PETALING JAYA, June 21 — The mood is sombre but Malaysia must be mentally ready to overcome China in their World League semifinal opener at KHC Dragons Stadium in Antwerp at 6pm today.
Despite China’s low world ranking, the world No 31’s performance last year has raised eyebrows and could be a potential banana skin for Malaysia’s Olympic dreams.
“There are no easy games. This was emphasised so the team is aware of the challenges ahead. China can inflict damage if we allow them to,” said head coach Tai Beng Hai.
On paper, world No 12 Malaysia should face little problems against the Chinese but recent results are a concern.
All eyes on bad boy Faizal
Malaysia only defeated Brazil 3-2 but lost to the Holland Under-20 in friendlies last week.
China defeated world No 18 France in a friendly earlier this month. They also edged Japan 4-3 on penalties in the fifth-sixth placing match at the Asian Games. Japan are ranked 16th in the world.
All eyes are expected to be on Faizal Saari’s performance after he was selected for the squad despite skipping over half the team’s preparations this year.
Faizal is among the most gifted players in the team but has a problem with discipline.
“The players looked determined and training sessions went well without any hiccups,” said team manager Stephen van Huizen.
“Skipper Razie Rahim’s calf muscle strain is getting better and he should be fit.”
Malaysia enter the match without goalkeeper S Kumar, who returned from Belgium after the sudden death of his three-year-old son, Haarshenn on Thursday.
Roslan Jamaluddin will replace him while Hafizuddin Othman, who only arrived yesterday, will deputise.
The national team will wearing black armbands and observe a minute’s silence before the match.
After China, Malaysia play Ireland on Thursday followed by Belgium (June 26) and Britain (June 28). Australia, France, India, Poland and Pakistan are in Group A.
The top three teams from Antwerp automatically qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Rio De Janeiro.
Continental winners also qualify for the Olympiad and so would the next best team from both World League Semifinals, should there be double qualifications.
