Bangladesh should be easy

By Ajitpal Singh
ajitpalsingh@nst.com.my

BANGLADESH have not played a Class 'A' tournament for almost two years and Malaysia have been doing so quite extensively for decades.
And when both teams meet in today's Group A match of the 8th AirAsia Men's Asia Cup, logically, the hosts should easily walk a way with an overwhelming victory in Kuantan, which will put them in the advance stage of qualifying for the semi-finals.
Bangladesh are not in a same class as Malaysia and it was demostrated a few days when the national juniors, who are preparing for next month's Junior World Cup, mauled them 6-1.
The Juniors have set a benchmark score and the seniors should make attempts in scoring more than them against the minnows.There is no reason why the seniors can't do it.
The Malaysian players are gradually improving at this stage and their confidence are also on the high after the unexpected 1-1 draw with World No 5 South Korea on Saturday.
But being Malaysians, the hockey team are prone to take things lightly against minnows and thus end up struggling for the win in matches where they should be piling up the goals.
National interim coach Tai Beng Hai understands this sticky situation and he has adviced his players to give their 100 per cent against Bangladesh.
"There are no easy teams in this tournament. Bangladesh are minnows in the game but we need to treat them with respect. They can be dangerous if taken lightly," said Beng Hai in Kuantan.
"The game plan is off course to score a big win as it may be crucial in our qualification to the semi-finals. Our players are experienced enough to win this match easily."
"The players, I feel, are mentally and physically stronger after the four-and-half-months of training and they are slowly getting their confidence back. It's important that they keep it the unward momnetum going in this tournament."
However, Beng Hai is set to make some changes in his first-11 with some fringe players expected to start the match.
"It's not huge changes but small ones. Those who played a small role against South Korea, for instance, S.Selvaraju and Jivan Mohan, will play a bigger role tomorrow (today)."
Beng Hai may opt to field forward Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tengku Jalil and Engku Malek Engku Mohd, who rested against Korea, for today's match.
Both teams last met in the 2006 Doha Asian Games, where Malaysia thrashed Bangladesh 6-1 in the fifth-eight placing match.
Malaysians may be familiar with some of the names in the Bangladesh team. Captain Jimmy Rasel Mahmud and Mamun Ur Rahman featured in last season's Malaysian Hockey League.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh coach Gerhad Peter Rach said it will be a victory for his team if they lose 5-0 to Malaysia.
"Our target in this tournament is to score a goal in a Class 'A' international match. Malaysia are light years away better than us. My players have not gone out of their country for quality matches for almost two years and I cannot expect much from them here." said Rach, who took over the team only six weeks ago.
"My players don't know how to handle pressure due to lacking in experience. Bangladesh hockey can only improve if the players play more quality matches outside the country,"


TODAY'S FIXTURES

Group A: Japan v South Korea (5pm); Malaysia v Bangladesh (7pm)

(Both matches at Wisma Belia Hockey Stadium in Kuantan).