MALAYSIA will throw everything they have against South Korea in the Junior Asia Cup today, as a defeat might just cost them a place in the World Cup.
Although they still have the Japan match in hand on Monday, coach K. Dharmaraj is not willing to take any hiccups.
“To be frank, South Korea had an off day just like Malaysia, but still beat Japan 4-1 because they were sharper in the semi-circle.
“Japan were the better side, and it would be dangerous to drop any points before meeting them.
“I will throw everything I have against Korea, and ease the pressure in our last group match,” said Dharmaraj.
The Koreans would also not be sitting pretty, as a win would ensure them a World Cup berth, as they only have Iran to beat after that.
The Junior Asia Cup offers four tickets to the World Cup in New Delhi next year, including the automatic berth of hosts India.
“We must beat Korea at all cost to virtually qualify for the World Cup with the Japan match in hand.
“There is no other path, as I do not want to go into the Japan match on Monday under pressure,” said Dharmaraj.
Malaysia beat Iran 6-1 on Thursday, but were off colour and Dharmaraj believes the jitters are over.
“It was a win, but not the kind of game that I would like to see my boys play against Korea and Japan. The basics were bad, and it was lucky that the penalty corner goals came even though Iran were running kamikaze against our flickers,” said Dharmaraj.
The senior team also had two chance to qualify for the final of the Dublin Olympic Qualifier, but they blew their first against South Korea and the pressure of playing Ireland next was too much to handle.
“I was in Dublin, and know that there is no second chance. It is now or never against Korea in Malacca,” said Dhar maraj.
RESULTS -- Group B: Pakistan x China x, India x Sri Lanka x
TODAY: (Group A): Japan v Iran (6.05pm), Malaysia v Korea (8.05pm).
TOMORROW: China v Sri Lanka (Group B) (4.05pm); India vs Pakistan (Group B) (6.05pm); Korea v Iran (Group A) (8.05pm).
May 7: China v India (Group B) (4.05pm); Pakistan v Sri Lanka (Group B) (6.05pm); Japan v Malaysia (Group A) (8.05pm).
NOTE: Matches at MBM Stadium in Malacca.
