KUALA LUMPUR: "Do not take the Green Shirts lightly."
Pakistan coach Roelant Oltmans has warned their rivals as they seek to qualify for the Olympics after missing the last two editions via the qualifiers in Oman next year.
The former world champions are in Group A with Britain, China and Malaysia, while Group B consists of Germany, Canada, New Zealand and Chile.
Only the top three will qualify for the Olympics with Britain and Germany expected to cruise into the Paris Games easily.
With Britain being the Group A favourites, the Speedy Tigers must beat China and Pakistan to reach the semi-finals for a shot at qualifying for the Olympics for the first time since the 2000 Sydney edition.
After many years of disappointment, Pakistan are on a revival thanks to Oltmans' efforts and the country's national federation.
National coach A. Arul Selvaraj could see himself without a job if he does not guide the Speedy Tigers to the Paris Games.
The team had a chance to earn a direct berth to the Olympics via the Hangzhou Asian Games in September, but they did miserably and finished sixth overall.
It was a disappointing outing in Hangzhou, considering that Arul was confident Malaysia would at least reach the final.
The match between Pakistan and Malaysia will be crucial as the team that earn three points will likely advance to the semi-finals with Britain in the qualifiers.
In the last meeting, Pakistan thrashed Malaysia 5-2 to finish fifth in the Asian Games.
The Speedy Tigers were also held 4-4 by minnows China in the group stage of the same tournament.
Malaysia are currently in New Zealand for friendly matches, but the team are without a few regulars recovering from injuries.
Arul's side have only won one match so far in New Zealand, beating South Korea 2-1 and losing three all against the Kiwis (3-2, 2-0 and 3-0).
Oltmans, who guided Pakistan to eighth at the recent Junior World Cup in Kuala Lumpur, hopes his team will be successful at the qualifiers to advance to the semi-finals and earn an Olympic ticket.
"Britain will likely top the group, leaving Pakistan, Malaysia and China to fight for the second semi-final spot.
"I believe these teams will really fight hard.
"Pakistan will be well-prepared for this mission and will do their best to return to the Olympics, said Oltmans.
Pakistan, who did not qualify for the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo editions, are rebuilding their senior team with young players who played in the JWC.
