New Zealand players celebrate after scoring against India on Thursday. The teams drew 2-2. MALAYSIA are in the running to play in the final of the Azlan Shah Cup, provided they pull off at least a draw against New Zealand today.
Malaysia have only two silver medals to show since the tournament was incepted in 1983. The only silver linings for the hosts came in 1985 and in 2007 in this illustrious tournament which has been graced by the likes of Germany, Netherlands, Australia, Spain, India and Pakistan.
However, coach Tai Beng Hai's team are playing in a rather diluted tournament, where they beat Pakistan 3-2 and then Egypt 4-1 before collapsing 3-0 to India.
The big guns of hockey are conspicuously missing for this edition, while all the teams here today including Malaysia, are still at an experimental stage for the Asia Cup, or World Cup qualifiers.
Now, even Pakistan have a chance, provided they beat India and New Zealand beat Malaysia.
Beng Hai said: "There are no major injuries in the team, and fitness was not a problem in all three matches. I believe we will have to press harder against New Zealand if we want to play in the final."
New Zealand have had their problems in this tournament, and their only victory was against Pakistan. However, all the coaches here have the same thing to say about the Kiwis.
"They drew two matches, but never lost their structure at all. In fact, they have been gaining strength after every match, and are among the favourites this year," said India coach Harendra Singh.
Today's match will also indicate if the Malaysian players are ready to take on the challenge of winning the single ticket offered by the Asia Cup in Kuantan to the 2010 World Cup in New Delhi.
Today: India v Pakistan (5pm), New Zealand v Malaysia (7pm).
