Kuala lumpur: The national junior hockey squad are determined to be more cautious and better prepared to face the tough challenge posed by European teams at the 2025 Junior Hockey World Cup in Tamil Nadu, India, later this month. National junior hockey team head coach Nor Saiful Zaini Nasiruddin said European sides – the Netherlands, England and Austria – who are drawn with Malaysia in Group E, pose an early threat based on their improving performances in several international tournaments.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nor Saiful highlighted that the European teams have distinct playing styles and capabilities. The focus is primarily on the Netherlands, but Austria is also recognized as a formidable opponent ready to compete at a higher level. Regarding England, having recently played against them, the coach acknowledged their tactical strength. Despite the Malaysian team’s good skills, England effectively utilizes their strengths, as evidenced by the intense match during the Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC), underscoring the tactical edge of European teams that Malaysia needs to be wary of.

Video analysis of matches is being actively conducted to reinforce gameplay strategies against these European teams. Coach Nor Saiful emphasized the importance of minimizing mistakes on the pitch. In preparation for the World Cup, the national junior squad is scheduled to leave for India to play two warm-up matches against Ireland on November 24 and Namibia on November 25. These matches will serve as the final preparation before the tournament, which will run from November 28 to December 10.