High on confidence after three consecutive wins, contenders India will have to guard against complacency when they take on hosts Malaysia in the semi-finals of the Asia Cup men’s hockey tournament here on Thursday.
Unbeaten in the tournament, India entered the semi-finals in style, opening with a 8-0 win against debutants Oman and followed it with victories over defending champions South Korea (2-0) and Bangladesh (9-1) to top Pool B.
Malaysia finished second in Pool A with wins over Chinese Taipei and Japan but lost to Pakistan. However, they are a side known to be capable of springing up surprises.
In the other semi-final, Pakistan will lock horns with South Korea in what is expected to be a close contest.
For India, a lot is riding on the tournament as it is their last chance to make the cut for the next year’s World Cup in the Hague, Netherlands, having never missed the prestigious event since its introduction in 1971.
The Indians, ranked 11th in the world currently, have faced the hosts many times recently and will start as favourites but Malaysia will have the advantage of playing in front of the home crowd.
“It is a crucial match for us in the recent times. Malaysia are tough opponents. You cannot predict them. We will have to play against the entire stadium tomorrow as they will have the home support behind them,” Sardar said on the eve of the match.
“But we are focused on our job. We know we have to win and we are confident of pulling it across,” he added.
The captain has been rock solid in the midfield for India but it is the youngsters — Manpreet Singh, Chinglensana Singh, Nikkin Thimmaiah, Malak Singh, Ramandeep Singh and Mandeep Singh — who have done well in the absence of the seniors.
Penalty corner exponents, Rupinderpal Singh and V.R. Raghunath too have been in good touch.