A defeat will surely mean more misery for Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah and his council.
Malaysia have not been impressive in their pool matches, having done just enough to keep their gold medal hopes alive.
They edged Austria 3-2, France 4-2 and Russia 4-3 to remain unbeaten -- which in itself is a rare feat for the national team in the last decade.
Making it more difficult for Malaysia today will be former international Arul Selvaraj, who is an assistant coach in the Ireland team.
Arul said he feels awkward planning to topple his friends and country.
"I am excited at the prospect of guiding Ireland to the top of the podium, but at the same time, feel a little awkward. I've always been in the Malaysian camp as a player or coach (he assisted Paul Lissek) and now I will be facing my friends and players who I have coached before," said Arul via e-mail.
On the Malaysian team, Arul said: "Malaysia are physically better prepared, and have better international exposure while Ireland are tactically better, but lack experience.
"I predict that penalty corners will decide who wins," said Arul.
This is an Irish forte and they have penalty corner flicker John Jermyn to thank for their identical 3-0 wins over Chile and Japan.
Jermyn scored five of the goals. He was, however, off target against Poland and they lost 3-2.
As for Malaysia, Amin Rahim has scored off two penalty corners and one penalty stroke. Penalty corner variations also saw Azlan Misron, Ismail Abu and Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin sounding the board.
The field goals were scored by Faizal Shaari, Hafifi Hafiz, Razie Rahim, Ismail Abu and Kelvinder Singh.
Malaysia scored 11 goals but let in seven, which is a worrying factor, as the Irish have only allowed three goals past them.
"It will be a tough match, and I predict a battle to the end because in my opinion, the Irish are the best prepared team in this tournament.
"We will have to be extra careful at the back, and rely on swift attacks to do the damage," said national coach Tai Beng Hai.
WEDNESDAY'S RESULTS -- Group A: Japan 4 Chile 3, Poland 3 Ireland 2; Group B: Malaysia 4 Russia 3, Austria 1 France 5.
TODAY -- Semi-finals: Malaysia v Ireland (12.05am tomorrow in Malaysia); Poland v France.
FINAL STANDINGS
GROUP A
P W D L F A Pts
Poland 3 3 0 0 9 6 9
Ireland 3 2 0 1 8 3 6
Japan 3 1 0 2 6 9 3
Chile 3 0 0 3 5 10 0
GROUP B
P W D L F A Pts
Malaysia 3 3 0 0 11 7 9
France 3 2 0 1 12 8 6
Russia 3 0 1 2 10 13 1
Austria 3 0 1 2 7 12 1
