South Korea's Hyun Hyesung (right) dribbles past Japan's Nakayama Yasuhiro during their men's field hockey match at the Seonhak Hockey Stadium of the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon on Tuesday. - AFP
INCHEON: The national hockey team’s battle for a medal begins today with the crunch tie against hosts South Korea at the Seonhak Hockey Stadium.
It is their third match in Group A and the Malaysians know that a heavy defeat could put them in a precarious position as they still have third-placed Japan to play tomorrow.
Malaysia kicked off their campaign with an 8-2 win over Singapore on Saturday and then defeated Bangladesh 5-2 on Sunday.
The South Koreans also have two wins from two matches to top the table ahead of Malaysia. They whipped Singapore 12-0 and Japan 4-0. Jang Jong-hyun is their dangerman, having scored a hat-trick against Singapore and twice against Japan.
National skipper Azlan Misron has warned his team-mates not to let their guard down.
“From now, there are no easy matches. Every match will be crucial and we must work for a win. We have South Korea and Japan. If we get through these two games, then it is the semi-finals and beyond,” said the 31-year-old Azlan.
“I am happy we have managed to get full points so far, but the game just gets tougher from here,” he added.
Azlan admitted that Malaysia were far from impressive despite big wins over Singapore and Bangladesh.
“You will see a different team when we play the Koreans. We are ready and our first objective is to reach the semi-finals,” he said.
Azlan said they would not attempt to play for a draw against the Koreans.
“We have worked hard over the last three days on our game to reduce the unforced errors. We just cannot afford to make silly mistakes especially against a team like South Korea.
“I have confidence in the team and I believe that we have the ability to win,” added Azlan, who helped Malaysia clinched the silver in Guangzhou in 2010.
Midfielder Fitri Sari also believes Malaysia are capable of rising to the occasion.
“For me, every game is important no matter whom we play. It is all about winning. As a midfielder, it’s my job to see that we have a grip on the game and also ensure that the defence is well marshalled.
“The Koreans are known to be very fit and fast, so we will have to watch out for that and not get caught. I am confident that we will raise our game level in this match,” he said.
This Asiad is also a qualifying tournament for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Only the gold medallists are guaranteed of a spot.
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