Note: Kindly do not lift story without permission as it is the duty of the Asia Cup Organisors, that is the ineffective and incompetent Perak HA, the Secretary of whom is Selvakumaran Madasamy, the very individual who insulted my late Mum via a phone call made on July 5. Only God knows how to punish this individual.
Playing in the Asia Cup has now become a mere formality for Malaysia after they virtually secured a place in the 2014 World Cup via their fifth place finish at the World League in Johor Baru last month and results of continental championships that went in their favour.
Malaysia are currently second reserves, behind Spain who should confirm their berth upon the conclusion of the European championships. A Korean triumph in Ipoh will assure Malaysia the final berth failing which it has to wait till November for the conclusion of the Oceania championships to ink its spot as Australia and New Zealand are destined to become champions.
But that will not stop coach Paul Revington to plot a first Asia Cup triumph for Malaysia whose best finish was a bronze in Chennai in 2007.
It is the fourth time in nine editions that Malaysia are playing host to the Asia Cup, having hosted the two previous editions in Kuala Lumpur (1999 and 2003) with the other in Kuantan (2009).
With the champions gaining direct entry into the World Cup at The Hague, Holland next year, the fact that either India or Pakistan can make the cut makes it all the more intriguing. The two countries have never missed the World cup since its inauguration in 1971.
“It is a very good feeling knowing you have pretty much qualified for the World Cup before your continental championship. I will not pretend otherwise,” conceded Revington.
“I am able to separate this fantastic feeling with the reality of the Asia Cup and performing well in this event and achieving what we have set out to do ten months ago.
“It is a tall order. However this squad has the ability to win the event. We have set very bold goals and objectives for the period to date, and although we have not won every event like we set out to achieve,” clarified Revington.
“But they have also enjoyed consistent performances and results through setting the bar high.”
Revington said that the selection of players was taking into account the various tournaments Malaysia were set to participate but experience was a key factor in his decision to select Jivan Mohan over youngster Nor Hizzat Sumantri.
“We have used all 17/18 players every other event so this should not change for the Asia Cup,” clarified Revington.
“Like the late Chua Boon Huat, Jivan Mohan has experience and strengths that add enormous value to the current team. Nor Hizzat is a very talented player with a very bright future for Malaysia too.”
Malaysia will open their campaign against lowly Chinese Taipei on Saturday and take on the might of Pakistan on Sunday. And the likes of ace strikers Faizal Saari, Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tg Jalil plus penalty corner specialist Mohd Razie Rahim will be looked upon to secure a big win before the Pakistan match.
“Chinese-Taipei is a relatively unknown entity for me. However we will ensure we focus on our Malaysian strengths for this game and at the same time respect any opponent we come up against,” added Revington.
But it is the battle royale between arch rivals India and Pakistan that all eyes will be focussed on. One thing is certain, only one team will make it to The Hague.
Fixtures
Saturday
1605 - India v Oman
1805 - Pakistan v Japan
2005 - Malaysia v Chinese-Taipei
Sunday
1605 - Korea v Bangladesh
1805 - Japan v Chinese Taipei
2005- - Pakistan v Malaysia
Past Results:
1982 Karachi
Champion: Pakistan.
Malaysia finished 4th
1985 Dhaka
Champion: Pakistan
Malaysia finished 5th’
1989 New Delhi
Champion: Pakistan
Malaysia finished 6th
1994 Hiroshima
Champion: Korea
Malaysia finished 4th
1999 Kuala Lumpur
Champion: Korea
Malaysia finished 4th
2003 Kuala Lumpur
Champion: India
Malaysia finished 5th
2007 Chennai
Champion: India
Malaysia finished 3rd
2009 Kuantan
Champion: Korea
Malaysia finished 4th
