Needing nothing short of a win in their last round robin match to reach the final, India will leave no stone unturned as they meet hosts Malaysia in the Azlan Shah hockey tournament here tomorrow.

A victory against Malaysia is essential for India to make it to the title clash against Argentina. But a draw will help Pakistan reach the final on the basis of a better goal difference. India would be brimming with confidence having defeated three Beijing-bound teams in a row, but they have to focus hard on containing the fast-moving Malaysians if they want to win the crucial game.

“The Malaysians are faster on their feet and quicker in movements. Our prospects therefore would depend on who would control the tempo of the game,” Indian coach AK Bansal said. “We have defeated three Beijing-bound teams (Canada, Belgium and Pakistan). Theirs (Malaysia) is a senior team playing at home. But my boys have tasted success; they won’t let go the opportunity easily,” he said. Bansal feels the Malaysians were good at penalty corner conversion and India must tighten their short corner defence to ward off that danger. Malaysia have been tough opponents for India over the years. Last year in the same tournament, India had lost to them in the semi-final 0-1 to miss the title clash. But this time, the hosts are languishing at the bottom of the table after losing their last three matches.

Malaysians dangerous at home

“This is an important match for us. I feel the Malaysians at home are very dangerous. In the existing situation, I feel we face the toughest challenge and we cannot afford to commit any mistake,” Bansal said.

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