JAKARTA: Following a roller coaster 3-3 draw with India today at the GBK Stadium in Jakarta, Malaysia's route to hockey's Asia Cup final is filled with uncertainty.
The Malaysian team were left ruing they had put themselves in a precarious position after throwing away a two-goal lead.
In the Super Four, which is a four-team mini league, Malaysia lie in third place behind South Korea and India. Japan are fourth.
With two points from two matches, Malaysia who drew 2-2 with South Korea yesterday, must beat Japan on Tuesday, and hope that India and South Korea don't end up with a draw for Malaysia to qualify for the final.
India and South Korea have four points each from two matches, and will meet in their final pool match on Tuesday.
Arul Selvaraj's team played a bad third quarter to allow India to pull level and surge ahead 3-2 before Malaysia fought back for an equaliser.
Despite walking a tight rope, the Malaysian team still have an unbeaten record in the Asia Cup, which they aim to maintain in their challenge for the final spot.
"It's really frustrating to end up with a draw after taking the lead, and now we must beat Japan and hope India or South Korea win (not draw).
"My players are a little down but we are determined to win our next match," said Arul.
Razie Rahim, who was the toast of the Speedy Tigers with his hat-trick, is confident Malaysia will win their next match.
"Let's put this match (3-3 against India) out of the picture and concentrate on Japan," said Razie who has scored a total of 12 goals in the tournament.
Against India, Razie's goals were in the 12th, 21st and 56th minute while India got theirs through Vishnukant Singh (32nd), S.V Sunil (53rd) and Nilam Sanjeep Xess (55th).
South Korea's 3-1 win over Japan in an earlier match today has shut the door on the latter reaching the final.
The Korean goals were scored by Jang Jong Hyun (11th), Hwang Taeil (34th) and Lee Nam Young (60th). Yamasaki Koji also scored for Japan in the 60th minute.
Bangladesh beat Indonesia 4-2 and will play Pakistan for fifth-sixth placing.