Japan-Malaysia tie will be closely matched, says Joo-bong

Splendid show: Japan’s scratch pair Yuta Watanabe (left) hits a return behind teammate Takuro Hoki against England’s Ben Lane-Sean Vendy. — AFP

THE Group D tie between Japan and Malaysia will be an evenly contested one, says former legend Park Joo-bong.

Japan and Malaysia have won their ties against England and United States to confirm their tickets for the quarter-finals but the stage is now set for both sides to battle it out to become the group champions.