Pakistan or bust..

MALAYSIA play Pakistan in the Fifth-Eighth classification of the World League Semi-finals today, and can't afford another drubbing at The Taman Daya Stadium.
  For, at stake is the fifth spot, which might just turn into a World Cup ticket after the continental championship fixtures are completed.
  "Nothing went right for 20 minutes against Germany (where Malaysia were drubbed 6-0 inside the first 18 minutes) but lets forget that painful episode, as we look towards a fifth finish to improve our rankings and also a possible outside chance to the World Cup," said a visibly shaken Malaysian coach after the German nightmare.
  There are many 'ifs' involved in this fifth placing possibility, and even an International Hockey Federation (FIH) official who was shocked at how tamely Malaysia crumbled tried to comfort the press.
  "Take heart as there is the fifth spot, which might just turn into a World Cup berth after the continental championships are over," he said.
  There is the Pan American Cup, Asia Cup, EuroHockey Nations Championship and the Oceania Cup to complete the fixtures yet.
  And if Argentina qualifies from Johor Baru and also become champions in the Pan American Cup, another slot opens up in the World League.
  The same scenario happens if South Korea qualifies and then wins the Asia Cup, as well as Australia who has already qualified for the World Cup becomes champions in the Oceania Cup.
  And in the EuroHockey Nations Championship, the prospect is even higher as Germany, England, Belgium and the Netherlands have all qualified for the World Cup -- and if either one wins in Europe, the door for World League teams opens wider.
  So, the fifth spot is priceless, not imaginary, and Malaysia need to keep their head high and work their way towards that target now.
  Malaysia raced to a 3-0 lead before being held 4-4 by Pakistan in Group B, and that is what Revington and his men must avoid at all cost today.
  After which, they must beat either Japan or South Africa, to prove that they are truly a team which deserves to play in the World Cup.
  Pakistan officials, who were still reeling over their defeat to South Korea in the quarter-finals, were not available for comment on the Asian encounter.
  TODAY: Fifth-Eight: South Africa v Japan (2.45pm); Pakistan v Malaysia (5pm).
  Semi-finals: Argentina v England (7.15pm); Germany v South Korea (9.30pm).