Sultan Azlan Shah Cup: Malaysia aiming to salvage battered pride against Canada

After a humiliating 0-5 defeat by Argentina, Malaysia will set out to get the better of Canada today to salvage their battered pride in the Sultan Azlan Shah hockey tournament.

Malaysia have three points from a 2-1 win over New Zealand after losing the opening match against Pakistan (2-3) and they are virtually out of contention to reach the final of the tournament.

Defensive midfielder Jiwa Mohan said that expectations were high on them to give their best against Argentina after the win over Olympic-bound New Zealand but they let down the fans with a pathetic show.

“We had the chances and earned six penalty corners. We have only ourselves to blame for the heavy defeat,” said Jiwa.

He added that they had to lift their spirits and look at getting into the playoff for third place in the seven-team tournament.

“We have to get full points against Canada. We beat Canada (2-0) in the tournament last year and we can do it again,” said Jiwa, who has 230 international caps to his credit.

Canada, who will feature in the Beijing Olympics, also have three points from three matches.

Coach Sarjit Singh conceded that Canada would be tough to beat.

“Although they lost (1-2) to Pakistan, they played an exceptionally good match. Canada have improved a lot since we beat them last year,” he said.

“I hope the team will put behind them the humiliating defeat by Argentina. I also hope that defender Mohd Amin (Rahim), who failed to score against Argentina from penalty corners, will deliver against Canada.”

Sarjit added that he would give the reserves, among them goalkeeper Mohd Hanafi Hassan, midfielders Jivan Mohan and Mohd Riduan Nasir and forward Mohd Amerullah Abdul Aziz, the chance to play against Canada.

“They need high quality matches in preparation for the Asia Cup next year, which is also a qualifying tournament for 2010 World Cup in New Delhi,” he said.

Malaysia, who were the runners-up to Australia in last year's tournament, will play Belgium tomorrow and India on Saturday.