KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 — Malaysia have no choice but to pick up all three points when they take on Chile in their second Group C match in the 2023 Hockey World Cup in Rourkela, India, tomorrow.
National goalkeeper Muhammad Hafizuddin Othman said that since both teams lost their opening group matches, tomorrow’s clash at the Birsa Munda Stadium would be like a six-pointer.
"Although they (Chile) lost to New Zealand, we cannot take them lightly. We must be at our best tomorrow because a victory is of utmost importance,” he said in a video clip shared with the local media today.
Muhammad Hafizuddin said they were also hoping for the prayers and support of Malaysians to boost the players’ confidence ahead of the crucial tie.
In the opening Group C matches yesterday, Malaysia, under the guidance of coach A. Arul Selvaraj, had no answer to the superiority of the Netherlands as they fell 4-0 at the Birsa Munda Stadium while New Zealand also picked up all three points with a 3-1 win over Chile.
The Netherlands lead Group C with three points while New Zealand are second on goal difference. Chile sit third in the group while Malaysia prop up the table. — Bernama
