Though Malaysia are the favourites to go
through to the second stage of the World League, they are not taking things for
granted in the tournament that gets underway in Kuantan tomorrow (Friday).
Four teams – Singapore, Kazakhstan, Sri
Lanka and hosts Malaysia will battle it out over the next three days to a spot
in the second round.
The league will see participation from
around the globe and will be held over four rounds with the current
qualification norms for the Olympics ceasing to exist and providing an
opportunity for every FIH member country to compete for an Olympic berth.
“It may look easy but be rest assured
that we are taking nothing for granted. Every match is akin to a final and each
goal counts hence threre is no room for mistakes or complacency,” said
Malaysian coach Mohd Nasihin Nubli Ibrahim.
“I will field my best team for every
match and this is no place for exposure as a place in the second round is at
stake. And the format, a one round league, does not allow us the luxury of a
second bite of the cake.”
The Malaysian team had their first feel
of the blue turf upon their arrival in Kuantan on Tuesday. And after the three
training sessions, Nasihin feels that his players have already gotten used to
the change of colour, both in terms of the pitch and ball.
“It was initially a strange feeling and
it took the players some time to get used to it. But the pitch conditions are
superb,” added Nasihin.
Malaysia will take on traditional rivals
Singapore in the opening match and Nasihin feels that Singapore will not pose
problems for his charges.
With sweeper Sebah Kari having retired
from international duty, Nasihin said that changes will be made to their
defence with skipper Nadia Abdul Rahman expected to play the sweepers role.
“Singapore have made several changes to
the team and have included many young players from the Junior Asia Cup,” said
Nasihin.
“Nadia will man the defence and at the
same time play an attcking role, more like a libero, given a free hand to join
the midfield and attack.
“It is Kazakhstan that worry me more as
not much is known about them as the last time we saw them in action was in the
2010 Asian Games where we won 4-2. From looking at their players, they have
retained many from the Asian Games side and are an experienced side.”
Sri Lanka will take on Kazakhstan in the
opening match which will be played at the Kuantan Hockey Stadium.
Fixtures:
1600H: Kazakhstan v Sri Lanka
1800H: Malaysia v Singapore
(Matches at the Kuantan Hockey Stadium)
