GUANGZHOU, Nov 24 Pakistan hockey — in turmoil and crises of perhaps every kind ever since the national team clinched the 1994 World Cup — would once again come under the spotlight when Zeeshan Ashraf-led boys take on surprise contenders Malaysia in a potentially pulsating Asian Games final here on Thursday.

Can Pakistan players resuscitate the national game with a gold medal which their predecessors claimed at the 1990 Beijing Asian Games by beating India in the decider, remains the million-dollar question.

Pakistan, proud of their scintillating record in the Asian Games hockey with seven gold medals — 1958 (Tokyo), 1962 (Jakarta), 1970 (Bangkok), 1974 (Tehran), 1978 (Bangkok), 1982 (New Delhi) and 1990 — need to maintain what they have done so far in the tournament, to make sure the golden chance to regain some pride in world hockey is not squandered this time.

After overpowering defending champions South Korea in the last-four clash in a nail-biting penalty shoot-out, Pakistan are expected to produce their best show here at the Aoti Hockey Stadium.

And Khawaja Junaid, Pakistan's assistant coach, has made his team's only target clear — gold medal.

“We will be there at the ground with only one aim — to grab the gold with God's grace. All we need now is prayers from the nation,” said an emotional looking assistant coach.

On the other hand Malaysia, who have made it to the Asiad final for the first time after stunning favourites India 4-3 in the semi-final, will have nothing to lose and will perhaps feel less pressure to win. Malaysia, though, have clinched bronze medal six times at the Asian Games.

For a big final, the team which will handle pressure better will come out as winners. Though Pakistan looking at the Games history look much better than Malaysia, one should not risk picking any out-and-out favourites.

One should not overlook that Malaysia had a hundred per cent penalty-corner goal-scoring ratio during the nerve-racking semi-final, netting three goals on three penalty corners against India who had defeated Malaysia in their previous 10 encounters.

Khawaja knows what is expected from his charges in today's historic game.

“I know it's tough but we are aiming at repeating the history and that is what we are here for,” said Khawaja Junaid while talking to Dawn on Wednesday.On Wednesday, the Pakistan squad underwent a physical and technical session of almost an hour with all the team members looking confident as they appeared at the venue.

“We will not take Malaysia lightly. We are very well aware of their strengths and weaknesses,” remarked Khawaja.

“Coach Michel Van De Heuvel, players and officials attached with the squad know the importance of the [gold medal] win over Malaysia, as it will ensure a [direct] berth for us at the London Olympics 2012,” he expressed, asserting a win would revive Pakistan's hockey fortunes.

Saying the training session went fine, Khawaja said “It will be a crucial final because Malaysia have beaten India, an Asian hockey powerhouse. But we are hopeful for the win.”

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Malaysian coach wants his team to win a get a direct place at the 2012 London Games.

“It's great to be in the final, but having come so far, we need to go all the way,” said Stephen van Huizen. “A direct entry to the Olympics will be a bonus.”

Sohail Abbas, 35, Pakistan's veteran penalty-corner specialist who may not be around when the Olympics are held in 2012, said Thursday's game will be one of the most crucial for his team in recent times.

“We need to win a big one to restore faith in our fans back home,” said Sohail. “This is the time to do it, we can't afford to slip up.”

Meanwhile, Malaysian goalkeeper Kumar Subramaniam, who too executed brilliant saves against India, has an added incentive to continue the good work in the final.

Subramaniam returned home from the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi due to his father's death and was not keen to make the trip to Guangzhou, but was persuaded to change his mind by team-mates and the coach.

“We told him that if we win the gold medal, he could dedicate it to his father,” said van Huizen. “Now he is highly motivated.”

South Korea will clash with India for the bronze medal on Thursday.