IPOH, April 4 ― The national hockey squad will go all out to beat New Zealand in their 2015 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup opening match tomorrow.
Admitting it will be a tall order against New Zealand, national coach Tai Beng Hai believes his charges are capable of putting up a brilliant performance in the match at Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Stadium. Kick-off is at 8.10pm.
“New Zealand are physically strong and play a fast attacking game. In our friendly match recently, we could see both sides shared a similar style of play.
“So, we should give 100 per cent concentration especially in defence tomorrow,” he told a pre-match media conference at Hotel Impiana here, today.
On Thursday, Malaysia lost 0-1 to New Zealand in a friendly game at the same venue.
Meanwhile, squad captain Muhammad Razie Abdul Rahim said the players were raring to face the Kiwis.
“We are realistically confident. Since we began preparations for the World Hockey League, it can be said we are already all set for our campaign starting tomorrow,” he said. ― Bernama
