MALAYSIAN players and officials after winning a bronze medal at the Japan Olympic Qualifiers.16/05/08
FROM a potential finalist, Malaysia are now embarrassingly close to not even playing in the 17th Azlan Shah Cup playoff in Ipoh on Sunday.
The same script in the Japan Olympics Qualifiers last month, was shown as a re-run in Ipoh, and the seismic cracks which caused both disasters in Japan and also in Ipoh are in defense, midfield and attack. Malaysia meet India today, and are only good to play a spoilers role.
India need a win to play in the final against Argentina, while Malaysia to avoid finishing last and not even playing in the play-off of this seven-team tournament.
A defeat today would turn Malaysia into mere spectators at their own back-yard.
DEFENSE: As shaky as ever, and have let in 14 goals, some of which can be awarded as the silliest of this edition. Megat Azrafiq is overweight and easy to beat, while Madzli Ikmar and Jiwa Mohan have had a better tournament. But goalkeeper S. Kumar has been blowing hot and cold.
MIDFIELD: Non-existent, because Malaysian have been playing more overhead balls which bypasses this section, than mounting well planned attacks from midfield.
FORWARDS: Had more than their fair share of circle penetrations, but Malaysia have only scored eight goals, of which, four were scored by defender Amin Rahim during penalty corners. Two by midfielders Kelvinder Singh and Azlan Misron, and two strikers by S. Selvaraju and Chua Boon Huat.
The only thing going for Malaysia is their fitness, and it is not enough to carry a team in any high-ranking tournament.
MAY 17: Argentina v Canada (4pm), India v Malaysia (6pm), New Zealand v Belgium (8pm).
P W D L F A Pts
P W D L F A Pts
ARGENTINA 5 4 1 0 17 6 13
PAKISTAN 6 3 1 2 18 16 10
INDIA 5 3 0 2 15 15 9
BELGIUM 5 2 0 3 14 14 6
NEW ZEALAND 5 2 0 3 11 13 6
CANADA 5 1 1 3 5 10 4
MALAYSIA 5 1 1 3 8 14 4
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