An India-Australia final in Sultan Azlan Shah Cup- just like last year, is still a strong possibility with two finalists for 2017 edition yet to be decided. A clear picture will emerge on Friday after the last match of group stages between India and Malaysia.
Though Australia just need a draw against sub-par Japan, India, on the other hand, have to beat Malaysia to make the cut. With New Zealand and Great Britain and India sharing same points with one game at hand, the final day could see some last-minute drama.
New Zealand and Great Britain will come face to face on Friday and If India manages to beat Malaysia, the second finalists will be decided on the basis of goal difference, provided Australia see off Japan.
India should not think too much about the math, instead focus on the game at hand. India have not been consistent in the competition. They scraped through against Japan, and drew against Britain.
All players have to chip in to help India reach the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2017 final. India can afford to take Malaysia lightly despite the team's poor performance. The home team has the backing of their fans, and it could work to Malaysia's advantage. Indian coach Roelant Oltmans thinks highly of Malaysia.
"There should be no doubt that Malaysia are a very good side. I rate them very high. No opponent can be taken lightly. You saw how Japan challenged us, but come tomorrow and we'll be prepared for the challenge put up by Malaysia," PTI quoted Oltmans as saying.
Malaysia will be more than determined to come up with a spirited display against India. They have no chance of making to the finals, but a victory against India will always be special and a morale booster as well.
Malaysian coach Stephen van Huizen wants his team to be clinical against India.
"The results may show a downward trend, but my team has shown some sparkle and pushed the rivals. We failed to take out chances and that's reflected in the results," said Huizen.
Where to watch live
Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey 2017 match between India vs Malaysia is slated to start at 8:35 local time (6:05 pm IST)
The live coverage of the match will be available on Star Sports 2/HD, and live streaming on hotstar.com
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