GLITTERING GOLD BECKONS

Van Huizen’s boys favourites to beat Japan in final

NATIONAL coach Stephen Van Huizen and his boys are one match away from creating history at the Asian Games. They face Japan, coached by Dutchman Siegfried Aikman, in the final in Jakarta today.

Malaysia have everything to play for as it will earn them the Olympic ticket to the 2020 Tokyo edition if they beat Japan.

However, if Japan win the gold, Asia’s Olympic slot will not be handed to the silver medallists. The ticket will go to the Hockey World Series qualifiers.

World No 12 Malaysia and 16thranked Japan have never won the Asian Games gold with the former champions being Pakistan, India and South Korea.

Malaysia reached the final by edging World No 5 India 7-6 in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in regulation time while Japan defeated Pakistan 1-0, both on Thursday.

Ironically, Japan were thrashed 8-0 by India while Malaysia were defeated 4-1 by Pakistan in their respective group matches.

Malaysia are favourites in the final but Van Huizen does not want his players to be overconfident.

“We must forget about India, and focus on Japan. We cannot assume that we are already champions just because we beat India.

“My boys need to be ready in all aspects. I want them to enjoy the final as Malaysia rarely play in gold medal matches.

“They need to be confident and determined throughout the match.”

Japan have improved a lot under Aikman, and their tight defence and speedy forwards will definitely be a challenge for Malaysia.

Penalty corner specialist Razie Rahim and forward Faizal Saari, who have netted 18 goals between them, will be depended on but Malaysia also need to be cautious with Japan’s Kazuma Murata, who have netted eight times in the tournament.

“Although, we have qualified for the Olympics, it will not stop us from trying to beat Malaysia. We have come this far and we are not going to waste this opportunity.

“Japan have always wanted to win the hockey gold and tomorrow (today) they can achieve their dream,” said Aikman.

On Malaysia, Aikman said: “They are a great team who are good in penalty corners. They also have a good goalkeeper in S. Kumar.

“We need to plan our game accordingly. Malaysia cannot be given space to dictate the tempo of the match.

“Of course, Van Huizen’s side are the favourites but we will try our best,” Aikman added

Malaysia’s best result in the Asian Games was silver at the 2010 Guangzhou edition while it is Japan’s first appearance in the final.

For the record, Malaysia and Japan have met 13 times at the Games with the former winning six times against two defeats.

Malaysia and Japan last met at the 2017 Azlan Shah Cup with the former winning 3-1 in a playoff match.

Japan’s last win over Malaysia was the 1-0 success at the 2013 Asian Champions Trophy in Kakamigahara.