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Pointers favour Australia

By S. Thyagarajan

KUALA LUMPUR, JAN. 17. While the destination of the Azlan Shah hockey Cup is to be determined on Sunday. Pakistan and Australia both have won the title three times, Pakistan being the defending champion.

Pointers favour Australia, which has gradually peaked at the right time. Listless and laborious in losing to Spain, sharing points with Korea and unimpressive against Malaysia, the Aussies have struggled to establish their identity. The transformation in the next three encounters was commendable. The team touched the height of proficiency against the World champion, Germany, to earn the right to fight for the trophy, won last in 1998.

As if wielding a magic-wand coach, Barry Dancer, has injected life in every layer. Now, the Aussies exude confidence. Every player is in excellent form. Travis Brooks, Mike McCann and Grant Schubert amalgamate well as a striking force, while the solidity of the mid-field stems from the impeccable work of Brent Livermore with support on the wings from Aaron Hopkins, Troy Elder and Robert Hammond.

In the deep defence Mathew Wells is in shipshape after a spell of inconsistency. The strength is goalkeeper, Stephen Mowlam who was brilliant against the Germans.

Pakistan's performances oscillated between brilliant and mediocre. The manner in which the team destroyed Korea, Spain and Germany indicated a sweep. But inexplicably the quality sunk against Malaysia and Australia. For a percipient observer it was clear the form took a dip, although it was projected that the players were complacent after ensuring a place in the final.

Meanwhile, India's poor performance has sparked off strong resentment from the Malaysian Hockey Federation. "They have cheated us; we have to seriously consider whether to invite India again in future," fumed the Secretary, Mr. Satgunam.

India, fielding practically the junior squad, finished last in the seven-team event.

Sunday's matches: (5-6 places): Malaysia v Spain (1-30 p.m.); (3-4): Germany v Korea (1-05 p.m.); Final: Pakistan v Australia (3-35 p.m.).

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