Pakistan captain Ammad Shakeel Buttis bent on seeing his team top the table to qualify for the final in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup standings.
The Pakistanis, who orchestrated a remarkable comeback against Malaysia in the 5-4 victory, and defeated South Korea 4-0 on Sunday, will go into a hotly top of the table encounter against Japan in their third pool match tomorrow.
Japan, on the other hand defeated New Zealand 4-1 and Korea 2-1.
Both Pakistan and Japan have six points for their two-match unbeaten record, but the former currently top the table on a superior goal difference.
“We are having a good rest today for tomorrow’s clash against Japan. The Japanese are a very good side. We watched them play New Zealand and I can say they play compact hockey,” said Shakeel Butt.
“They are more skillful than the Koreans and that is why they are unbeaten after two matches. We will do our best to win against them as our mission, just like the other teams, is to qualify for the final.”
He added that there are some situations in the match that the Pakistanis did not get their act right and aim to rectify those shortcomings against Japan.
“We did not come here well prepared in the way we would have liked and now with coach Roelant (Oltmans) around, we are getting our structure of play right and better organised.
“But now that we have settled down well after two matches and we intend to take off from here in our remaining three matches and hope for positive results,” added Shakeel.
Meanwhile, Japan’s head coach Anai Yoshihiro vowed his new-look side will put up a good fight against a formidable Pakistan.
“We acknowledge Pakistan is a strong side and played exceptionally well against Malaysia and South Korea. I would like to think the same for our team as we are also enjoying our matches. The match against Pakistan is going to be very challenging,” said Anai.
“We respect all the teams in the SAS Cup tournament. Pakistan have always been a strong team consisting of reliable forwards and defenders,” he said.
Indeed an entertaining and closely contested match is on the cards, as both teams are looking forward to stretching their unbeaten run to three matches and line themselves up for a berth in the final.
But a draw between the two equally formidable teams cannot be ruled out and a possible result.
