IPOH: Pakistan have issued a stern warning to Malaysia that they mean business in the Asia Cup.
Three-time Asia Cup champions Pakistan humiliated Japan 7-0 in their opening Group A match at the Azlan Shah Stadium on Saturday.
Pakistan, the four-time World Cup champions, took a 6-0 lead in the first-half.
It was the biggest margin of defeat for the Japanese team in the tournament.
What was really surprising is that Japan finished sixth in the World League semi-finals in Johor Baru last month while Pakistan ended up seventh in the eight-team tournament.
Pakistan, who must win the Asia Cup to qualify for next year’s World Cup in The Hague, Holland, face Malaysia on Sunday.
Japan’s defence, led by skipper Koji Kayukawa, was torn to shreds by Pakistan in the first-half.
Pakistan forward Waqas Muhammad was the man-of-the match with a two-goal performance.
His gave Pakistan the lead off their first penalty corner in the 12th minute before scoring from close range eight minutes later.
Japan goalkeeper Akira Morishima was beaten for the third time in the 22nd minute by Abdul Haseem Khan.
A brace each from Tousiq Muhammad (25th, 35th) and skipper Muhammad Imran (33rd, 70th) ended the rout.
Pakistan forward Shakeel Abbasi clearly delighted with the comprehensive victory.
“It was a morale boosting win for us. The win has inspired us to go all out to get the better of Malaysia tomorrow (today),” said the 30-year-old, who has 355 international caps to his credit.
“Malaysia have home ground advantage and been playing well lately. But we’re all fired up to give our best against them and qualify for the semi-finals.”
In the first match of the day, India skipper Sardar Singh, who was hospitalised here with a throat infection on Monday, led his team to convincing 8-0 win over hapless Oman in a Group B match.
Mandeep Singh netting a hat-trick in the 4th, 40th and 44th minutes. Ramandeep Singh (17th), V.R. Raghunath ((28th), Rupinder Pal Singh (34th), Malak Singh (47th) and S.K. Uthappa (69th) rounded off the scoring.
India, who also must win to qualify for next year’s World Cup, have a day’s rest before taking on defending champions South Korea tomorrow.
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