KUALA LUMPUR − The men’s national junior hockey squad is ready to face provocations in the pitch by French players when they meet in the quarterfinals of the Men’s Junior World Cup 2021 in Bhubaneswar, India tomorrow.
Team manager I. Vikneswaran said that the intensive planning by chief coach Wallace Tan, which included drafting physical and mental strategies, was aimed at giving France a run for their money as the French are known for going all out for goals.
“We should not only be prepared in terms of tactical and technical skills but also the physical strength as the French players are bigger built and could attempt to work up the emotions of our players,” he said in a video shared with the media.
Besides that, Vikneswaran reminded the national team to be wary of France, who are in good form, after shocking defending champions, India 5-4 in a Group B match last Wednesday.
In this regard, he also said several players, who were reported to be injured in the head and knee in the 4-3 dramatic win over South Africa in the last Group A match, have recovered and would be ready to face France tomorrow.
The successful progress into the quarterfinals is a relief to the national camp after they were targeted to get past the group level when the championship began on November 24.
The squad opened their Group A campaign on the right footing when they edged Chile 2-1 last Wednesday before holding Belgium − the 2016 runners-up − 1-1 last Friday.
Malaysia, who shared seven points with group leaders Belgium, were placed second in the group over a weaker goal difference. – Bernama, November 30, 2021
