KUALA LUMPUR – The national hockey team will be targeting a top two finish in the group stage of the Hockey World Cup in India, scheduled from January 13 to 29 next year.
Malaysia will go against the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Chile in Group C.
Speaking to The Vibes, national team manager Datuk Mirnawan Nawawi said they will take one game at a time, adding that a top two finish is realistic for the players.
“We do not want to think far ahead, as this is the World Cup, and all the teams will be well prepared. We cannot predict the outcome of the match, as the team’s performance on the day determines the results.
“We have quite a reasonable draw, and I am pleased with it. Now that we know who our opponents will be in the group stage, we will prepare and try to do our best against these teams,” he said when contacted.
Mirnawan added that it will be tough against the Netherlands because they are a top team and world number 3, but when it comes to New Zealand, the results can go either way.
“We have beaten New Zealand before, but every time we meet, it has always been a tight match.
“Chile is an up-and-coming team and unpredictable. They can shock any team on their best day, but on paper, Malaysia has an advantage over them.
“We just need to focus and play every match like it is the final,” he said.
In the current FIH world rankings, New Zealand are ranked eight. Malaysia ranked at 10, while Chile is no 23.
Meanwhile, national team head coach A. Arul Selvaraj said that facing the Dutch will not be easy, but a careful strategy could give Malaysia the advantage.
“Realistically, we have to win against New Zealand and Chile. But we have to be strategic against the Netherlands.
“All our players’ efforts, training, and matches have brought them to this stage. I want the team to make it out of the group and go all the way,” he added.
Meanwhile, top ranked Australia are drawn in Group A with seventh seed Argentina, France, and South Africa, while defending champions Belgium are in Group B with Germany, South Korea, and Japan.
Host India are in group D with England, Spain, and Wales.
The national team booked their spot in the World Cup next year after finishing top in Group B at this year’s Asia Cup in Jakarta.
Malaysia finished 15th in the 2018 World Cup. Their best achievement came in 1975 when the team finished fourth, losing to Germany in the third/fourth placing match at the Merdeka Stadium. – The Vibes, September 8, 2022
Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023
Group A: Australia, Argentina, France, South Africa
Group B: Belgium, Germany, South Korea, Japan
Group C: Netherlands, New Zealand, Malaysia, Chile
Group D: India, England, Spain, Wales
Additional reporting by Saktesh Subramaniam
