Pakistan eager to reverse Asiad result versus Japan: captain Rizwan

Muscat, Oct 23 (IANS) Pakistan aim to avenge their semi-final loss to Japan in the Asian Games, when they face the 2018 Asiad gold medallists in their next encounter in the ongoing Asian Champions Trophy here on Wednesday.

"We've been waiting for a chance to play Japan and reverse the result of our encounter in the Asian Games," Pakistan captain Muhammad Rizwan said on Tuesday.

Japan shocked Pakistan in the semi-finals of the Asian Games and went on to win their first gold medal with another upset victory over Malaysia in September.

"We lost to Japan in the Asian Games semi-finals where we took them lightly. Our players now have a lot to prove," Rizwan said.

Pakistan got into their rhythm ahead of the Japan match with an 8-1 victory over hosts Oman on Monday, taking their points tally to six from three outings.

In the previous fixture, Pakistan were beaten 1-3 by India, a game in which Rizwan said his team could have done much better.

"We could have played a lot better than we did against India. When we reviewed the match on video, I could not believe we lost in that manner because we had opportunities to score," Rizwan said.

"I want to play India again in this tournament. We want to give them a tougher game," said Rizwan, aware that the format of the six-nation Asian Champions Trophy could pit them against India again in the knock-out rounds.

The top four teams in the preliminary league will advance to the semi-finals.

India and Malaysia have already secured their spots in the semi-finals with three successive wins, while Pakistan have one foot in the semis after posting an imposing victory over Oman.

Rizwan said this tournament is important for the teams bound for next month's World Cup -- Pakistan, India and Malaysia.

"In view of the World Cup coming up next month, a good show here will lift the team's morale," he said.

Pakistan team manager Hasan Sardar said his players understand the significance of this tournament.

"This tournament is like a pre-World Cup competition, which is providing us valuable match practice. I'm glad to see our forwards get into their rhythm," said Sardar.

"Our penalty corners are also working well," he said after five penalty corner conversions featured in Pakistan's massive win over Oman.

(This story has not been edited by Social News XYZ staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)