Beijing Olympics Qualifier / Hockey: Malaysia must show up today

Poland’s Robert Grzeszczak (left) goes past Malaysia’s Kelvinder Singh in their Olympic Qualifier opening match on Saturday. Malaysia won 2-1. — APpic

MALAYSIA'S Beijing Olympics campaign could well end today.

Malaysia’s penalty corner specialist S. Kuhan (front) and Mohd Madzli Ikmar (right) celebrate after beating Poland in their Olympic Qualifier on Saturday. Kuhan will miss the all-important clash with Germany today due to groin injury. — AP pic

That brutal fact is staring at national coach Sarjit Singh and his players following the shocking 4-4 draw with minnows Italy on Sunday.

That result, Sarjit admitted, was something he had not even thought was remotely possible when planning their campaign.

What was expected was a loss to Germany in today's tie but following the Italian job, Malaysia must avoid losing today.

"The draw against Italy has turned this Germany encounter into a do-or-die situation. Now, we can't afford to lose. We need a positive result to keep our hopes alive," said Sarjit yesterday.
"We had a meeting today (yesterday) and there was an open discussion which ironed-out some matters. The team have promised to do their best against Germany, and I believe in them."

The best may not do if the end result is still a defeat and for Malaysia to avoid that, the players must perform.

Too many players were off-key in the matches against Poland and Italy and if this is again the case today, Malaysia can expect a thrashing from the free-scoring Germans.

"To win matches, at least eight players must play their normal match, but against Poland and Italy, not more than five were carrying their weight. That is why we fared badly."

While Malaysia, even if they lose today, may still have a mathematical chance of finishing second in the group and advancing to the final, goal difference could prove crucial.

Japan, who are shaping up to be Malaysia's challengers for second spot, thrashed Poland 6-1 on Sunday and have a healthy plus six to Malaysia's plus one.

Malaysia still have to play Switzerland on Thursday though and that, provided it is not another horror show, should help them improve their goal difference and set them up for a showdown with Japan in their final group match on Saturday.

But Sarjit doesn't want that uncertainty.

"That is why we can't afford a defeat against the Germans. We might have to beat Japan by five goals or more to qualify," said Sarjit.

S. Kuhan will miss today's match as he is nursing a groin injury but the rest have to play the match of their lives if the Beijing dream is to remain alive.

NST