JOHOR BAHRU (Thursday – 5th June 2009): Malaysia are ready for the challenges ahead even though deep inside they know the odds are stacked against them in the Standard Chartered Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup which starts on Sunday.
The Malaysians take on England in their opening Pool C match at the Johor Bahru Hockey Stadium, one of the two venues for the 20-team tournament together with Singapore's Sengkang Stadium.
It's a match whose outcome could decide the fate the team in their search for glory and naturally both teams are looking for a positive start.
England like Malaysia also needs a win to boost their morale for the tough journey ahead which includes matches against Spain, the European champion; South Korea, the rising Asian power, and the United States of America.
"We are very much caught in the same situation as Malaysia because we have been pitted against each other in the opening match. It's a match which could break hearts. A win for either one of us would make it much easier. The three points could come in very useful, not to mention doing our morale a world of good," said England's team manager Dan Halliday.
As Malaysia named their final squad of 18 today, coach K. Rajan (PIC) is optimistic that things will fall in place for his team.
"We have worked very hard and for the past eight months since I took over we have played so many warm-up matches, mostly in Europe and elsewhere. What we have achieved gave me confidence.
“We are not inferior to some of the strong Europeans team we have played on our tour. But we face a different test now - the test of playing in front of our own fans. I believe with the familiarity of the weather and the home ground advantage, we can rise to the occasion," said Rajan.
The Malaysian team will be captained by Bukit Mertajam-born Ahmad Kazamirul Naasruddin, a defender with the support of midfielder Harvinder Singh and hard running forward Faizal Saari.
"It's a team with a bit of everything. We have some talented midfielders and solid defenders. And we have teamwork. That is most important," added Rajan.