Speedy Tigers send Pakistan a warning after Thailand thrashing in Gifu

KUALA LUMPUR: The national men's hockey team sent former world champions Pakistan a warning after thrashing Thailand 10-0 in their Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Group B match in Gifu today.

Malaysia, who have scored 24 goals in three straight group wins, face Pakistan on Saturday, with victory virtually guaranteeing them a semi-final spot.

Their final group match is against China on Monday.

Against Thailand, Malaysia scored through Faizal Saari (18th, 35th), Muhajir Abdu Rauf (20th), Azral Aizad Abu Kamal (21st, 41st), Aminuddin Zain (28th), Ashran Hamsani (35th), Shello Silverius (55th), Faiz Helmi Jali (59th) and Akhimullah Anuar Esook (60th).

It was Malaysia's third consecutive win after they opened their campaign with identical 7-0 victories over Uzbekistan and Oman.

National coach Brendon Carolan wants his team to top the group, meaning the Speedy Tigers need to beat both Pakistan and China in their final two matches.

World No. 15 Malaysia have not beaten world No. 12 Pakistan since the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai, where they won 3-1.

Carolan said the three convincing victories had given his players confidence ahead of the Pakistan showdown.

"We have two days to recover before we face Pakistan, and the three impressive wins have given the boys the confidence.

"Obviously, we know we need to win the next two games to top the group."

Carolan said the team had also tested several strategies in their opening three matches in preparation for Pakistan and China.

"I think the players are getting better and in good shape.

"We are a good attacking unit but we also must do better by taking our chances in penalty corners.

"However, we must also show good defensive qualities when we are defending penalty corners," he added.