Monday, December 9, 2013

Malaysia lead Asian charge...

MALAYSIA were the surprise Asian package in the Junior World Cup, as three other teams are still struggling to find
their form and break into the quarter-finals.
   Pakistan, in Group A, will meet Belgium today and have to win by a big margin, while Germany have a much more

realistic entry into the last-eight from the group as they only need to beat Egypt.
   As for hosts India, they will be meeting South Korea in their final Group C match, and a draw will see Korea

packing the hosts while a win will allow India passage into the last eight.
   And realistically speaking, Malaysia and only one more Asian side will see action in the knock-out stages.
   India skipper Manpreet Singh knows the score: "Our next game against Korea is very crucial as it is a must win

game for us while Korea only need a draw.
    "We realise that we are in the brink of losing out the quarter-finals hence we will not hold back."
   India did beat South Korea  6-1 in the Sultan of Johar Cup: "But since them the Koreans have improved a lot and

are playing very good hockey and can't be taken lightly.
   "We went through the video footage of our last game against Canada and have zeroed in on our shortcomings on

the field and have been working on the mistakes for the last 2 days," said Manpreet who skippered India to the
Sultan of Johor Cup by beating Malaysia 3-0 at the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru.
   India coach Gregg Clark said: "We are still very much alive in the tournament and there is lot of positivity within

the team. The Koreans are a good side; they have consistently performed well in the tournament. The match will be
difficult but we have confidence in ourselves."