world champions Holland andSpain are not assured of a top two finish because Argentina and Pakistanare capable of turning the tables on their day. That is how the draw is going to look to the man-on-the-street, saidnational team manager Datuk R. Yogeswaran in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. "At a glance, the draw looks a bit tough for those in Group A and easierfor the Group B teams. But that is not the reality, judging by recentmatches," he said. "Traditionally, Cuba, Poland and Japan used to be the weak teams butthat is no longer the case. Cuba have beaten Argentina, the recent WorldCup qualifier champions, who beat Spain to top the group, and Canada inthe Pan-American Games. "As for Japan, I have received reports from those who were in Scotlandfor the World Cup qualifiers that they are the most improved side and willtrouble those who are over-confident in Group B. "Even in Osaka (last year's Olympic qualifiers), we were lucky to beatthem 2-1 and reach the Sydney Olympics." According to Yoges, Australia, Korea and India are in a league of theirown and will be hard to catch in the short period leading to the WorldCup. "India, even though they paraded a young side in the Azlan Shah Cup, areno pushovers as they have the skills and determination to trouble even thebest." The last World Cup held on grass in Kuala Lumur in 1975 saw Malaysiafinish fourth and since then, we have yet to better that record. But despite Yogeswaran's cautious approach, Malaysia have a good chanceof making the last four if they can play to their strength. "The draw was made according to the rankings and FIH have agreed to atwo-pool format of eight teams each, which means the top two finishers ineach group will play for the first to fourth placings while the third andfourth team in each group will play for the fifth to eighth placings,"said Malaysian Hockey Federation secretary S. Satgunam. "Likewise, the fifth to sixth team will crossover to play for the 9-12thposition and the last two teams will play for the 13th-16th position." In the recent Azlan Shah Cup, Malaysia finished last of seven teamsafter a pathetic display and the critics have all but given up hope on thenational side. 2002 World Cup Hroupings Group A - Holland, Pakistan, Germany, Argentina, Spain, South Africa,Belgium and New Zealand. Group B - South Korea, Australia, England, Cuba, Malaysia, Poland, Indiaand Japan.