KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia, ranked 11th in the world junior rankings, paid the price for poor defending as they suffered a 4-1 defeat to Japan in the Sultan of Johor Cup (SoJC) at the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru on Sunday.
Japan, who are also rebuilding their squad, are ranked 18th in the world junior rankings.
For I. Vickneswaran's side, it was their second consecutive defeat following a 3-2 loss to world No. 13 New Zealand on Saturday.
With two losses, Malaysia's hopes of securing a podium finish look increasingly difficult as they face three challenging matches against world No. 2 India on Tuesday, No. 8 Australia on Wednesday and No. 16 Britain on Friday.
Malaysia had four penalty corners but failed to convert any, while Japan managed to score from one of their four attempts.
Adam Ashraf Johari gave Malaysia the lead with a solo effort that sailed past Japan goalkeeper Kisho Kuroda in the 35th minute.
However, Japan responded with four goals in the space of 12 minutes.
Japan were awarded a penalty stroke in the 39th minute, and Hyota Yamada made no mistake, beating Malaysia goalkeeper Rafaizul Saini from the spot.
In the 43rd minute, Yuto Higuchi struck from the top of the D, followed by goals from captain Yamato Kawahara (48th) and Koyo Nishida (51st), sealing Japan's victory.
Results: India 6 Britain 4, Australia 2 New Zealand 2, Japan 4 Malaysia 1.
Tomorrow: Rest day.