KUALA LUMPUR: Though Malaysia haven't been winning matches at the Olympic Qualifier in Muscat, Oman, they have one thing helping them - luck.
Malaysia, who lost their two earlier Group A matches, to China and Britain, were handed a lifeline when Pakistan beat China 2-0.
So, the Speedy Tigers are not out of the running yet. And every team are still eyeing a ticket to the Paris Olympics.
The picture will be clearer after Britain play China and Malaysia against Pakistan tomorrow.
This will decide which teams reach the semi-finals in the Olympic Qualifier. Entering the semis is like striking gold, as the three medallists can start booking their flights to Paris.
All the four teams had played two matches each. Britain top the group with six points while China and Pakistan have three points each.
The math is for Britain to beat China by a wide margin while Malaysia must beat Pakistan by at least three goals to edge into the last four on goals difference.
On Malaysia's 4-1 loss to Britain yesterday, coach A. Arul Selvaraj said: "The plan was to beat or hold Britain to a draw, and we played a lot of defensive play. The score at half-time was 1-1. But after the break, Britain showed why they are ranked so high (world No.4), and with speed and long passes, scored three goals.
"But still, we have a chance to play in the semi-finals... on better goal difference when we play our last group match (Pakistan).
"Even though we lost 4-1, goals difference is going to make a big difference as we are on minus four, China minus one and Pakistan minus three. China play Britain while we need to beat Pakistan by a healthy goal margin to play in the semis.
"Today is a rest day and the plan is to help players who received minor knocks to recover and then we will have a video session of the Britain and Pakistan matches (in Oman) to prepare ourselves," said Selvaraj.
In Group B, Germany and New Zealand are expected to finish 1-2, and if Malaysia's plan succeeds, they will meet Germany in the semi-final while New Zealand and Britain fight for the other final spot.
With the Lucky Tigers, one never knows how they are going to play their next match, and luck has been with them so far in Oman.
