KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will play South Korea tomorrow in a match that virtually decides who tops Group B of the Junior Asia Cup (JAC) in Oman.
The JAC is a qualifier for the Junior World Cup in Kuala Lumpur in December. Hosts Malaysia are automatic qualifiers while South Korea, India, Japan and Pakistan will battle for the remaining three slots from the JAC.
Malaysia have beaten Uzbekistan 8-1 and Bangladesh 5-1 while South Korea routed Oman 8-1 and Uzbekistan 6-1 to share the top spot in Group B with six points each.
The winners of today's showdown will surely top Group B as Malaysia have only Oman while South Korea play Bangladesh in their final pool matches.
Malaysia coach Amin Rahim is wary of the South Korean penalty corner battery, as they had scored seven penalty corner goals against Oman and four against Uzbekistan.
"The winner on Saturday is poised to top Group B, and that's the position we are looking to cement. South Korea have been very impressive in penalty corner conversion in their last two matches. We must avoid giving them too many chances.
"My players have shown progress since winning the Sea Games gold medal, as there is a better understanding as well as teamwork in the JAC.
"South Korea will not be easy, but our aim is to qualify for the semi-finals with a match in hand to ease the pressure when we play Oman on Tuesday," said Amin.
In Group A, India showed good composure but were given a scare by Japan before winning 3-1.
Japan are super fit and their stick-work is also top flight, but they need to beat Pakistan to realise their dream of playing in the Kuala Lumpur World Cup.