China hold Malaysia

04/07/2003

CHINA displayed great fighting spirit, as they held Malaysia to a 2-2 draw
in the first friendly at the Tun Razak Stadium in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
And they were helped greatly by schoolboy mistakes commited by Malaysian
hockey players, eventhough some of them have more than 100 caps under
their belts.
Chief coach Paul Lissek said the Chinese players showed that they were
ready to be called professionals.
"From what I saw today (yesterday), the Chinese players are very
motivated and physically in very good shape. I am very happy that we
arranged for friendlies against them before we head for the Champions
Challenge (South Africa on July 19-27) because these matches will help me
select the best Malaysian players for South Africa," said Lissek.
When asked if it means the Malaysian players were not professional and
not motivated enough: "I will never say that about my players because they
always give their best but we were let down by some silly mistakes.
"And the fact that China scored two goals off the four penalty corners
showed that they have done their homework well on the Malaysian team and
we need to utilise more set-pieces."
Azlan Misron deflected in the first goal in the 35th minute but Shong Yi
equalised in the 39th minute off a penalty corner. S. Kuhan took the
Malaysian team ahead in the 42nd minute off a penalty corner but Song
equalised in the 43rd minute and the score remained.
Yesterday, Lissek was forced to drop a few players who walked in late
for the briefing session.
"I have 20 players to select from for the Champions Challenge and will
try out a few more for the match tomorrow (today). I have no patience for
those who give excuses that they could not make the team briefing because
they overslept," said Lissek.
China coach Wang Yang was, naturally, pleased with the draw.
"Before the match the percentage was 60 for Malaysia and 40 for China.
But my men played their hearts out and we ended on equal terms. I believe
they will improve in their next three matches," said Wang via an
interpreter.
China have hired Pakistan coach Khawaja Junaid to beef up their
preparation for the Asia Cup in Kuala Lumpur in September and he was
equally impressed with the determination of his charges.
"All the players are willing to learn and they give 100 per cent during
training. I am very sure that in a short time, China will be among the top
teams in the world, and then Asia will have six strong teams," said
Khawaja.
China are preparing a side for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and all
their players are professionals in the sense that their government pays
them to play hockey 365 days a year.
China Tests - Today: Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium; Sunday: Kuala Lumpur
Hockey Stadium; Monday: Tun Razak Stadium.
* Note: All matches start at 6pm.
(END)