An enemy so familiar with Van Huizen’s men

SOUTH Korean coach Shin Seok Kyo not only can name all the players in the Malaysia team, he also spells their names correctly.

A former national player, Shin has vast international exposure, and has so far planned almost perfect games to hold Pakistan and India to 1-1 draws in the Asia Cup round robin.

Now, he needs three points against Malaysia to qualify for the final and keep his team’s World Cup campaign alive.

India, Pakistan and Malaysia have less pressure, as they have already qualified for the 2018 World Cup. South Korea need the Asia Cup gold to play in Bhubaneswar, India, next year.

And after coming from behind to hold Pakistan, Shin said: “I am happy to see my players overcome their physical exhaustion and remain on track for the final.

“It would have been better if we had won the match but we will continue to remain focused for our next match against Malaysia to reach the final.”

When asked about Malaysia, Shin said: “Fitri Shaari, Faizal Shaari, Razie Rahim... I know all of them. We have good memories playing in the Azlan Shah in Ipoh. Yes, very good memories in Ipoh.

“These players are fast and dangerous. This looks like the best Malaysian team (assembled) in many years, but we have a mission to accomplish.

“We need to play in the World Cup, and we have to beat Malaysia first, there is no other choice,” said Shin who adds an “o” behind every third word.

His English may not be fluent but he has a ‘PhD” in the hockey sense.