Hyderabad, Oct 29: After an exciting win over their arch-rivals Pakistan, India have focussed their eyes on the men's hockey semifinal clash with Malaysia, a match that the hosts are expected to win with ease at the Afro-Asian Games today.
The top-place finish in the group might have helped India avoid the nippy South Koreans in the semifinals, but captain Dilip Tirkey was against taking today's match lightly as he was aware of their rivals' strength in defence and ball control.
"It would not have made really any difference whether we play against South Korea or Malaysia. Our main target is to win," Tirkey said.
"The Malaysians are a good side and they are playing well at the moment. We have to play well to beat them," he said dismissing suggestions that it would be cakewalk for india in the semifinals.
The second semifinals between Pakistan and South Korea promises to offer value for money as the two Asian champions would leave no stone unturned to book a berth in the final.



India, who had a rather unimpressive start Monday, played some really good hockey in the second half as they came from behind for a 4-2 win against Pakistan.



Tirkey is expecting the semifinals to be a battle between Indian forwards and Malaysian defenders, who have shone in the tournament so far.



"Defence is their forte whereas our forwards are in fine nick. So it would be a test of character for our attack and their defence," he said.


Bureau Report