WORLD No 12 Malaysia gave world No 4 Belgium a tough time before being edged out 2-0 in the World League Semi-finals in Antwerp, Belgium yesterday.
However, it was a match which Malaysia were not expected to collect any points, and are already in the quarter-finals after beating china 3-2 and Ireland 4-2.
Malaysia took the game to Belgium in the first quarter, when they did not give away a single penalty corner or even shot at goal, and protected goalkeeper Roslan Jamaluddin with determined defending.
The national players played without fear, and had numerous semi-circle penetrations, but Belgium stood their ground as well.
The second quarter saw Malaysia defending in numbers and Belgium won their first penalty corner in the 27th and Tanguy Cosyns' high and powerful flick was easily palmed away by Roslan.
However, Belgium finally got their act together in the 37th minute when a lapse in defense saw Dorian Thiery score from close range.
And goal number number two followed suit the very next minute, when Gauthier Gougnard tapped in an airborne ball.
Malaysia won their first penalty corner of the match in the 50th minute, but Razie fails to convert, and the score stood until the final whistle.
RESULTS: Group A: Pakistan 2 India 2; Group B: Ireland 6 China 0, Malaysia 0 Belgium 2.
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Friday, June 26, 2015
Rab Rakha, Baljit...
BALJIT Singh son of Charun Singh is the last Sikh left standing in the Malaysian Speedy Tigers, and it could take another decade to groom a replacement.
Sikhs used to dominate hockey in Malaysia, but are now as rare as a white rhino, and Baljit is the lone Lion carrying on this proud tradition in the ongoing World League Semifinals in Antwerp, Belgium.
Malaysia played two matches in Belgium and beat China 3-2 and Ireland 4-2 to qualify for the quarter-finals and are just a match away from qualifying for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
And if the ticket to Rio is clinched, Baljit’s achievement would be another feather in the turban of a long line of Malaysian Sikhs who have experienced hockey at the highest level.
But it was not easy for Baljit to reach the level he is in today. In fact, after helping Malaysia qualify for the World Cup, Baljit was dropped from the World Cup squad which played at the Hague, Netherlands, last year.
It was the most bitter part of his hockey career as his new coach K. Dharmaraj felt that Baljit was not good enough for the World Cup and replaced him with a German-Malaysian — Kevin Lim. Kevin Lim pulled a muscle two days before the World Cup started in a warm-up match at the Hague, and did not get a chance to represent Malaysia in the World Cup either.
This was just months after the previous coach Paul Revington only had praises for Baljit, who played the best hockey of his career to help Malaysia qualify for the World Cup.
But Baljit never gave up. He fought back into the team.
“It was really the most disappointing moment of my career,” he says, when reflecting on the how he had help Malaysia qualify for the World Cup and then not being selected to play in the in the tournament itself.
“But I kept improving my game by training hard, and claimed back my defenders position. Now, I will give everything I have to help Malaysia qualify for the Olympics.”
Baljit was brought back into the squad when the coaching musical chair stopped at its third song and Tai Beng Hai replaced K. Dharmaraj as coach.
Beng Hai’s believe in Baljit was justified when the lone Sikh played his best game yet, to defend Malaysia’s goalmouth against China and Ireland. Belgium and Britain are Malaysia’s next opponents, but Malaysia have already qualified for the quarter-finals with two matches in hand.
When asked where he got the strength to carry on after he was dropped from the World Cup squad, he gave a short rely: “Rab rakha.” [‘God the Protector’ or ‘God protects’].
Rab rakha on your Olympic dream, Baljit.
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Malaysia destroy Ireland 4-2
MALAYSIA played like Tigers to tame Ireland 4-2 and qualify for the quarter-finals of the World League Semi-finals in Antwerp, Belgium yesterday.
Only four out of the five teams in each group advance to the knock-out stage, and it looks like in Group B Ireland and China will battle for the fourth spot.
With six points from two matches, Malaysia have a good chance to finish either second or third in Group B, which will surely avoid world No 1 Australia in the quarter-finals.
With matches against Belgium today and Britain Sunday, Malaysia can afford to blow both and still finish third as China have lost two matches to date.
Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin played his 100th cap today, and he was as impressive as ever.
The first quarter belonged to Malaysia as they pressed hard and scored off their first penalty corner. Razie Rahaim's rebound saw Izwan Firdaus score a rebound goal in the 12th minute.
However, two minutes later Ireland equalised with a cheeky goal from Peter Caruth who touched an airborne ball to deflect it past goalkeeper Roslan Jamaluddin.
Ireland started the second quarter by losing their video referral, when they protested Malaysia's second penalty corner. And this time Razie made sure with a push which went past goalkeeper Harte David in the 16th minute.
The low push was used as Harte is a 6' 5" giant who is difficult to beat with high flicks.
Ireland used the same low trick to equalise off their first penalty corner in the 18th minute when Shane O'Donoghue grounder beat Roslan.
Deadlocked at 2-2 Malaysia went into the half-time dressing room in a fiery mood.
And the dressing room pep-talk saw results as Malaysia played with much more determination and in the 38th minute, re-took the lead at 3-2.
This time Faizal Saari took the penalty corner and when the ball rebounded off goalkeeper Harte, Shukri Mutalib sent it crashing in with a diving attempt.
Malaysia could have taken a comfortable lead but with seven minutes remaining on the clock Razie Rahim missed a penalty stroke.
But Izwan Firdaus, nick named Pak Din, makes sure Malaysia win the match 4-2 with a 65th minute field goal -- his second of the match.
Meanwhile, Malaysia will play Belgim today (Friday) with one player in mind --- Tom Boon.
The Belgian destroyed Malaysia in the Netherlands World Cup by scoring four goals in their 6-2 win. Razie Rahim scored both of Malaysia's goals off penalty corner attempt and he will also be on the Belgian mind and game plan to stop Malaysia.
Malaysia took the lead and were at one stage at 2-2 but Boon killed the game.
In this tournament Belgium drew 2-2with Britain and scalped China 6-0 but Boon has yet to get into the scoring act.
Speaking after the China match, Red Lions striker Tom Boon said: "We came good in the end and we had some good periods, but we cannot forget that we also had some bad spells too. We want to win every game so now we will look forward to our next match against Malaysia. All of the teams from Asia are getting better and we cannot underestimate any of them. We need to fight as hard as we can, and if we do that we will have a good chance to win.”
Only four out of the five teams in each group advance to the knock-out stage, and it looks like in Group B Ireland and China will battle for the fourth spot.
With six points from two matches, Malaysia have a good chance to finish either second or third in Group B, which will surely avoid world No 1 Australia in the quarter-finals.
With matches against Belgium today and Britain Sunday, Malaysia can afford to blow both and still finish third as China have lost two matches to date.
Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin played his 100th cap today, and he was as impressive as ever.
The first quarter belonged to Malaysia as they pressed hard and scored off their first penalty corner. Razie Rahaim's rebound saw Izwan Firdaus score a rebound goal in the 12th minute.
However, two minutes later Ireland equalised with a cheeky goal from Peter Caruth who touched an airborne ball to deflect it past goalkeeper Roslan Jamaluddin.
Ireland started the second quarter by losing their video referral, when they protested Malaysia's second penalty corner. And this time Razie made sure with a push which went past goalkeeper Harte David in the 16th minute.
The low push was used as Harte is a 6' 5" giant who is difficult to beat with high flicks.
Ireland used the same low trick to equalise off their first penalty corner in the 18th minute when Shane O'Donoghue grounder beat Roslan.
Deadlocked at 2-2 Malaysia went into the half-time dressing room in a fiery mood.
And the dressing room pep-talk saw results as Malaysia played with much more determination and in the 38th minute, re-took the lead at 3-2.
This time Faizal Saari took the penalty corner and when the ball rebounded off goalkeeper Harte, Shukri Mutalib sent it crashing in with a diving attempt.
Malaysia could have taken a comfortable lead but with seven minutes remaining on the clock Razie Rahim missed a penalty stroke.
But Izwan Firdaus, nick named Pak Din, makes sure Malaysia win the match 4-2 with a 65th minute field goal -- his second of the match.
Meanwhile, Malaysia will play Belgim today (Friday) with one player in mind --- Tom Boon.
The Belgian destroyed Malaysia in the Netherlands World Cup by scoring four goals in their 6-2 win. Razie Rahim scored both of Malaysia's goals off penalty corner attempt and he will also be on the Belgian mind and game plan to stop Malaysia.
Malaysia took the lead and were at one stage at 2-2 but Boon killed the game.
In this tournament Belgium drew 2-2with Britain and scalped China 6-0 but Boon has yet to get into the scoring act.
Speaking after the China match, Red Lions striker Tom Boon said: "We came good in the end and we had some good periods, but we cannot forget that we also had some bad spells too. We want to win every game so now we will look forward to our next match against Malaysia. All of the teams from Asia are getting better and we cannot underestimate any of them. We need to fight as hard as we can, and if we do that we will have a good chance to win.”
Faiz the Malaysian giant...
IF pint sized Faiz Helmi Jali, 23, wears a school uniform and walks into any school in Malaysia, nobody would give him a second look.
He could even sit in a Form Two class, and heads would not turn nor would anybody bat an eye.
Standing at 5' 1" and weighing 50kgs, he does not fit the bill for a successful hockey player. But in reality he has a bigger heart than many of his team-mates, and when push comes to shove, Faiz has fought back gallantly with those who are double his height.
He is one of the heroes of the 2013 Junior World Cup squad which finished fourth in New Delhi. And having played in the 2014 Commonwealth Games and then the senior World Cup at the Netherlands at such a young age -- Faiz wants the Olympics ticket by the time he is 24 and not a day older.
"Biasa la bang (It's normal brother) he started in Bahasa and then changed to English.. Every player wants to be at the Olympics which I heard is really a special and magical place to be.
"I have played in the Junior World Cup, the Commonwealth, and the senior World Cup and nothing is going to stop me from helping Malaysia qualify for the Brazil Olympics," said Faiz.
It is not mere talk from a small boy, as Faiz put up a super front in the World League Semi-finals in Johor Baru to help Malaysia finish fifth and qualify for the World Cup at the Netherlands.
This five-footer would be up against Irish giants, all six footers, with their goalkeeper David Harte standing at 6' 5" (without padding and shoes) but don't bet against Faiz today.
Beat Ireland or start packing...
THREE-TIME Olympian Nor Saiful Zaini was shivering on the stands while watching Britain and Ireland play in the World League Semifinals in Antwerp, Belgium.
The match ended in a 2-2 draw, and Nor Saiful made a chilling observation: "It not going to be easy against Ireland, they have a hard-running side which attacks from every part of the field and they just keep coming at you, no matter what."
And his assessment: "Don't get into the trap of playing their style of hockey, its the only way for Malaysia to beat the Irish."
In layman's term, Malaysia must play their own style -- which is attacking without fear like they did in the World League Round Two in Singapore where they grabbed the gold by beating Poland 8-0 in the final.
Today is reckoning day for Malaysia as a win against Ireland will place them in good footing to challenge for an Olympics spot, but if they lose, the door will be half shut.
Rest assured, as an experienced player and now assistant coach to Tai Beng Hai, Nor Saiful would have parted his observation to the Malaysian players.
Malaysia, who beat China 31st ranked China 3-2, were guilty of defending after taking a 2-0 lead and that was exactly what Britain did wrong against Ireland.
After grabbing an easy looking 2-0 lead the British slowed down, and in came a charging Irish squad to level the score and steal a point even though they are ranked 14th and Britain fifth.
Beng Hai was more prepared as he knows the Irish style well: "That's what they are good at. They just keep coming and coming in waves no matter what. Its a very stubborn team and we can't take it easy even for a minute until the final hooter is blown."
Ireland goalkeeper David Harte 6' 5", and a giant added by padding, played in the last match against Malaysia -- where they lost 2-4.
"I was there in Kuantan (Champions Challege) and it was 2-2 until the last 10 minutes and a Malaysian blitz saw us loose the bronze.
"This is an experienced Malaysian side, but now, both teams are fighting for an Olympic berth, and it not going to be east for both sides."
The giant Harte, covering half the goalmouth when arms a stretched, will be tough to beat with direct penalty corner flicks. And this is where Beng Hai must use the many set-pieces to get the goals.
Harte knows our No 1 flicker Razie Rahim very well , as he was also there to deny Malaysia a berth in the final of the Dublin Olympic Qualifier. Then, Malaysia drew 1-1 with Ireland in the semi-finals, and the Irish in turn were beaten by a nine-second from regulation goal by South Korea in the final for the sole London Olympic ticket.
The French connection
By Jugjet Singh
COLUMN
THE French women's hockey team are not Olympic contenders in Belgium, but their determination to play hockey is a story by itself.
They were one of the teams, including Malaysia, who received an invitation to replace Azerbaijan who disappeared in transit in Turkey.
And while Malaysia, Belarus and Chile turned it down due to distance and logistics -- the French women packed their bags in haste, put on a thin layer of make-up and dashed from their base in Lille to arrive in Antwerp still looking fresh and pretty in one hour and 30 minutes.
That was the easiest part of their journey to play the game they love most, but have yet to master.
Upon arrival, the French were mauled 11-0 by the Netherlands, and the very next day, they were hit 6-1 by Japan.
This scribe then met their coach Steven Colledge, an Australian, by chance and after a few drinks he opened up.
Colledge then told of how much they had to sacrifice when the International Hockey Federation (FIH) offered them the Azerbaijan slot.
First, they were lucky because three quarter of the team are based in Lille, which is just a short drive from Antwerp, and all the coach needed to do was make a few calls and the ladies were at his doorstep.
But they were not ready to face the Netherlands and went crashing. And after the Dutch match, six of the French ladies packed a smaller bag and rushed back to Lille, to sit for examinations, and go to work.
They six rushed back just in time for the the Japan match, after which it was off to Lille again for school and work.
They had a two day break where only about 10 players stayed back to train, while the rest did their schools and work run commute.
Colledge lamented that while women's hockey is not big in France, his ladies have a big heart and took the missing Azerbaijan opportunity without hesitating because opportunities to play against the higher ranked teams are rare for them.
Malaysia were just too far away to take up the FIH offer, but if they had scrambled the Sea Games team and asked the FIH to push back some of their matches, the experience would have been invaluable as Malaysia did play in the World League Round Two -- to try and enter the WL Semifinals but failed.
The French boys were not as fortunate though.
France beat Malaysia on penalty strokes in the semi-finals of the Junior World Cup in New Delhi, but the silver medallists will not be in next year's edition in New Delhi again.
The reason -- they were relegated to the second rung of the European Championships and will not get a chance to compete in the Junior World Cup qualifier which is only for teams in the first rung of the European Championships.
For Malaysian Juniors, four slots will be made available for New Delhi in the Junior Asia Cup in Kuantan in November -- and for sure coach Arul Selvaraj's boys will be among the semi-finalists together with India, Pakistan and South Korea/Japan.
A missed opportunity for the Malaysian women, but invaluable experience for the French ladies.
COLUMN
THE French women's hockey team are not Olympic contenders in Belgium, but their determination to play hockey is a story by itself.
They were one of the teams, including Malaysia, who received an invitation to replace Azerbaijan who disappeared in transit in Turkey.
And while Malaysia, Belarus and Chile turned it down due to distance and logistics -- the French women packed their bags in haste, put on a thin layer of make-up and dashed from their base in Lille to arrive in Antwerp still looking fresh and pretty in one hour and 30 minutes.
That was the easiest part of their journey to play the game they love most, but have yet to master.
Upon arrival, the French were mauled 11-0 by the Netherlands, and the very next day, they were hit 6-1 by Japan.
This scribe then met their coach Steven Colledge, an Australian, by chance and after a few drinks he opened up.
Colledge then told of how much they had to sacrifice when the International Hockey Federation (FIH) offered them the Azerbaijan slot.
First, they were lucky because three quarter of the team are based in Lille, which is just a short drive from Antwerp, and all the coach needed to do was make a few calls and the ladies were at his doorstep.
But they were not ready to face the Netherlands and went crashing. And after the Dutch match, six of the French ladies packed a smaller bag and rushed back to Lille, to sit for examinations, and go to work.
They six rushed back just in time for the the Japan match, after which it was off to Lille again for school and work.
They had a two day break where only about 10 players stayed back to train, while the rest did their schools and work run commute.
Colledge lamented that while women's hockey is not big in France, his ladies have a big heart and took the missing Azerbaijan opportunity without hesitating because opportunities to play against the higher ranked teams are rare for them.
Malaysia were just too far away to take up the FIH offer, but if they had scrambled the Sea Games team and asked the FIH to push back some of their matches, the experience would have been invaluable as Malaysia did play in the World League Round Two -- to try and enter the WL Semifinals but failed.
The French boys were not as fortunate though.
France beat Malaysia on penalty strokes in the semi-finals of the Junior World Cup in New Delhi, but the silver medallists will not be in next year's edition in New Delhi again.
The reason -- they were relegated to the second rung of the European Championships and will not get a chance to compete in the Junior World Cup qualifier which is only for teams in the first rung of the European Championships.
For Malaysian Juniors, four slots will be made available for New Delhi in the Junior Asia Cup in Kuantan in November -- and for sure coach Arul Selvaraj's boys will be among the semi-finalists together with India, Pakistan and South Korea/Japan.
A missed opportunity for the Malaysian women, but invaluable experience for the French ladies.
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Ireland get the better of Ye Ol England..
IRELAND tore the formbook apart when they held world no 5 Britain to a 2-2 draw in Group B of the World League Semi-finals in Antwerp, Belgium yesterday.
The Green Machine, ranked 14th, came back from two goals down to hold Britain. It was the first match of the tournament for Ireland, while Britain were also held to a 2-2 draw by Belgium in an earlier match.
Malaysia play Ireland next on Thursday (25th), and it looks like touch-and-go game, as the Irish have a mix of young and experience on their side.
Ireland coach Craig Fulton was glad with the draw, but is looking forward to a better outing in the next match against Malaysia.
"Yes, we did have a good game today (yesterday) and could have pulled off a win if not for hitting the post three times. However, we are now looking forward to our next match against Malaysia and its not about the opponents, but how well we imporve ourselves and cut down the mistakes," said Fulton.
Fultom was also the coach when Malaysia beat Ireland 4-2 for the Champions Challenge bronze in Kuantan last year.
"The score was 2-2 and the last 10 minutes we lost the script and crashed. But that was a different tournament, and even though Malaysia have an experienced team which has consistently played in many tournaments, we need to play our game and winning every match here is what we need to do after this draw," said Fulton.
Britain coach Bobby Crutchley was naturally disappointed: "Ireland did not play to their ranking (14th) and with two draws in this tournament, we need to play much better from now on."
The Green Machine, ranked 14th, came back from two goals down to hold Britain. It was the first match of the tournament for Ireland, while Britain were also held to a 2-2 draw by Belgium in an earlier match.
Malaysia play Ireland next on Thursday (25th), and it looks like touch-and-go game, as the Irish have a mix of young and experience on their side.
Ireland coach Craig Fulton was glad with the draw, but is looking forward to a better outing in the next match against Malaysia.
"Yes, we did have a good game today (yesterday) and could have pulled off a win if not for hitting the post three times. However, we are now looking forward to our next match against Malaysia and its not about the opponents, but how well we imporve ourselves and cut down the mistakes," said Fulton.
Fultom was also the coach when Malaysia beat Ireland 4-2 for the Champions Challenge bronze in Kuantan last year.
"The score was 2-2 and the last 10 minutes we lost the script and crashed. But that was a different tournament, and even though Malaysia have an experienced team which has consistently played in many tournaments, we need to play our game and winning every match here is what we need to do after this draw," said Fulton.
Britain coach Bobby Crutchley was naturally disappointed: "Ireland did not play to their ranking (14th) and with two draws in this tournament, we need to play much better from now on."
Looking for an Irish cheer!
MALAYSIA last played Ireland in the Champions Challenge in Kuantan last year, and the hosts snapped up the bronze medal with a convincing 4-2 score.
But the Irish did deny Malaysia a spot in the London Olympics, when they held us to a 1-1 draw at the Dublin Qualifier on St Patrick's day.
This scribe was there to watch both the matches, one played during a massive parade in chilly Dublin, the other played under sunny conditions and sea breeze in Kuantan.
In Dublin, Ireland went on to play in the final against South Korea, and the Asian giants beat them to the Olympics.
Malaysia play Ireland on the 25th, 8pm, and the only route for coach Tai Beng Hai and his men is a win or it will be bust all the way in the next two matches.
Ireland, ranked 14th, are two rungs below Malaysia: "Rankings do not matter in this tournament as every team is chasing for a spot in the Olympics and playing on a different level than what they are capable of normally," said Malaysian coach Beng Hai.
China were a classic example, as even though ranked 31st and 19 below Malaysia they played gallantly and only lost 2-3.
The matches here have been close, as even Pakistan could only beat Poland 2-1, while India scraped past France 3-2.
Belgium and Britain played to a 2-2 draw, while the only match that went to rankings was when Australia thrashed France 10-0.
On Monday, the Malaysian team were given a free day, and they went around in groups sightseeing and shopping in Antwerp to rest their edge nerves, as their next match was only three days away.
Yesterday, there was some light training and tomorrow will be another rest day for Malaysia before the Ireland do-or-die.
But the Irish did deny Malaysia a spot in the London Olympics, when they held us to a 1-1 draw at the Dublin Qualifier on St Patrick's day.
This scribe was there to watch both the matches, one played during a massive parade in chilly Dublin, the other played under sunny conditions and sea breeze in Kuantan.
In Dublin, Ireland went on to play in the final against South Korea, and the Asian giants beat them to the Olympics.
Malaysia play Ireland on the 25th, 8pm, and the only route for coach Tai Beng Hai and his men is a win or it will be bust all the way in the next two matches.
Ireland, ranked 14th, are two rungs below Malaysia: "Rankings do not matter in this tournament as every team is chasing for a spot in the Olympics and playing on a different level than what they are capable of normally," said Malaysian coach Beng Hai.
China were a classic example, as even though ranked 31st and 19 below Malaysia they played gallantly and only lost 2-3.
The matches here have been close, as even Pakistan could only beat Poland 2-1, while India scraped past France 3-2.
Belgium and Britain played to a 2-2 draw, while the only match that went to rankings was when Australia thrashed France 10-0.
On Monday, the Malaysian team were given a free day, and they went around in groups sightseeing and shopping in Antwerp to rest their edge nerves, as their next match was only three days away.
Yesterday, there was some light training and tomorrow will be another rest day for Malaysia before the Ireland do-or-die.
Sarjit saw the power in Zidane..
TENGKU Ahmad Tajuddin @zidane is a pint sized player who almost did not make the national team because he is also bowlegged.
Back in 2004, a national selector stood by this scribe and said: "Its a pity that Tengku Ahmad will never make the national squad, because not only is he physically small-framed, but also bowlegged. This would be a big disadvantage when he plays bigger European players."
We were then watching Tengku Ahmad running circles around his team-mates in a selection friendly for the 2005 Rotterdam Junior World Cup. His nick-name Zidane was cemented after the friendly, as he showed speed and agility like the Algerian/French soccer star.
Luckily, the coach then, Sarjit Singh, saw differently from the said scout and named Zidane, from Perlis, into the training squad and he not only impressed in Rotterdam, but went on to play for Malaysia consistently and has more than 200 caps.
He has scored many important goals and made many deft passes for Malaysia in the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, World Cup, and many other tournaments around the globe.
At 29, he is at the threshold of his career and two matches away from playing in the Olympics -- 2016 in Rio de Janeiro.
Playing a feeders role now, Zidane's deft passes helped Malaysia beat China 3-2 and he is now looking forward to the challenge of his life-time -- Ireland.
"It feels like this is the moment that I have been waiting for all my life. When we came here we were drilled that its only three matches to the Olympics, and we have won one.
"Beating Ireland is a must if we want to play in the Olympics and there is no other option. It will not be easy, but we are ready to give our very best.
"Ireland will be the real test on our true strength, before we take on bigger giants Belgium and Britain," said Zidane.
If Malaysia beats Ireland, Britain and Belgium will no longer matter. What will matter is the third match -- in the quarter-finals -- as a win here will cement Malaysia's spot in the Olympics.
Three matches, one down, two more to go.
Back in 2004, a national selector stood by this scribe and said: "Its a pity that Tengku Ahmad will never make the national squad, because not only is he physically small-framed, but also bowlegged. This would be a big disadvantage when he plays bigger European players."
We were then watching Tengku Ahmad running circles around his team-mates in a selection friendly for the 2005 Rotterdam Junior World Cup. His nick-name Zidane was cemented after the friendly, as he showed speed and agility like the Algerian/French soccer star.
Luckily, the coach then, Sarjit Singh, saw differently from the said scout and named Zidane, from Perlis, into the training squad and he not only impressed in Rotterdam, but went on to play for Malaysia consistently and has more than 200 caps.
He has scored many important goals and made many deft passes for Malaysia in the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, World Cup, and many other tournaments around the globe.
At 29, he is at the threshold of his career and two matches away from playing in the Olympics -- 2016 in Rio de Janeiro.
Playing a feeders role now, Zidane's deft passes helped Malaysia beat China 3-2 and he is now looking forward to the challenge of his life-time -- Ireland.
"It feels like this is the moment that I have been waiting for all my life. When we came here we were drilled that its only three matches to the Olympics, and we have won one.
"Beating Ireland is a must if we want to play in the Olympics and there is no other option. It will not be easy, but we are ready to give our very best.
"Ireland will be the real test on our true strength, before we take on bigger giants Belgium and Britain," said Zidane.
If Malaysia beats Ireland, Britain and Belgium will no longer matter. What will matter is the third match -- in the quarter-finals -- as a win here will cement Malaysia's spot in the Olympics.
Three matches, one down, two more to go.
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
GROUP B: Ireland 2 Britain 2
The 14th ranked Green Machine pulled off the upset of the tournament when they beat No 5 Britain in Group B of the World League Semifinals in Antwerp, Belgium.
Malaysia play Ireland next on Thursday (June 25th).
Malaysia play Ireland next on Thursday (June 25th).
Keep the respect intact...
By Jugjet Singh
COLUMN
MALAYSIA did just enough to beat China 3-2 in the World League Semi-finals, but if one looks to the future, this match should be the fist wake-up call to the new Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) management.
China were friendly and diplomatic before the start of the match, but they were robust, dominant in certain areas, and defended like a pack of wolves and Malaysia were lucky to walk away with three points from a team which is ranked 19 rungs below.
After warm-up, the Malaysian players started to wrap a thick black tape around their arms, and when China players saw this they came over and asked the reason for the band.
And when they found out the black arm-band was in respect for goalkeeper S. Kumar's tragic loss, the China players formed a circle and held a brief discussion, before coming over to the Malaysian side to pay their respects and surprisingly -- requested for the black tape from team manager Stephen van Huizen.
They wore the mourning band in tandem with Malaysia, as respect, but that's all the sympathy Malaysia received from them.
To be honest, China were beaten by two spectacular goals which no goalkeeper in the world could have stopped. The first was a cricket volley from close range, after the ball fell at Faizal Shaari's feet and bounced eight inches for a beautifully set up Sixer.
The second was even more cheeky, as 21-year-old Haziq Shamsul's back was towards the goalmouth and the ball just nicked the tip of his hockey stick and for a moment, even he was unsure of the goal before he started celebrating.
A replay at the stadium big screen, in slow motion, showed just how lucky the goal was -- and luck almost ran out for coach Tai Beng Hai and his men after that.
They barely pulled off a one-goal victory against a team which we beat 4-1 at the Asian Games.
The key word here is RESPECT.
China gave Malaysia no respect, pushed hard, used their elbows to shove aside our boys like they were pesky flies. And it almost worked if not for the two spectacular goals which might just turn out to be the goals of the tournament.
In Antwerp, Malaysia are respected by everybody as a spirited lot, with a history of playing in the World Cup, Olympics and hosts to many international tournaments.
The in-house World League bulletin printed a half-page on Malaysia's hockey history, starting with the first recorded match in 1904 between Singapore and Malaya.
And the write-up went on to note that it was only 52 years later that Malaysia played in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. It also ran accolades to the late Sultan Azlan Shah and his wonderful tournament.
Respect, we had, but respect we're losing fast as even China has closed the gap to a one-goal margin.
We need to beat Ireland next, and not be thrashed by Belgium and Britain to keep this respect. If not, in future tournaments, not only China but Singapore might just beat us.
COLUMN
MALAYSIA did just enough to beat China 3-2 in the World League Semi-finals, but if one looks to the future, this match should be the fist wake-up call to the new Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) management.
China were friendly and diplomatic before the start of the match, but they were robust, dominant in certain areas, and defended like a pack of wolves and Malaysia were lucky to walk away with three points from a team which is ranked 19 rungs below.
After warm-up, the Malaysian players started to wrap a thick black tape around their arms, and when China players saw this they came over and asked the reason for the band.
And when they found out the black arm-band was in respect for goalkeeper S. Kumar's tragic loss, the China players formed a circle and held a brief discussion, before coming over to the Malaysian side to pay their respects and surprisingly -- requested for the black tape from team manager Stephen van Huizen.
They wore the mourning band in tandem with Malaysia, as respect, but that's all the sympathy Malaysia received from them.
To be honest, China were beaten by two spectacular goals which no goalkeeper in the world could have stopped. The first was a cricket volley from close range, after the ball fell at Faizal Shaari's feet and bounced eight inches for a beautifully set up Sixer.
The second was even more cheeky, as 21-year-old Haziq Shamsul's back was towards the goalmouth and the ball just nicked the tip of his hockey stick and for a moment, even he was unsure of the goal before he started celebrating.
A replay at the stadium big screen, in slow motion, showed just how lucky the goal was -- and luck almost ran out for coach Tai Beng Hai and his men after that.
They barely pulled off a one-goal victory against a team which we beat 4-1 at the Asian Games.
The key word here is RESPECT.
China gave Malaysia no respect, pushed hard, used their elbows to shove aside our boys like they were pesky flies. And it almost worked if not for the two spectacular goals which might just turn out to be the goals of the tournament.
In Antwerp, Malaysia are respected by everybody as a spirited lot, with a history of playing in the World Cup, Olympics and hosts to many international tournaments.
The in-house World League bulletin printed a half-page on Malaysia's hockey history, starting with the first recorded match in 1904 between Singapore and Malaya.
And the write-up went on to note that it was only 52 years later that Malaysia played in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. It also ran accolades to the late Sultan Azlan Shah and his wonderful tournament.
Respect, we had, but respect we're losing fast as even China has closed the gap to a one-goal margin.
We need to beat Ireland next, and not be thrashed by Belgium and Britain to keep this respect. If not, in future tournaments, not only China but Singapore might just beat us.
Beng Hai keeps his cool...
COACH Tai Beng Hai was smiling, but it looked more like grinding his teeth, after Malaysia edged China 3-2 in the World League Semi-finals in Antwerp, Belgium on Sunday.
His answers were simple and diplomatic, but one could sense he was struggling to keep his anger in check.
That anger almost came to a boil when a volunteer refused him entry into the interview area, and after an exchange of words, he smiled for the camera again.
"Well, it was our first match and there were some shaky moments but that is to be expected. The important part is that we won three points," said Beng Hai.
Youngster Haziq Shamsul, 21, who scored the super second goal to give Malaysia breathing space, was much more composed even though he went through a rough period one month before the World League when he lost his mother.
"I am just happy to help my team-mates beat China. This match was supposed to be easier, but China gave us a very good fight and I am just happy that we landed the three points no matter what the score," said Haziq.
Haziq was among the promising juniors side which beat South Korea in the quarter-finals of the Junior World Cup in New Delhi and took Malaysia into the semi-finals -- a feat last achieved in 1982 in the Kuala Lumpur Junior World Cup.
And Haziq's take on the next opponent Ireland: "For me they are just another team which we need to beat if we want to play in the Olympics. I will again give my best, and I am confident my mates will do the same.
"We have been drilled on the score before coming here. We need to beat China and Ireland before turning our focus on Belgium and Britain. We have achieved one, no matter the score, and our focus and determination will be to achieve the same aganst Ireland," said the player who is expected to wear the junior's skippers arm-band in the Sultan of Johor Cup and then the Junior Asia Cup in Kuantan which doubles up as a Junior World Cup qualifier.
His answers were simple and diplomatic, but one could sense he was struggling to keep his anger in check.
That anger almost came to a boil when a volunteer refused him entry into the interview area, and after an exchange of words, he smiled for the camera again.
"Well, it was our first match and there were some shaky moments but that is to be expected. The important part is that we won three points," said Beng Hai.
Youngster Haziq Shamsul, 21, who scored the super second goal to give Malaysia breathing space, was much more composed even though he went through a rough period one month before the World League when he lost his mother.
"I am just happy to help my team-mates beat China. This match was supposed to be easier, but China gave us a very good fight and I am just happy that we landed the three points no matter what the score," said Haziq.
Haziq was among the promising juniors side which beat South Korea in the quarter-finals of the Junior World Cup in New Delhi and took Malaysia into the semi-finals -- a feat last achieved in 1982 in the Kuala Lumpur Junior World Cup.
And Haziq's take on the next opponent Ireland: "For me they are just another team which we need to beat if we want to play in the Olympics. I will again give my best, and I am confident my mates will do the same.
"We have been drilled on the score before coming here. We need to beat China and Ireland before turning our focus on Belgium and Britain. We have achieved one, no matter the score, and our focus and determination will be to achieve the same aganst Ireland," said the player who is expected to wear the junior's skippers arm-band in the Sultan of Johor Cup and then the Junior Asia Cup in Kuantan which doubles up as a Junior World Cup qualifier.
Monday, June 22, 2015
Malaysia barely breathe...
MALAYSIA did just enough to keep the Olympic flame burning in chilly Antwerp when they edged China 3-2 at the KHC Dragons Stadium yesterday.
It was not a polished display, and there were more hiccups than brilliant displays, but still at this stage, the three points are what mattered most.
"Yes it was not the best of our ability and we can play much better than this. But since it was out first game, there are bound to be some jitters and hopefully the players would be much more settled down when we play Ireland in three days time," said Malaysian coach Tai Beng Hai.
Razie Rahim, the captain, was also a little disappointed with the result but happy his mates walked away with three points.
"We are capable of playing much, much, better than this but I take the positives out of this close match as we scored two field goals and one off a penalty corner. One more match to the quarter-finals, and I believe against Ireland we will play to expectations," said Razie.
There were some really jittery moments as Malaysia failed to get even a single shot at goal in the first quarter, while China kept growing with confidence and even won a penalty corner.
But Roslan Jamaluddin showed his mettle to palm away with ease and the quarter ended with no goals.
China, 31 in the world, outplayed their rankings and looked on par with 12th ranked Malaysia on many fronts.
However the game changed in the second quarter when Faizal Shaari nailed the lead with a close range cricket shot, after the ball bounced, in the 18th minute and Malaysia started to play much better hockey.
Haziq Shamsul delivered a crucial deflection in the 30th minute to ease some pressure on the back-line, and Malaysia went into half-time break looking much better and confident.
The third quarter started with coach Tai Beng Hai adopting a more defensive style, which was not needed at this stage because Malaysia were already on fire and have strikers like Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin, Firhan Ashaari, Faizal and Shahril Saabah who can do more damage to the China goal if given a free hand.
The strategy back-fired as China started attacking and narrowed the gap in the 37th minute when Guo Xioping scored a field goal when he was left unmarked.
And China almost equalised if not for video referral. A clean tackle from Shahrun Nabil saw umpire Raghu Prasad blowing for a penalty stroke but it was overturned by video evidence.
Razie Rahim finally found his touch in the 54th minute off Malaysia's third penalty corner to make it 3-1, but right after the restart Zhang Zhixuan scored a field attempt to make it 3-2 -- which remained until the final hooter.
RESULTS: June 20 -- Group A: India 3 France 2, Pakistan 2 Poland 1.
June 21 -- Group A: Australia 10 France 0; Group B: Malaysia 3 China 2, Britain 2 Belgium 2.
June 22: REST DAY
It was not a polished display, and there were more hiccups than brilliant displays, but still at this stage, the three points are what mattered most.
"Yes it was not the best of our ability and we can play much better than this. But since it was out first game, there are bound to be some jitters and hopefully the players would be much more settled down when we play Ireland in three days time," said Malaysian coach Tai Beng Hai.
Razie Rahim, the captain, was also a little disappointed with the result but happy his mates walked away with three points.
"We are capable of playing much, much, better than this but I take the positives out of this close match as we scored two field goals and one off a penalty corner. One more match to the quarter-finals, and I believe against Ireland we will play to expectations," said Razie.
There were some really jittery moments as Malaysia failed to get even a single shot at goal in the first quarter, while China kept growing with confidence and even won a penalty corner.
But Roslan Jamaluddin showed his mettle to palm away with ease and the quarter ended with no goals.
China, 31 in the world, outplayed their rankings and looked on par with 12th ranked Malaysia on many fronts.
However the game changed in the second quarter when Faizal Shaari nailed the lead with a close range cricket shot, after the ball bounced, in the 18th minute and Malaysia started to play much better hockey.
Haziq Shamsul delivered a crucial deflection in the 30th minute to ease some pressure on the back-line, and Malaysia went into half-time break looking much better and confident.
The third quarter started with coach Tai Beng Hai adopting a more defensive style, which was not needed at this stage because Malaysia were already on fire and have strikers like Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin, Firhan Ashaari, Faizal and Shahril Saabah who can do more damage to the China goal if given a free hand.
The strategy back-fired as China started attacking and narrowed the gap in the 37th minute when Guo Xioping scored a field goal when he was left unmarked.
And China almost equalised if not for video referral. A clean tackle from Shahrun Nabil saw umpire Raghu Prasad blowing for a penalty stroke but it was overturned by video evidence.
Razie Rahim finally found his touch in the 54th minute off Malaysia's third penalty corner to make it 3-1, but right after the restart Zhang Zhixuan scored a field attempt to make it 3-2 -- which remained until the final hooter.
RESULTS: June 20 -- Group A: India 3 France 2, Pakistan 2 Poland 1.
June 21 -- Group A: Australia 10 France 0; Group B: Malaysia 3 China 2, Britain 2 Belgium 2.
June 22: REST DAY
Pining for a Malaysian summer in Belgium
By Jugjet Singh
COLUMN
SUMMER in Belgium is a week late, and even the locals are still in their jackets waiting for the sun to shine.
The famous outdoor bars in Antwerp still display empty chairs and tables, while its packed to the brim indoors, with everybody waiting anxiously for more heat this summer.
The World League Semifinals, an Olympic Qualifier, started yesterday with the women's teams and men's Group A matches, and the KHC Red Dragons stadium was ready in every aspect to host the multitude of teams -- all playing at one pitch only.
Malaysia's first recorded match against Belgium was at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and the final score was 3-3, with 1-1 at half-time. The Malaysian heroes who scored then were C. Paramalingam (40th, 53rd) and Koh Hock Seng (32nd).
Belgium were better in hockey even earlier, in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics they finished seventh, Singapore eighth and Malaysia ninth among 12 teams.
However, in Melbourne Malaysia did not cross paths with Belgium, in a tournament which Kenya were 10th, Afghanistan 11th and USA 12th.
Hockey has always been a proud tradition here, and KHC Dragons alone has 1,800 members with 1,400 of them active players.
The Belgians, who speak Dutch in Antwerp, French in Brussels and English everywhere, are blessed to have borders with Germany, Netherlands and France as playing hockey with other nations is just a bus ride away.
Unlike Malaysia, who needs to take a flight to India, Pakistan, Japan or South Korea to play quality matches.
So its no surprise that Belgium are the most improved team in field hockey in the last five years as they finished fifth on three occasions -- the 2012 London Olympics and Champions Trophy in Melbourne, as well as last year's World Cup at the Netherlands.
Asian teams India, Pakistan, South Korea and Malaysia are now no match for the Belgians, and in the World League they are expected to be in the semi-finals and qualify for the Olympics.
As for Malaysia, they open their campaign against China Sunday wearing a black arm-band and a minute of silence will be observed for the tragedy which befell our goalkeeper S. Kumar.
Hopefully, the sun will smile on the Malaysian team today and there will be sunshine moments which will eventually take the nation into the Olympics after being in the grey shades of winter for the past 16 years.
COLUMN
SUMMER in Belgium is a week late, and even the locals are still in their jackets waiting for the sun to shine.
The famous outdoor bars in Antwerp still display empty chairs and tables, while its packed to the brim indoors, with everybody waiting anxiously for more heat this summer.
The World League Semifinals, an Olympic Qualifier, started yesterday with the women's teams and men's Group A matches, and the KHC Red Dragons stadium was ready in every aspect to host the multitude of teams -- all playing at one pitch only.
Malaysia's first recorded match against Belgium was at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and the final score was 3-3, with 1-1 at half-time. The Malaysian heroes who scored then were C. Paramalingam (40th, 53rd) and Koh Hock Seng (32nd).
Belgium were better in hockey even earlier, in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics they finished seventh, Singapore eighth and Malaysia ninth among 12 teams.
However, in Melbourne Malaysia did not cross paths with Belgium, in a tournament which Kenya were 10th, Afghanistan 11th and USA 12th.
Hockey has always been a proud tradition here, and KHC Dragons alone has 1,800 members with 1,400 of them active players.
The Belgians, who speak Dutch in Antwerp, French in Brussels and English everywhere, are blessed to have borders with Germany, Netherlands and France as playing hockey with other nations is just a bus ride away.
Unlike Malaysia, who needs to take a flight to India, Pakistan, Japan or South Korea to play quality matches.
So its no surprise that Belgium are the most improved team in field hockey in the last five years as they finished fifth on three occasions -- the 2012 London Olympics and Champions Trophy in Melbourne, as well as last year's World Cup at the Netherlands.
Asian teams India, Pakistan, South Korea and Malaysia are now no match for the Belgians, and in the World League they are expected to be in the semi-finals and qualify for the Olympics.
As for Malaysia, they open their campaign against China Sunday wearing a black arm-band and a minute of silence will be observed for the tragedy which befell our goalkeeper S. Kumar.
Hopefully, the sun will smile on the Malaysian team today and there will be sunshine moments which will eventually take the nation into the Olympics after being in the grey shades of winter for the past 16 years.
Nada: Roslan just as good...
GOALKEEPERS coach M. Nadarajan broke down before this interview, and openly wept for his best friend S. Kumar.
The tragedy which befell Kumar, who lost his three-year old son days before the World League Semifinals, took a heavy toll of Nadarajan who is not only Kumar's coach, but best of mates who work in Tenaga Nasional.
Wiping his tears, Nadarajan said: "If I could, I would pad up and play for Malaysia to realise Kumar's dream of playing in the Olympics."
Kumar has played at every level in hockey, but the Olympics has escaped him thus far.
"Looking forward, Roslan (Jamaluddin) is an experienced hand and is the only player in the current team to have played in the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
"He also played one half in every match during the World League Round Two in Singapore, expect for the Japan semi-finals which Kumar played a full game.
"So, he is still agile and while Kumar has some special skills, Roslan also has his specialities and so I say both are equal in their own ways," said Nadarajan.
Junior World Cup goalkeeper Hafizuddin Othman, 23, arrived yesterday as back-up to Roslan.
When asked if Hafizuddin is ready for action: "He played well to take Malaysia into the semi-finals of the Junior World Cup and he also has experience playing at the Commonwealth Games. But here, he will be on standby in case of injury."
The tragedy which befell Kumar, who lost his three-year old son days before the World League Semifinals, took a heavy toll of Nadarajan who is not only Kumar's coach, but best of mates who work in Tenaga Nasional.
Wiping his tears, Nadarajan said: "If I could, I would pad up and play for Malaysia to realise Kumar's dream of playing in the Olympics."
Kumar has played at every level in hockey, but the Olympics has escaped him thus far.
"Looking forward, Roslan (Jamaluddin) is an experienced hand and is the only player in the current team to have played in the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
"He also played one half in every match during the World League Round Two in Singapore, expect for the Japan semi-finals which Kumar played a full game.
"So, he is still agile and while Kumar has some special skills, Roslan also has his specialities and so I say both are equal in their own ways," said Nadarajan.
Junior World Cup goalkeeper Hafizuddin Othman, 23, arrived yesterday as back-up to Roslan.
When asked if Hafizuddin is ready for action: "He played well to take Malaysia into the semi-finals of the Junior World Cup and he also has experience playing at the Commonwealth Games. But here, he will be on standby in case of injury."
Confident skipper...
MALAYSIAN skipper Razie Rahim is confident that his mates will not disappoint against China today (Sunday) in the World League Semifinals in Antwerp, Belgium.
Ranked 31, China have included a few new faces, but the majority are from the Incheon Asian Games squad which Malaysia beat 4-1.
China made the WL Semifinals by emerging tops in Round Two in South Africa, but that does not bother Razie.
"We came here on a mission to qualify for the Olympics, and beating China is a must. There are no two ways about this first match. All our preparations have been geared towards beating China as well as our second match against Ireland," said Razie.
Malaysia play Ireland after a three-day rest, and wins in both the matches will hand Razie and his mates a spot in the quarter-finals -- which is just one step away from packing for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics next year.
"Although we have not played China since the Asian Games, we have been watching their recent matches on video and know their strengths and weaknesses.
"As for me, I have never felt better executing penalty corners and will try to give the team an early boost and also to douse the China fight by scoring early goals," said Razie.
The team had a light training around their hotel in Antwerp yesterday, as the Belgian weather kept changing the script. It can become chilly and 17 degrees Celsius with constant drizzle, and the next hour the sun would be out.
Coach Tai Beng Hai is also confident that China can be beaten.
"Even though I predict it to be a close match, but victory should be ours as my players have been giving their best and even though we were hit by a tragedy and goalkeeper S. Kumar had to fly home, the target still remains the same -- beat China and Ireland and qualify for the quarter-finals," said Beng Hai.
The script looks easy and winning three matches is all that Malaysia needs to do, to qualify to the Olympics.
But if they mess up against China today, the door would be virtually closed as they need to beat Ireland next just to avoid finishing fifth in Group A which does not offer any knock out options. Only the top four teams in each group play in the quarter-finals.
The other teams in Group B are far too strong for Malaysia but if they win the first two matches, even hammerings in the hands of Belgium and Britain can be taken with a big smile.
In Group A are world No 1 Australia, the raging favourites for gold, Asian Games champions India (the only team here who has qualified for the Olympics), Pakistan, Poland and France.
If Malaysia achieve their target of beating China and Ireland, they would finish third in Group B and the likely hood of quarter-finals opponents would be either India or Pakistan.
But if they finsih fourth in Group B, the corss over would be against the champions of Group A -- Australia for sure.
Ranked 31, China have included a few new faces, but the majority are from the Incheon Asian Games squad which Malaysia beat 4-1.
China made the WL Semifinals by emerging tops in Round Two in South Africa, but that does not bother Razie.
"We came here on a mission to qualify for the Olympics, and beating China is a must. There are no two ways about this first match. All our preparations have been geared towards beating China as well as our second match against Ireland," said Razie.
Malaysia play Ireland after a three-day rest, and wins in both the matches will hand Razie and his mates a spot in the quarter-finals -- which is just one step away from packing for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics next year.
"Although we have not played China since the Asian Games, we have been watching their recent matches on video and know their strengths and weaknesses.
"As for me, I have never felt better executing penalty corners and will try to give the team an early boost and also to douse the China fight by scoring early goals," said Razie.
The team had a light training around their hotel in Antwerp yesterday, as the Belgian weather kept changing the script. It can become chilly and 17 degrees Celsius with constant drizzle, and the next hour the sun would be out.
Coach Tai Beng Hai is also confident that China can be beaten.
"Even though I predict it to be a close match, but victory should be ours as my players have been giving their best and even though we were hit by a tragedy and goalkeeper S. Kumar had to fly home, the target still remains the same -- beat China and Ireland and qualify for the quarter-finals," said Beng Hai.
The script looks easy and winning three matches is all that Malaysia needs to do, to qualify to the Olympics.
But if they mess up against China today, the door would be virtually closed as they need to beat Ireland next just to avoid finishing fifth in Group A which does not offer any knock out options. Only the top four teams in each group play in the quarter-finals.
The other teams in Group B are far too strong for Malaysia but if they win the first two matches, even hammerings in the hands of Belgium and Britain can be taken with a big smile.
In Group A are world No 1 Australia, the raging favourites for gold, Asian Games champions India (the only team here who has qualified for the Olympics), Pakistan, Poland and France.
If Malaysia achieve their target of beating China and Ireland, they would finish third in Group B and the likely hood of quarter-finals opponents would be either India or Pakistan.
But if they finsih fourth in Group B, the corss over would be against the champions of Group A -- Australia for sure.
Continue marching...
By Jugjet Singh
COLUMN
WHEN A tragedy befalls the only option is to be strong and march ahead, and support from family and friends is vital at this stage.
Nobody should face a tragedy which has befallen our No 1 goalkeeper S. Kumar. Its never easy to lose a loved one, but a three-year old son would surely break even the strongest of hearts.
When Kumar's father died in 2010, he was keeping goal at the New Delhi Commonwealth Games, and when his first son was born, he was at the Asian Games battling for Malaysia.
And now when he arrived in Belgium, he had to rush back to the funeral of Haarsheen, who is only three years old.
Nobody deserves such pain, and surely not a gentleman like Kumar.
We come from the same village, Tampin in Negri Sembilan, and he lives opposite my house. He is family, and so this tragedy has affected me as well.
Growing up, Kumar never had a bad bone in him, and was a role model in school as well as sports where he was identified by the late Tengku Besar Secondary School teacher S. Sivapathasundram to don pads between the goalmouth.
His resilience saw him become the No 1 not only in Malaysia but was also awarded the No 1 goalkeeper in Asia.
He took Malaysia to the Netherlands World Cup when it came to penalty shoot-out against Japan in the Johor Baru World League Semifinals. And he again took Malaysia to the World League Semifinals in Belgium when it came to another penalty shoot-out in the World League Round Two in Singapore in January.
He held gallantly in the last four shoot-out, and Malaysia beat Japan and entered the final and went on to beat Poland 8-0 for their first International Hockey Federation (FIH) tournament gold.
For a man who has done so much for the country and his family, the tragedies that has hit him are really unjust, to put it mildly.
Before heading for Belgium, Kumar told me that he really wants to play in the Olympics, as it is the only tournament that has eluded him over the years.
Well Kumar, rest assured your team-mates will give their best in the World League Semi-finals in Belgium, and hopefully realise your dream.
As of now, your family needs you more than your country, and so be strong my friend. On behalf of all hockey lovers in Malaysia, our deepest condolences Kumar.
COLUMN
WHEN A tragedy befalls the only option is to be strong and march ahead, and support from family and friends is vital at this stage.
Nobody should face a tragedy which has befallen our No 1 goalkeeper S. Kumar. Its never easy to lose a loved one, but a three-year old son would surely break even the strongest of hearts.
When Kumar's father died in 2010, he was keeping goal at the New Delhi Commonwealth Games, and when his first son was born, he was at the Asian Games battling for Malaysia.
And now when he arrived in Belgium, he had to rush back to the funeral of Haarsheen, who is only three years old.
Nobody deserves such pain, and surely not a gentleman like Kumar.
We come from the same village, Tampin in Negri Sembilan, and he lives opposite my house. He is family, and so this tragedy has affected me as well.
Growing up, Kumar never had a bad bone in him, and was a role model in school as well as sports where he was identified by the late Tengku Besar Secondary School teacher S. Sivapathasundram to don pads between the goalmouth.
His resilience saw him become the No 1 not only in Malaysia but was also awarded the No 1 goalkeeper in Asia.
He took Malaysia to the Netherlands World Cup when it came to penalty shoot-out against Japan in the Johor Baru World League Semifinals. And he again took Malaysia to the World League Semifinals in Belgium when it came to another penalty shoot-out in the World League Round Two in Singapore in January.
He held gallantly in the last four shoot-out, and Malaysia beat Japan and entered the final and went on to beat Poland 8-0 for their first International Hockey Federation (FIH) tournament gold.
For a man who has done so much for the country and his family, the tragedies that has hit him are really unjust, to put it mildly.
Before heading for Belgium, Kumar told me that he really wants to play in the Olympics, as it is the only tournament that has eluded him over the years.
Well Kumar, rest assured your team-mates will give their best in the World League Semi-finals in Belgium, and hopefully realise your dream.
As of now, your family needs you more than your country, and so be strong my friend. On behalf of all hockey lovers in Malaysia, our deepest condolences Kumar.
Sad start...
MALAYSIA'S Olympic campaign received an early blow when No 1 goalkeeper S. Kumar had to rush back due to a personal tragedy, but the rest of the players are determined the show must go on.
Kumar, who has saved Malaysia many times with his heroics antics, lost his three-year-old son due to illness and will be replaced by Hafizuddin Othman.
Now the only player in the team who has been to the Olympics, Roslan Jamaluddin, will be trusted to stand between the posts.
"It is a great loss not only to Kumar but also to the entire team because we are not only team-mates but also family. The only thing that I cam say now is that I will give my very best to make sure Malaysia qualify for the Olympics, a platform which Kumar really wanted to play in," said Roslan who is the last remaining member of the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
There was a somber moment as the players lifted their gear and placed it onto the bus heading for a training session. Gone were the normal laughter and teasing and joking seen during other tournaments.
"Our hearts are very heavy and we still can't digest the bad news which has befallen Kumar. However, one thing is for sure, the entire team has a stronger resolution to qualify for the Olympics," said Kuamar's room-mate Baljit Singh Charun Singh.
The road to Rio de Janeiro is hinging on three matches for Malaysia. Its looks easy, and also rosy, but could also turn into a nightmare if they fall in the first hurdle.
China are first on the schedule, and a win here is must for Tai Beng Hai's men to keep the Olympic hope burning.
And the fixtures have been drawn akin a blessing as Ireland are a distant three rest days later and three points against the Irish will see Malaysia qualify for the quarter-finals on a better footing.
Belgium and Britain are the last two hurdles, but if both China and Ireland are tamed, Malaysia can afford to lose both the other matches and still finish third in Group B.
And if it goes as planned, the third placing will see Malaysia play either India or Pakistan in the last eight.
So in toal, only three matches needed to be won in the World League Semifinals for Malaysia to achieve their Olympic dream.
But if they crumble and finish fourth, mighty Australia will await them in the quarters. The worse case scenario in Belgium is finishing a disastrous fifth in Group B, which automatically shuts the door as there is no playoff here.
In Group A are Australia, India, Pakistan, Poland and France.
For the record, Malaysia played two friendlies against Brazil (won 3-2) and Netherlands Under-21 (lost 2-1) as their last warm-ups.
"Everybody wants to win but sometimes, we need to hold back to avoid injuries leading into an important tournament," said Beng Hai.
Kumar, who has saved Malaysia many times with his heroics antics, lost his three-year-old son due to illness and will be replaced by Hafizuddin Othman.
Now the only player in the team who has been to the Olympics, Roslan Jamaluddin, will be trusted to stand between the posts.
"It is a great loss not only to Kumar but also to the entire team because we are not only team-mates but also family. The only thing that I cam say now is that I will give my very best to make sure Malaysia qualify for the Olympics, a platform which Kumar really wanted to play in," said Roslan who is the last remaining member of the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
There was a somber moment as the players lifted their gear and placed it onto the bus heading for a training session. Gone were the normal laughter and teasing and joking seen during other tournaments.
"Our hearts are very heavy and we still can't digest the bad news which has befallen Kumar. However, one thing is for sure, the entire team has a stronger resolution to qualify for the Olympics," said Kuamar's room-mate Baljit Singh Charun Singh.
The road to Rio de Janeiro is hinging on three matches for Malaysia. Its looks easy, and also rosy, but could also turn into a nightmare if they fall in the first hurdle.
China are first on the schedule, and a win here is must for Tai Beng Hai's men to keep the Olympic hope burning.
And the fixtures have been drawn akin a blessing as Ireland are a distant three rest days later and three points against the Irish will see Malaysia qualify for the quarter-finals on a better footing.
Belgium and Britain are the last two hurdles, but if both China and Ireland are tamed, Malaysia can afford to lose both the other matches and still finish third in Group B.
And if it goes as planned, the third placing will see Malaysia play either India or Pakistan in the last eight.
So in toal, only three matches needed to be won in the World League Semifinals for Malaysia to achieve their Olympic dream.
But if they crumble and finish fourth, mighty Australia will await them in the quarters. The worse case scenario in Belgium is finishing a disastrous fifth in Group B, which automatically shuts the door as there is no playoff here.
In Group A are Australia, India, Pakistan, Poland and France.
For the record, Malaysia played two friendlies against Brazil (won 3-2) and Netherlands Under-21 (lost 2-1) as their last warm-ups.
"Everybody wants to win but sometimes, we need to hold back to avoid injuries leading into an important tournament," said Beng Hai.
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Barely 3-2 ...
MALAYSIA just did enough to beat China 3-2. But if they play like this against Ireland, we will not qualify for the Olympics.
Betting on sun to shine on Malaysia
SUMMER in Belgium is a week late, and even the locals are still in their jackets waiting for the sun to shine.
The famous outdoor bars in Antwerp still display empty chairs and tables, while its packed to the brim indoors, with everybody waiting anxiously for more heat this summer.
The World League Semifinals, an Olympic Qualifier, started yesterday with the women's teams and men's Group A matches, and the KHC Red Dragons stadium was ready in every aspect to host the multitude of teams -- all playing at one pitch only.
Malaysia's first recorded match against Belgium was at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and the final score was 3-3, with 1-1 at half-time. The Malaysian heroes who scored then were C. Paramalingam (40th, 53rd) and Koh Hock Seng (32nd).
Belgium were better in hockey even earlier, in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics they finished seventh, Singapore eighth and Malaysia ninth among 12 teams.
However, in Melbourne Malaysia did not cross paths with Belgium, in a tournament which Kenya were 10th, Afghanistan 11th and USA 12th.
Hockey has always been a proud tradition here, and KHC Dragons alone has 1,800 members with 1,400 of them active players.
The Belgians, who speak Dutch in Antwerp, French in Brussels and English everywhere, are blessed to have borders with Germany, Netherlands and France as playing hockey with other nations is just a bus ride away.
Unlike Malaysia, who needs to take a flight to India, Pakistan, Japan or South Korea to play quality matches.
So its no surprise that Belgium are the most improved team in field hockey in the last five years as they finished fifth on three occassions -- the 2012 London Olympics and Champions Trophy in Melbourne, as well as last year's World Cup at the Netherlands.
Asian teams India, Pakistan, South Korea and Malaysia are now no match for the Belgians, and in the World League they are expected to be in the semi-finals and qualify for the Olympics.
As for Malaysia, they open their campaign against China today wearing a black arm-band and a minute of silence will be observed for the tragedy which befell our goalkeeper S. Kumar.
Hopefully, the sun will smile on the Malaysian team today and there will be sunshine moments which will eventually take the nation into the Olympics after being in the grey shades of winter for the past 16 years.
The famous outdoor bars in Antwerp still display empty chairs and tables, while its packed to the brim indoors, with everybody waiting anxiously for more heat this summer.
The World League Semifinals, an Olympic Qualifier, started yesterday with the women's teams and men's Group A matches, and the KHC Red Dragons stadium was ready in every aspect to host the multitude of teams -- all playing at one pitch only.
Malaysia's first recorded match against Belgium was at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and the final score was 3-3, with 1-1 at half-time. The Malaysian heroes who scored then were C. Paramalingam (40th, 53rd) and Koh Hock Seng (32nd).
Belgium were better in hockey even earlier, in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics they finished seventh, Singapore eighth and Malaysia ninth among 12 teams.
However, in Melbourne Malaysia did not cross paths with Belgium, in a tournament which Kenya were 10th, Afghanistan 11th and USA 12th.
Hockey has always been a proud tradition here, and KHC Dragons alone has 1,800 members with 1,400 of them active players.
The Belgians, who speak Dutch in Antwerp, French in Brussels and English everywhere, are blessed to have borders with Germany, Netherlands and France as playing hockey with other nations is just a bus ride away.
Unlike Malaysia, who needs to take a flight to India, Pakistan, Japan or South Korea to play quality matches.
So its no surprise that Belgium are the most improved team in field hockey in the last five years as they finished fifth on three occassions -- the 2012 London Olympics and Champions Trophy in Melbourne, as well as last year's World Cup at the Netherlands.
Asian teams India, Pakistan, South Korea and Malaysia are now no match for the Belgians, and in the World League they are expected to be in the semi-finals and qualify for the Olympics.
As for Malaysia, they open their campaign against China today wearing a black arm-band and a minute of silence will be observed for the tragedy which befell our goalkeeper S. Kumar.
Hopefully, the sun will smile on the Malaysian team today and there will be sunshine moments which will eventually take the nation into the Olympics after being in the grey shades of winter for the past 16 years.
Case of missing Azerbaijan and Malaysia's missed chance...
THE Malaysian women's hockey team missed a chance of a lifetime to play in the World League Semifinals in Belgium after Azerbaijan went missing on transit at Turkey.
Their non arival in Belgium made the International Hockey Federation press the panic button to call up reserve teams from the World League Round Two and the Malaysian women were among the five teams offered as replacements on Friday 7am.
The Malaysian women had finished third in the WL Round Two in New Delhi and are ranked 21st in the world, but declined due to time constrain. They had recently won gold at the Sea Games but travelling and recovering from jet lag at the 11th hour invitation was the reason Malaysia had to give up a chance to play in Belgium.
France, ranked 24th, took up the offer and crosed over the border in two hours to replace Azerbaijan. France will now have the opportunity to play for one of the three guaranteed tickets to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games available in Belgium
Meanwhile, in the men's Group A matches played late Saturday, Asian giants India and Pakistan could only scrape past lower ranked European teams.
India struggled to beat France 2-1 while Pakistan posted the same score against Poland
Their non arival in Belgium made the International Hockey Federation press the panic button to call up reserve teams from the World League Round Two and the Malaysian women were among the five teams offered as replacements on Friday 7am.
The Malaysian women had finished third in the WL Round Two in New Delhi and are ranked 21st in the world, but declined due to time constrain. They had recently won gold at the Sea Games but travelling and recovering from jet lag at the 11th hour invitation was the reason Malaysia had to give up a chance to play in Belgium.
France, ranked 24th, took up the offer and crosed over the border in two hours to replace Azerbaijan. France will now have the opportunity to play for one of the three guaranteed tickets to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games available in Belgium
Meanwhile, in the men's Group A matches played late Saturday, Asian giants India and Pakistan could only scrape past lower ranked European teams.
India struggled to beat France 2-1 while Pakistan posted the same score against Poland
Thursday, June 18, 2015
My deepest condolences to Kumar
THE first news I received when I reached Belgium was that Kumar lost his 3 year old son to illness.
I met the team and coach beng hai and there was sadness all around.
Kumar is not just a friend he is brother and lives opposite my house in Tampin.
As a writer this is the first time Ive failed to write.. take care brother and be strong.
I met the team and coach beng hai and there was sadness all around.
Kumar is not just a friend he is brother and lives opposite my house in Tampin.
As a writer this is the first time Ive failed to write.. take care brother and be strong.
Monday, June 15, 2015
World League 3:Semifinals or bust..
MALAYSIA left for Netherlands Sunday night to play their final friendlies before heading for Belgium for a shot at the Olympics.
And their only route to Rio de Janeiro next year is to finish among the top-four in the Belgium Qualifier.
This change came about when the Argentina World League Semifinals concluded with Germany, Argentina and Netherlands grabbing three tickets to the Olympics.
Canada were the surprise package when they finished fourth, while Spain fifth and New Zealand sixth. Asian teams South Korea and Japan could only finish seventh and eighth.
In simple terms, if Malaysia enter the semi-finals, by virtue of being ranked higher than fourth placed Canada they will be the first choice to the Olympics when double qualification from continental tournaments occur.
But if they finish fifth or sixth, the first and second choices would be Spain (11th) and New Zealand (7th) who are higher ranked than Malaysia (12th).
Coach Tai Beng Hai's men will play low-key matches against Brazil and the Netherlands Under-21 team as warm-ups for the World League Semi-finals which starts on June 20 to July 5.
Malaysia are in Group B of the World League with Belgium, Great Britain, China and Ireland. In Group A are Australia, India, Pakistan, Poland and France.
A top-three finish will automatically see Malaysia play at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics next year. But the World League format allows the fourth placed team to play in the Olympics, provided there are double qualifications.
While Malaysia play low ranked Brazil; India, Belgium, Australia and Great Britain are involved in high stakes friendlies.
Belgium beat India 2-1, while Great Britain shocked world no 1 Australia 3-1.
"We will be gunning for the semi-finals, which will not be easy, but not impossible as well," said Beng Hai.
Canada showed that impossible is nothing when they held New Zealand 0-0 and then beat the Kiwis in the penalty shoot-out to play in the semi-finals of the World League in Argentina.
"Canada did the unthinkable and even though they finished fourth in the Argentina World League they still have a chance to qualify for the Olympics. We need to be in the semi-finals and then our higher ranking than Canada will see us through," said Beng Hai.
Malaysia are ranked 12th in the world while Canada are 15th.
In Belgium, Malaysia play China followed by Ireland after a three-day rest, and if they win both the matches, the quarter-finals is secured even before playing Belgium and Great Britain.
"We need to beat China and Ireland, to be placed in the middle of the group leading into the quarter-finals. We have selected the best players in the country, and we will be leaving past behaviour of all the players back home to start afresh in our quest to play in the Olympics."
For the record, Malaysia last played at the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
FIXTURES: June 20 -- Group A: India v France, Pakistan v Poland.
June 21 -- Group A: Australia v France; Group B: Malaysia v China (6pm Malaysian time), Great Britain v Belgium.
June 22: REST DAY
June 23: Group A: India v Poland; Group B: Great Britain v Ireland, Belgium v China.
June 24: Group A: Poland v France, Pakistan v Australia.
June 25: Group B: Malaysia v Ireland (8pm Malaysian time), Great Britain v China.
June 26: Group A: Pakistan v India, Australia v Poland; Group B: Ireland v China, Malaysia v Belgium (12 midnight Malaysian time).
June 27: REST DAY
June 28: Group A: Pakistan v France, India v Australia; Group B: Malaysia v Great Britain (8pm Malaysian time), Belgium v Ireland.
June 29: REST DAY.
June 30: REST DAY.
July 1: quarter-finals.
July 2: REST DAY.
July 3: Semi-finals.
July 4: REST DAY.
July 5: Final, Third-Fourth and Fifth-Sixth.
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Argentina and Germany check into Olympics
Host nation Argentina and Germany have reached the competition final of the men’s Argentina Hockey World League Semi-Final in Buenos Aires, claiming two of the event's three guaranteed tickets for the Hockey World League Final in India later this year.
As well as a ticket to the HWL Final, the two victorious nations also confirmed their places at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in the process.
Goals from Gonzalo Peillat, Juan Gilardi and Ignacio Ortiz helped Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Pan-American rivals Canada in the first semi-final, while a late strike from Oskar Deecke gave Germany a 2-1 semi-final win over European rivals and 2013 Hockey World League champions the Netherlands at the Centro Nacional de Alto Rendimiento Deportivo (CeNARD) in Buenos Aires.
Netherlands and Canada play for bronze, which also comes with a ticket to Rio de janeiro 2016.
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Gurdwara Cup: Perak break duck after 64 years
Caption: Perak Boys Under-18 hockey team who finished third and earned the crucial one point to give their contingent the Overall title for the first time in 64 years.
GRITTY Perak finally laid their hands on the coveted Gurdwara Cup Overall title when they edged Kuala Lumpur by one point at the Penang Sports Club last weekend.
The Gurdwara Cup and Sikh Festival of Sports was at its 64th edition, and it was the first time in 64 years that Perak won the Overall title.
Nine contingents from Johor, Perak, Kedah, Royal Malaysian Police Sikhs Sports Association, Kuala Lumpur, Negri Sembilan, Selangor, Singapore and hosts Penang competed in this annual event.
Kuala Lumpur have been in total domination of the event and their only other defeat in the Overall title was in 2001 when Singapore dethroned them.
And amazingly, the one point was delivered late into the tournament by Perak's Under-18 Boys' hockey team.
Perak Sikh Union president Gurjeet Singh said: "It is real wonderful moment for Perak as its our first Overall title in 64 years and I credit all the players in every event who gave their best to achieve this milestone. The boys under-18 team finished third and were a little disappointed, but in the end, it was their one point which saw us edge Kuala Lumpur to the title."
Perak accumulated 20 points while Kuala Lumpur had 19. The Gurdwara Cup will be held in Seremban, Negri Sembilan, next year.
On hand to give moral support for Kuala Lumpur was the country's Asian Games gold medallist ACP (rtd) Datuk Nashatar Singh.
The highlight of the championship was the senior men's hockey final at the Penang Sports Club ground where debutant Royal Malaysian Police Sikhs Sports Association were sent packing 6-1 by Kuala Lumpur.
Organising committee chairman Dr Terlochan Singh said for the first time the Royal Malaysian Police Sikhs Sports Association has been invited to participate in the Gurdwara Cup, one of the oldest sporting events in the country.
Roll of Honour:
Overall champions: Perak
Best Sikh Sportman 2014: Navraj Singh Randhawa (athletics).
Most Promising Sikh Sportman 2014: Jasraj Singh Dhanoa (cricket), Shaunvinder Singh (cricket) and Ishaan Singh (tennis).
Hockey Fair Play Trophy (senior): Johor
Football Fair Play Trophy (senior): Perak
Netball Fair Play Trophy: Penang
RESULTS - Badminton: Final: Negri Sembilan 2 Perak 0; 3rd-4th: Selangor 2 Kuala Lumpur 0.
Football (juniors) Final: Perak 3 Kuala Lumpur 0; 3rd-4th: Selangor 3 Singapore 0.
Seniors Final: Kuala Lumpur 1 (4) Perak 1 (2); 3rd-4th: Negri Sembilan 0 (3) Selangor 0 (0).
Golf: 1 Perak (304 pts), Singapore (309), 3 Selangor (314).
Hockey (juniors) Final: Kuala Lumpur 4 Negri Sembilan 1; Bronze: Perak.
Seniors Final: Kuala Lumpur 6 Royal Malaysian Police Sikh Sports Association 1; 3rd-4th: Perak 0 (6) Selangor 0 (5).
Netball Final: Selangor 25 Kuala Lumpur 22; 3rd-4th: Penang 23 Perak 21.
Monday, June 8, 2015
Top eight confirmed in Buenos Aires
Spain, Korea and Japan join the Netherlands, New Zealand, Germany, Argentina and Canada in the quarter-finals at the Argentina Hockey World League Semi-Final in Buenos Aires.
Argentina are back on top of pool B. The Leones defeated the Olympic champions Germany in an entertaining match with 4-3 thanks to a late goal from FIH rising star Gonzalo Peillat. Spain beat Austria 4-1 to secure a top four position in the pool. Earlier, Nick Haig’s last-minute goal had secured his Blacksticks a 1-1 draw against the pool A leaders from the Netherlands with Egypt missing out on the knock-stage after a 7-3 loss to Korea.
Match 13: Egypt v Korea 2-7 (2-2)
Egypt, who lost their first three matches in Buenos Aires, were fighting hard to avoid another defeat but their effort has not paid off. The Egyptians kept the match open for quite some time, but Korea eventually sealed the 7-2 victory in the last quarter.
Captain Amr Elhady opened the scoring on 8 minutes but the advantage was short-lived. Korea recovered quickly and equalised in the same minute through a penalty corner goal from Nam Hyunwoo before turning the score around with a beautiful field goal from Jang Jonghyun (13’). Egypt struck back through Mohamed Essam (26’) before halftime to level the contest at 2-2 at the break.
Hamad Atef (34’) put Egypt ahead 3-2 but Korea responded 10 minutes later when Nam (44’) scored from a penalty stroke. However, the Koreans saved their best performance for the last quarter, adding more goals through Lee Namyong (46’), Lee Jung Jun (50’), Kang Moonkyu (57’) and You Hyosik (58’) - the 7-3 win demonstrating their superiority.
Match 14: New Zealand v Netherlands 1-1 (0-1)
Nick Haig’s last-minute strike secured New Zealand a thrilling 1-1 against the Netherlands. As the match finished tied, both teams remain unbeaten at the Argentina Hockey Champions Trophy in Buenos Aires with the Dutchmen leading the pool because of the better goal difference.
The first half of action in Buenos Aires didn’t see many scoring opportunities for either side. However, the current Olympic and World Cup Silver medallists were first on the scoreboard when Jeroen Hertberger (21’) netted following a beautiful pass from Robbert Kemperman.
New Zealand worked hard to come back and the effort paid off when they won their first penalty corner with two minutes remaining. Nick Haig (60’) took responsibility and scored. The Black Sticks were close to adding another goal but a second penalty corner taken by Nick Hayward went wide.
Match 15: Austria v Spain 1-4 (1-3)
Spain have qualified for the quarter-finals of the Argentina Hockey World League in Buenos Aires after beating Austria 4-1 in a key encounter. The world’s number 22 finished bottom of pool B having lost all four matches. Austria will now play off in Thursday’s 9th/10th classification match against Egypt.
The match started with high intensity and both teams enjoying possession. Spain won an early penalty corner which was superbly converted by Pau Quemada (6’) after the ball was deflected from the post. Andres Mir (17’) doubled the lead at the beginning of the second quarter before the Austrians pulled one back through a penalty corner goal from Dominic Uher (26’).
Xavi Lleonart (29’) added another penalty corner goal just before halftime to secure a convincing 3-1 lead at the break. In the third quarter Quemada (43’) increased the Red Stick's lead to 4-1. Austria fought hard in the last quarter but could not bridge the gap.
Match 16: Argentina v Germany 4-3 (2-2)
Argentina maintained their unbeaten streak on home soil at the Argentina Hockey World League Semi-Final in Buenos Aires. The Leones defeated the Olympic champions Germany in an entertaining match with 4-3 thanks to a late goal from FIH rising star Gonzalo Peillat. Argentina are now back on top of pool B.
The Leones were on fire in the first quarter scoring on 8 and 13 minutes. Pedro Ibarra put Argentina ahead with a penalty corner goal before Juan Gilardi doubled the lead with a penalty stroke goal. The Olympic champions leveled the score to 2-2 before halftime thanks to goals from Florian Fuchs (21’) and Christopher Zeller (24’). Zeller received a superb flick from Martin Häner and started a solo run to score a beautiful equaliser.
Play got hectic towards the end with both sides looking for the winner in the sold-out CeNARD stadium. Peillat put his Leones ahead 3-2 when he converted a penalty corner on 53 minutes. However, it took Germany just one minute to strike back through a penalty corner goal from Tobias Hauke (54’). The game-winning goal arrived with two minutes remaining. Argentina won another penalty corner which was fired home by Peillat to secure the 4-3 win.
@FIH_Hockey
#HWL2015 #RoadToRio
Malaysia's 18 Olympic hopefuls...
NATIONAL chief coach Tai Beng Hai finally named his final 18 for the World League Semi-finals, with three players having less than 30 caps.
The WL Semifinals, on June 20-July 5 in Antwerp, Belgium, is an Olympic Qualifier with the top-four assured of making the trip to Rio de Janeiro next year.
However, the young trio ahve played in many international tournaments before and are not wet behind the ears.
Meor Azuan (29 caps), Shahril Saabah (29 caps) and Haziq Shamsul (17 caps) will carry a heavy burden of making sure Malaysia do not miss the Olympics again -- a platform the country last played in Sydney 2000.
"Although the three have very few caps, they have played in the World Cup, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games before and they made the squad on merit," said Beng Hai.
Haziq, Meor and Shahril played in the last Junior World Cup in New Delhi where Malaysia finished fourth, while Shahril also played in the Netherlands World Cup. Meor has also played in the Commonwealth Games.
Malaysia are in Group B with China, Ireland, Great Britain and Belgium. While in Group A are Australia, Pakistan, India, France and Poland.
Only four teams from each group play in the quarter-finals, and Malaysia must beat China and Ireland (their first two games) to be in a comfortable position and avoid Australia in the last-eight if they want to play in Rio de Janeiro.
China are already in Europe playing friendlies, and yesterday they beat France 3-1. India also left for Europe yesterday.
"We will leave for Europe on June 14 and play a few friendlies with the Dutch under-21 side as well as Brazil for warm-up and acclimatisation.
"On China who are our first opponents, I believe they have improved much but still, we will be looking for our opening three points against them on June 21," said Beng Hai.
And Malaysia have plenty of rest after China, as their next match against Ireland is three days away -- on June 25. And Malaysia have plenty of rest after China, as their next match against Ireland is three days away -- on June 25. Malaysia play Belgium the next day and Great Britain on June 28.
Controversial striker Faizal Saari, who went Awol for a month after the Singapore World League Round Two, was given another chance by the new management in the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC).
He was not included in the Australian and Europe Tours, but Beng Hai said his fitness level is still good.
"We did a fitness test on Sunday, and all the 18 showed good results," said Beng Hai.
MALAYSIA: S. Kumar (gk), Roslan Jamaluddin (gk), Baljit Singh Charun, Razie Rahim (captain), Izwan Firdaus, Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin, Faizal Saari, Izad Hakimi, Marhan Jalil, nabil Fiqri, Azlan Misron, Firhan Ashaari, Shahrun Nabil, Sukri Mutalib, Faiz Helmi, Meor Azuan, Shahril Saabah, Haziq Shamsul.
The WL Semifinals, on June 20-July 5 in Antwerp, Belgium, is an Olympic Qualifier with the top-four assured of making the trip to Rio de Janeiro next year.
However, the young trio ahve played in many international tournaments before and are not wet behind the ears.
Meor Azuan (29 caps), Shahril Saabah (29 caps) and Haziq Shamsul (17 caps) will carry a heavy burden of making sure Malaysia do not miss the Olympics again -- a platform the country last played in Sydney 2000.
"Although the three have very few caps, they have played in the World Cup, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games before and they made the squad on merit," said Beng Hai.
Haziq, Meor and Shahril played in the last Junior World Cup in New Delhi where Malaysia finished fourth, while Shahril also played in the Netherlands World Cup. Meor has also played in the Commonwealth Games.
Malaysia are in Group B with China, Ireland, Great Britain and Belgium. While in Group A are Australia, Pakistan, India, France and Poland.
Only four teams from each group play in the quarter-finals, and Malaysia must beat China and Ireland (their first two games) to be in a comfortable position and avoid Australia in the last-eight if they want to play in Rio de Janeiro.
China are already in Europe playing friendlies, and yesterday they beat France 3-1. India also left for Europe yesterday.
"We will leave for Europe on June 14 and play a few friendlies with the Dutch under-21 side as well as Brazil for warm-up and acclimatisation.
"On China who are our first opponents, I believe they have improved much but still, we will be looking for our opening three points against them on June 21," said Beng Hai.
And Malaysia have plenty of rest after China, as their next match against Ireland is three days away -- on June 25. And Malaysia have plenty of rest after China, as their next match against Ireland is three days away -- on June 25. Malaysia play Belgium the next day and Great Britain on June 28.
Controversial striker Faizal Saari, who went Awol for a month after the Singapore World League Round Two, was given another chance by the new management in the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC).
He was not included in the Australian and Europe Tours, but Beng Hai said his fitness level is still good.
"We did a fitness test on Sunday, and all the 18 showed good results," said Beng Hai.
MALAYSIA: S. Kumar (gk), Roslan Jamaluddin (gk), Baljit Singh Charun, Razie Rahim (captain), Izwan Firdaus, Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin, Faizal Saari, Izad Hakimi, Marhan Jalil, nabil Fiqri, Azlan Misron, Firhan Ashaari, Shahrun Nabil, Sukri Mutalib, Faiz Helmi, Meor Azuan, Shahril Saabah, Haziq Shamsul.
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