Late show not enough

MALAYSIA paid a heavy price for their inconsistency as they lost 3-2 to Belgium at the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru yesterday to finish 12th in the Junior World Cup.

Needing a win to please their fans, who still turned out in droves, Malaysia were guilty of sleeping in the first half and only playing hockey in the remaining 35 minutes.
The first half was pathetic, as Malaysia failed to even make one dangerous penetration into the Belgium semi-circle, and goalkeeper Jeremy Gucassoff had a nice time watching the match from a distance.
But at the other end, Malaysian goalkeeper Abdul Hakim was mercilessly pounded and after bringing out several superb saves, finally let in the first goal in the 26th minute, tucked in by Felix Denayar.
The absence of suspended top-scorer Faizal Shari was sorely felt and just before the halftime hooter, Simon Gougnard made it 2-0.
Malaysia remained as a punching bag at the re-start, and Amaury Keusters made it 3-0 with a field goal in the 40th minute.
Izwan Firdaus narrowed the gap with a 43rd minute field goal, and R. Nadesh made it 2-3 with a 69th minute field goal as Malaysia's campaign came to an end.