IPOH: Pakistan coach Roelant Oltmans believes his players' individual brilliance will be the key factor when they face Japan in the final of the Sultan Azlan Shah (SAS) Cup tomorrow.
The success-driven Green Shirts hope to clinch their fourth SAS Cup crown after victories in the 1999, 2000, and 2003 editions.
Oltmans said the Samurais are a tough nut to crack and hopes world No. 15 Pakistan will win it in regulation time.
In the round-robin stage, Pakistan were held 1-1 by world No.16 Japan on Tuesday.
"Japan have neither scored many goals nor conceded many. They are a good side," said the Dutchman.
"We need to open them up. We have the players to do it, but it will not be easy. They are compact and organised defensively.
"Everyone in the competition has been trying to break down Japan, but they have done well to maintain their lead. We also need to be defensively organised. Our players are hungry for success and want to win this title.
"I hope to win the match in regulation time. However, it will be a good experience for the players if it goes to a shootout."
Pakistan ended their round-robin campaign unbeaten after holding Paris Olympic-bound New Zealand to a 1-1 draw today.
The Black Sticks scored first through Luke Holmes in the 35th minute.
However, Pakistan levelled through Abu Bakar Mahmoud in the 43rd minute.
