Key players you watch out in today semifinals

Its business end of the Kuantan Asian Champions Trophy. Both semi-finals present a rich fare. That none of these teams, when played in the league each other, could post one-sided victories against the other. Loose matches were seen only against now relegated China and Japan teams.
Hockey is a team game. Still, there are individuals who outdo themselves, and proved their edge in the team’s outcome.

Malaysian veteran Kumar Subramaniam stand head and shoulders above the rest when comes to goalkeeping. No other than Paul Lissek, who worked in Malaysia for almost two decades, feels but for Kumar things would have been different for Malaysia. This is a high praise one can earn. The 36-year old, oldest in Kuantan players, may prove to be a tough nut to crack for Pakistan’s young and up coming Aleem, who has produced many crucial goals for Pakistan through penalty corners.

For Indian defender Rupinder Pal Singh Malaysia is a dream destination. He was declared best player in his very debut international Sultan Azlan Shah Cup six years ago. The lanky Rupinder Pal Singh doesn’t give up easily. He put it away one in the 58th minute for India against Malaysia in the last pool match after giving lead in the first quarter too. Besides drag-flicking, he surges upfront to accelerate attach when it is slack, and then his defence skills are impeccable.

India’s Nikkin may not have been among the scorers as much as he deserves, but the fleet-footed forward is one Korean defenders would like to watch out and keep under control. Nikkin is known for dash, spurt and self-less passes, like of which set up Lalit Upadhyay to post the equalizer against the same Korea in the league.

Aleem Bilal of Pakistan is one player who can tilt the scales against the hosts. Aleem is Penalty corner expert in the Pakistan ranks. He has shot vital goals, and his drags are powerful. He was not so good in the league against today’s rival Malaysia, where Kumar called the shot in their 4-2 win, but after five matches Bilal is an improved executioner. Inexperienced, but ready to execute novel techniques, Aleem may turn out to be the player who Pakistan want to deliver today.

The defending champions’ fate depend on this 23-year old.

Its difficult to select one or two players from the cracking bunch of Koreans, for, theirs is an impact making full team. However, their defender cum goal tender Jeon Jung Woo attracts attention.

Ifran Jr of Pakistan is fast emerging star on the international circuit. He has speed, hawkish eye, and untiring efforts. One goal he struck against China in a lightening speed, that too after earlier goal in the same minutes, speak volume of his emerging stardom. Malaysia need to be wary of him.

Rahim Razie, with jersey No.17 is already a star. He was released by the Malaysian Police, where he is presently employed, belatedly. But it did not deter him from determined effort to see his nation improve its performance. He much like Rupinder Pal of India, works hard at rear, moves up when needed and then reliable drag flicker too.

With him in the defence and Kumar in the cage, Malaysia presents a big challenge to every other team in the business end.