Malaysia must bounce back against Japan - Zolkples

The National Sports Council (NSC) has urged the Malaysian squad to bounce back against Japan to keep alive hopes of lifting the Asia Cup for the first time. Its director-general Datuk Seri Zolkples Embong made this call following Malaysia's 1-4 defeat yesterday at the hands of three times Asia Cup champions. Pakistan. "Malaysia performed well and scored first via Muhammad Razie Abdul Rahim in the 26th minute but lapses in defence gave Pakistan the chance to score four goals," he told Bernama here today. In the Asia Cup opening match here on Saturday, Malaysia chalked up a big win by beating minnows Taiwan 10-2. Zolkples said Pakistan had to win as it has not qualified for the 2014 World Cup in the Netherlands while Malaysia already has 'one foot in." "Pakistan and India are strong teams but it is not going to dishearten us in the quest to lift the Asia Cup." He is confident that coach Paul Revington can overcome the weaknesses in the final group A match against Japan. "Revington himself has assured that he will plug the weaknesses. Losing is not an option in the match against Japan tomorrow." On another note, Zolkples said he is satisfied with the attendance of spectators at Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Stadium during the Asia Cup tournament. "The presence of so many spectators at the matches shows that Malaysians love hockey. I hope they will continue to come and support the national hockey squad."