By Dan Guen Chin
(Bernama)

JOHOR BAHARU, June 4 (Bernama)-- Though Malaysia co-host the Junior World Cup hockey tournament, the junior squad''s quest to book a place in the last eight, may not be an easy journey but coach K. Rajan remains optimistic.
He added that though the squad was familiar with the Taman Daya Hockey stadium here and can expect a strong support from home fans, the players have to be at their very best and cannot expect any favours.
"We have worked very hard and for the past eight months since I took over, we have played many warm-up matches, mostly in Europe and elsewhere. Results achieved thus far certainly gives me confidence.
"We are not inferior to some of the strong Europeans team we have played on our tour. But we face a different test now. A test of playing in front of our own fans and I believe with the familiarity of the weather and home ground advantage we can rise to the occasion," said Rajan.
The Malaysian team will be captained by Bukit Mertajam born Ahmad Kazamirul Naasruddin, a defender, and ably supported by midfielder Harvinder Singh and hard running forward Faizal Saari.
"It''s a team with a bit of everything. We have some talented midfielders and solid defenders. And we have teamwork and great spirit. That''s is most important," added Rajan.
Malaysia open their campaign against England in their opening Pool C match on Sunday knowing that the outcome of the match could go a long way in deciding their fate in the 20-team tournament, which is co-hosted by Malaysia and Singapore.
England like Malaysia also need a win to boost their morale for the tough journey ahead which includes matches against Spain, the European champion, South Korea, the rising Asian power and the United States of America.
"We are very much like Malaysia. To be drawn against each other in the opening match means there is so much to play for. We are chasing the same target and it could end up breaking each others hearts," said England team manager Dan Halliday.
The English team, coached by David Ralph, is built around a core of eight players drawn from their National Training Centre based in Nottinghamshire.
"The training centre is something like the Australian Institute of Sports where talented sportsmen and women are being housed and kept in training with an eye towards excellence. And the eight I am talking about will form the backbone of the squad.
"We are optimistic that we can match the best in our group but I must admit that Spain and the South Koreans are the favourites. Malaysia by virtue of being host cannot be ruled out either," added Halliday.