Tough in Poznan

13/08/2003

MALAYSIA have been drawn in a killer group and their prospect of retaining
the FIH Youth Carnival Trophy they won in Poznan, Poland last year, looks
bleak.
In Group A with runners-up Germany and Pakistan, Malaysia will have to
bring out their best to finish in the top two, and a spot in the semi-
finals. The other team in the group is Polish league champions Gniezno.
India look set to dominate Group B as their opponents are Egypt, France
and Poland, who will once again host the tournament.
As if things were not already tough enough, Malaysia will open their
title defence against Germany on Aug 18.
"The boys took a break while the Champions Challenge was on in South
Africa and we resumed training on Monday, but it looks like they have been
keeping fit so all they need to do is work on tactics," said juniors coach
Sarjit Singh yesterday.
The juniors training squad numbered 26 players, but two more have joined
from the senior squad and this can only boost their chances of retaining
the title.
"National coach Paul Lissek has agreed to release (P.) Prabahkaran and
Ismail (Abu) from the Asia Cup training squad and their presence will
beef-up the attack," said Sarjit.
Ismail made his international debut in the Champions Challenge in South
Africa where he was a little shaky, so he definitely needs the Poland
exposure to make him a better player. He might even play in the Asia Cup
on his return because Lissek likes his daring approach in the semi-circle.
"The Malaysian Hockey Federation will be naming the Poland-bound players
tomorrow and two days later we leave for Poland."
Yesterday, the juniors played Malaysia Hockey League side Ernst & Young
and they displayed a good shape.
Fixtures - Aug 18: India v Egypt; Malaysia v Germany; Pakistan v
Gniezno; Poland v France.
Aug 19: Pakistan v Malaysia; Germany v Gniezno
Aug 20: France v India; Poland v Egypt
Aug 21: Germany v Pakistan; France v Egypt; Gniezno v Malaysia; India v
Poland.
Aug 23: Semi-finals.
Aug 24: Final.
(END)