Pakistan will take on Malaysia today (Thursday) in all important tie and will try to firm their grip on the thin hope for making it to the final.

After two consecutive losses against Australia and India and having a goal difference of -7, it would be an uphill task for the green shirts to play the gold match, as they are going to face a resurgent Malaysian side which is still unbeatable in the tournament. On the other hand, Malaysia are just one win away from making it to final as they sit on a good position with seven points, second to the other unbeaten side Australia in the standings on goal difference.Pakistan coach Akhtar Rasool knows that they still have an outside chance to make it to the final and wanted his players to overcome their shortcomings quickly to avail this chance. "

The hosts are playing well and are on a roll. Thus they will be difficult opponents. But we need a win as we still have an outside chance of making the final, or at least it assures us of a decent podium finish," said Akhtar. "We were unlucky against India as we had the chances but could not put them away. But its results that matter in the end and I am confident of a decent result against Malaysia."Malaysia are optimistic of making the final but at the same time coach Paul Revington remains cautious as he warned his players to keep their heads firmly screwed on their shoulders as there is still two tough matches to overcome.

And they need to win one of their two remaining matches - against Pakistan and India on Saturday to make it through to Sunday's final, where their likely opponent will be Australia.Revington, though glad with his team's unbeaten run, is not ready to rest on his laurels just yet. And he probably is mindful of the jibe by Australian coach Ric Charlesworth who said this to the media after the match; "The Malaysians celebrated as if they have won the tournament. And they are talking about the final. There are still two matches to be played and anything is possible," said Charlesworth.It was a fair statement by Charlesworth who brought his file to the table to underline the fact that Australia could have buried the Malaysians had his players been sharper in the semicircle. "

We had some 30 odd penetrations and could have scored half a dozen goals had it not been for the keeper. And mind you Malaysia has only five or six players that have played less than 100 internationals," contends the Aussie in trying to justify the draw.But putting aside the snide remarks, Revington is well aware of the fact that Pakistan and India are no easy foes, and a drop in guard could well be fatal to their aspirations. "We will take it one match at a time and are under no pressure whatsoever.

We just have to remain focused and net let emotions get a hold of things," said Revington."There is much work to be done and the success so far is due to hard work put in by the players, coaching staff and the management. The players knew that they had the ability and the coaches are only helping them realise their potential. Thus the road is long and winding and this is just the beginning of a long journey as we seek to elevate the status of Malaysia hockey."

Revington knows that the Pakistanis are most dangerous when wounded, more so after suffering a humiliating defeat at the hands of India. "We will plan the game accordingly and not rush into doing something that could prova fatal to our hopes," added Revington. "Pakistan too are in with a chance for a place in the final, and I am sure they would want to redeem their pride, what better than a strong display against Malaysia."