Lissek: We can take on the Cubans

17/02/2002

WHILE busy preparing his side for the first two matches against Australia
and Japan, coach Paul Lissek is silently gathering more information on the
Cubans.
He knows that they are robust and they have flair but technical-wise,
the Cubans are not too good.
"I was their consultant for the duration of the Pan-American World Cup
Qualifiers, and they were really keen to learn everyting about hockey from
me." said Lissek.
Cuba beat Canada and Argentina and topped the table in the Pan-American
World Cup Qualifier to make their debut in the 10th World Cup.
The wide-eyed Cubans listened attentively to Lissek during his seminar
and so interested were they to absorb everything from the German, that
they `forced' him to add another hour into his seminar.
"They are a very intelligent side and they have good individual
dribbling skills just like the Argentines, but as a team, they have yet to
get their act together," said Lissek.
Malaysia play Cuba on March 4 and wrap up their group fixtures against
Poland. The bottom two matches are a must-win for Malaysia if they harbour
any hopes of a good finish in front of their own fans.
And it should not be too difficult for the hosts, because the most
experienced player on the Cuban squad is 35-year-old Juan C. Benavides
Ojeda who has the highest caps of 54.
On the Malaysian team, only Tajol Rosli (18 caps) and Rodhanizam Radzi
(35 caps) have less exposure than the entire Cuban squad.
"Yes, they lack international exposure because there are not many
tournaments to take part in South America. That is where they might just
lose out, experience in international matches do cound in the World Cup,"
said Lissek.
But since Cuba are making their World Cup debut, a good fight can be
expected from them, and teams which take them lightly might just end up on
the wrong end of the stick.
jugjet@nstp.com.my
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