India look to beat hosts Malaysia to seal spot in final
A win away from final, Indian hockey team would like to guard themselves against complacency when they square off with hosts Malaysia in what can turn out to be a tricky encounter in the 26th Azlan Shah Cup, here tomorrow.
With defending champions Australia needing just a draw against rank outsiders Japan, India are aware that a slip up against Malaysia can leave them stranded and Great Britain can overtake them in the round-robin league standings.
India only have a one-goal edge over Great Britain, which can change quickly after the Britons have played New Zealand in their last league outing.
India will have the advantage of knowing what is required of them as they will feature in the last fixture, but if a lot of goals are required, then the strikers will have to get their acts together.
Only Mandeep Singh, who yesterday scored a hat-trick against Japan, and Akashdeep Singh among the Indian strikers have so far seemed dangerous inside the circle. Otherwise, the Indians have largely been dependent upon their penalty corner duo of Rupinderpal Singh and Harmanpreet Singh to score goals.
After yesterday’s close shave against the lowly-ranked young outfit from Japan, which India managed to win 4-3 after trailing twice, coach Oltmans has warned his team that Malaysia are dangerous opponents.
“There should be no doubt that Malaysia are a very good side. I rate them very high,” said Oltmans. “No opponent can be taken lightly. You saw how Japan challenged us, but come tomorrow and we’ll be prepared for the challenge put up by Malaysia.”
After Japan, preparing a young team for the 2020 Olympics where they have a direct entry as hosts, gave India a fright, Oltmans and his players are aware that Malaysia can make it tougher.