Malaysia still showing bad habits

19/03/1999

THE journey to success is long and winding for the young national side who
lost 2-0 in the fifth and final friendly at the National Hockey Stadium
yesterday.
After five friendlies against the Australian Institute of Sports (AIS),
it was evident that we have good players but a bad team.
Individual flair is abundant as demonstrated by S. Kuhan, K. Logan Raj,
K. Keevan Raj and almost every other player who was given the chance to
play against the Australians.
Now, if only they can work together and not get agitated by robust play,
half the battle is won.
Yesterday was another typical day for Steven van Huizen's boys who
fought like lions for possession in the first half but lost steam and
allowed in two of the simplest of goals in the second.
"The players will rest for three days and report for training on
Monday," said van Huizen.
"And while they rest, the coaches and team manager will review
recordings on the five friendlies and come out with solutions. There is no
place for excuses."
Van Huizen agreed that when push comes to shove, the national players
take things personally.
"It was evident in the five matches that when play became robust and
there is a bit of pushing, the Australian players continue playing while
the Malaysians retaliate and lose vital seconds.
"We aim to put a stop to this."
Van Huizen tried out a mixed team yesterday and switched the positions
of several players to bring the best out of them.
It worked in the first half when the virtually Project 2001 squad held
AIS to a draw.
But after the breather, confusion reigned and any shape of a team was
lost.
All it took the Australians to go ahead was a simple tap from Ben Taylor
in the 48th minute which caught the entire defence by surprise, even
goalkeeper Izwan Suhardi Selamat stood rooted while the ball slipped
through between his pads.
The second goal in the 66th minute was unforgivable. Gavis Davis turned
for a reverse stick shot from the top of the semicircle and while the
Malaysians were appealing for an infrigment, the ball again rolled between
Izwan's pads.
The Australians won the series 5-0, 3-2, 3-1 and 2-0 while the national
squad had a 2-0 lead in the second friendly but the match was abandoned
due to bad weather.
AIS coach David Bell came with a mission which his team accomplished.
"We tried several combinations and although the players did not play as
well as I would have liked, I am happy with the friendlies."
Four junior players who were on trial in the friendlies managed to charm
Bell with their stick-work.
"Goalkeeper Mark Hickman and forwards Travis Brooks, Robert Hammond and
Craig Victory are part of the team preparing for the 2001 Junior World Cup
and they displayed their best at the friendlies."
(END)