MALAYSIA must beat Japan by two goals in today's final Super-Four stage match to fight for the Asia Cup gold medal at GBK Stadium in Jakarta.
The Speedy Tigers are third in the group with two points after the draws with South Korea and India.
Korea and India, who brought their backup team to Jakarta, have four points each, with the former at the top of the standings on goal difference.
Japan are bottom after losing to Korea and India.
Regardless of the result between Korea and India today, Malaysia will qualify for the final as long they win by two goals.
Malaysia should have beaten Korea and India but were too cautious and made silly mistakes when presented with open scoring chances.
"Yes, my team were trying too hard to win matches. They forgot to take things calmly even after taking a 2-0 lead against India (on Sunday).
"My boys have to be calm and avoid mistakes in tomorrow's (today) match against Japan," said national coach Arul Selvaraj yesterday.
Penalty corner specialist Razie Rahim, who has scored 12 goals, is ready to make an impression today.
"We must beat Japan comprehensively," he said of the game.
FIXTURES
TODAY
Japan v Malaysia (5pm), India v South Korea (7.30pm).
* Matches at GBK Stadium in Jakarta
** Malaysian time