NEW DELHI, Dec 12 — It will be a daunting task for Malaysia to overcome South Korea in the quarterfinals of the Junior World Cup at the Dyan Chand Hockey Stadium in New Delhi.

Korea booked their place with an outstanding display of attacking hockey to come from two goals down to hold overwhelming favourites India 3-3 on Tuesday night.

The Koreans oozed confidence, even though they were two goals down in that crucial match, staring at an early exit.

But if there is anything going the Malaysian way, then it has to be the fact that Malaysia has never lost to the Koreans the last three years. And that surely will give a tremendous psychological boost for Malaysia.

But those to coach K. Dharmaraj are merely statistics as the Junior World Cup is a different stage

“I have prepared the team for any eventuality, even to the extent of a shootouts, because I feel it might go all the way,” said Dharmaraj.

“The knockout stage is a different ball game altogether, for one mistake can be the difference between winning and losing, and in this case moving into the semis or being relegated to the lower placing.

“The players know what is at stake and really there is no pressure on them at all for the coaches are responsible for the results.

“A fast and bruising match is anticipated and I will remind the players to keep their composure as our opponents are known for their robust approach.”

Malaysia need the likes of Syamim Yusof, Firhan Ashaari, Shahril Saabah and Rashid Bahrom to be more clinical within the semicircle or at least create penalty corners.

Faiz Helmi Jali and Izad Hakimi Jamaluddin have been outstanding in defence with skipper Fitri Saari making darting runs to take on the opposing defence with darting runs from the midfield.

Korea have an ace in penalty corner specialist You Seung Ju who blasted a hattrick to send India packing.

They play a fast attacking game, full of energy and never stop running, no matter how hopeless the cause may be.

“We respect Malaysia as they are a great side and have shown that they can play good hockey and get the results,” said Korean coach Kim Jong Yi.

“We need to be patient against Malaysia and not give them much room as they can score from open play and penalty corners.

“It will be an interesting match but we have something planned and the match against India has given our players a morale booster.”