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Malaysia looking for another giant scalp

Having cut one giant down to size, Malaysia will look to do the same to free-scoring India tomorrow.

Rising Indian star Prabjot Singh could help end Malaysian dream [Photo by Sportalasia]

The two teams have had some epic encounters in the past and tomorrow's semifinal match promises more of the same.

It will be a match between the tournament's best defensive side Malaysia, who have only conceded three goals, against the best attacking side India, who have bagged 60 goals.

Malaysian coach Yahya Atan said that while India may be the favourites tomorrow, that does not necessary mean they will walk all over Malaysia.

"Favourites don't always win and we can draw heart from our senior side who defeated India in the Commonwealth Games semifinal at the same venue two years ago."

"Four of the boys from that team are also in this team - Keevan Raj, Logan Raj, Chua Boon Huat and Suhaimi Ibrahim and they are the pillars in our side," said Yahya.

"We can draw on their experience against the senior Indian side to help the team to victory tomorrow. It is going to be a very, very difficult match.

"India are the red hot favourites and have been scoring goals at will. Nonetheless, I'm confident we can beat them."

He said the key to victory will be to mark the Indians out of the game.

"But that is easier said than done. India have scored 60 goals and the goals have been shared among 13 players. This shows all round strength and it will be difficult to stop them but we will play a tight marking game," he added.

Indian coach C.R. Kumar meanwhile said his team have been preparing for the tournament and remains confident they will go on to win the title.

"It will be a personal tragedy for me if we fail to get past Malaysia tomorrow. We have been training for this tournament since 1998 and we have the selected the best set of boys," said the coach.

"To me, the crowd will be a factor but we will not let it effect us. We will use the fans as a motivating factor for us."

Asked about the Commonwealth Games defeat Kumar said: "That is a different ball game. It is in the past and a totally different tournament."

"Our aim has always been to win this tournament and I don't see us not doing that."

Courtsey: www.hockeyasia.com