NEW DELHI: Seven-time champions, Pakistan take on Malaysia in the final of the 16th Asian Games at the Aoti Hockey Field, Guangzhou today (November 25) with the winners gaining automatic qualification for the 2012 London Olympics.
In the first semi final, Pakistan got the better of South Korea in the penalty shoot-out after both sides were locked 1-1 at the end of regulation as well as extra time while Malaysia defeated India through a golden goal after both sides were tied 3-3 at the end of regulation time.
Pakistan qualified for the final for the ninth time while it is Malaysia’s maiden attempt at the gold.
There was no final match in the 1990 Beijing Asian Games where Pakistan won their last Asiad gold medal by finishing top in the round robin league.
Against Malaysia (ranked 15th in the world), Pakistan have a good record in the Asian Games hockey – winning 10, losing two in 12 games, with 45 goals-for and only 12 against.
When two teams met last in the 2010 Commonwealth Games last month, Pakistan defeated Malaysia 4-1.
India’s dream to win a gold medal in the men’s hockey event of the Asian Games remained unrealised after their shocking 3-4 defeat at the hands of low-ranked Malaysia in the second semi-final. India will now play against defending champions South Korea for bronze. It will be the second time when India will be playing for the bronze in the Asian Games.
