Hockey Olympic Qualifier: Young Razie relishes midfield role in crunch match

Young forward Mohd Razie Abdul Rahim is ready to assume a new role in today’s crucial Olympic qualifying match against Japan at the Green Hockey Stadium in Kakamigahara, Japan.

The 21-year-old Bukit Jalil Sports School player is tipped to take over the right midfield role following the injury to centre-half Mohd Shahrun Nabil.

Mohd Razie, who has played well in the previous three matches, came alive in the match against Switzerland, scoring a brace to lead Malaysia to a 4-3 win.

And now he is relishing the prospect of a new role in such a big game. Malaysia must win to qualify for the final against Germany on Sunday. Japan only need a draw.

“It is not a big problem as I have played in midfield before. The important thing is for all of us to play as a team and show that we can play good hockey. I will certainly do my part,” he said in a telephone interview yesterday.

The player admitted that they have not performed to their full potential.

“There is no question of any player slacking in his task. It is just that we sometimes make mistakes and are generally slow getting into our rhythm,” he said.

“Japan will be tough as they are also fighting for a place in the final. We will just have to go all out against them.”

Malaysia can take heart from their recent record against the Japanese.

The two teams last met in the Asia Cup in India last year. They played twice and Malaysia won both times – 2-0 and 5-3. In the 2006 Doha Asian Games, the teams drew 1-1.

Mohd Razie did not feature in the Asia Cup but was part of the team in Doha.

“The Japanese play a very fast game. They are also good at set-pieces, so we cannot afford to make mistakes. I’m looking forward to the match,” he said.

“I feel that all the players are fired up for the match and we will try our best to win it.”