MALAYSIA showed class to hammer Pakistan 4-2 and qualify for the final of the Sultan of Johor Cup with a match in hand at the Taman Daya Stadium yesterday.
And they will play India in the final, as the Indians had beaten South Korea 6-1 in an earlier match to also remain unbeaten in the tournament.
India and Malaysia will play again on Saturday to complete their final pool match, but it will be purely academic and a warm-up to Sunday's final.
It was the second time Malaysia made the final after three editions of the Sultan of Johor Cup, and they claimed the inaugural title in 2011 by beating Australia 3-2 in the final.
The Malaysian heroes were Zulhaimi Hashim (28th), Shahril Saabah (39th), Fitri Saari (60th) and Syamim Yusof (64th).
"This is a memorable win as we beat a side which had Olympian and senior World Cup players. The match also showed my players composure, as they had to come back from a goal down for the first time in this tournament to claim the ticket to the final," said coach K, Dharmaraj.
And the most outstanding player was again goalkeeper Hafizuddin Othman, who made some daring and gallant saves.
However, it took Malaysia 20 minutes to settle down, as poor co-ordiation and stopping suddenly crept into the their normally fluent hockey.
And they even bungled the first penalty corner in the 10th minute, and gave Pakistan too much of space to mount counter attacks, but the match remained scoreless after 25 minutes of play.
The stadium was packed to the brim, as supporters turned out in full force to cheer on the juniors, but still, the drumrolls and constant singing and cheering failed to raise coach K. Dharmaraj's charges spirits in the first half, but the tide turned after the breather.
Pakistan, who relied heavily on counter attacks as Malaysia had them pinned in their own semi-circle for long periods, finally got their act together in the 26th minute.
Muhammad Dilber connected a cross for the lead, but Malaysia immediately launched an attack after the restart and won their third penalty corner.
This time, Zulhaimi Hashim made sure with a sizzling flick in the 28th minute, to re-ignite the Malaysian fire.
Malaysia were more composed after the break, and barely four minutes into play, they won a crucial penalty corner and tournament top-scorer Shahril Saabah nailed his sixth goal to give Malaysian the lead.
But Pakistan came back into the match again when they converted a penalty corner in the 48th minute into a penalty stroke, and Muhammad Tousiq beat Malaysian goalkeeper Hafizuddin Othman.
Team skipper, Fitri Saari, who gave away the penalty stroke to Pakistan earlier made ammends when he scored the third goal off a penalty corner rebound in the 50th minute.
There was plenty of time to score more, and Malaysia looked the more dangerous side as they kept possession and made dangerous breaks.
Syamim Yusof then took off the intense pressure off the Malaysian shoulder with a stunning field goal in the 64th minute and made sure Malaysia played in the final.
STANDINGS
P W D L F A Pts
INDIA 4 4 0 0 15 4 12
MALAYSIA 4 4 0 0 16 6 12
PAKISTAN 4 2 0 2 11 10 6
ARGENTINA 4 1 1 2 9 9 4
S KOREA 4 0 1 3 4 16 1
ENGLAND 4 0 0 4 4 14 0
RESULTS -- England 0 Argentina 3, South Korea 1 India 6, Malaysia 4 Pakistan 2.
Sept 28: Argentina v Pakistan (4pm), India v Malaysia (6pm), South Korea v England (8pm).
Sept 20: Final and placing matches.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Malaysia 3 England 1; India 4 Pakistan 0
MALAYSIA beat England 3-1 for their third consecutive win in the Sultan
of Johor Cup at the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru yesterday.
But it was not a comprehensive win, as coach K, Dharmaraj's boys dominated every department except the final killer touch to score goals when presented with sitters.
Goalkeeper Hafizuddin Othman was the player of the match as he bought out some super saves to hand Malaysia the win.
The team received a standing ovation from the full stadium, as they warmed down.
Everybody was happy with the win, but Dharmaraj is still looking for more from his charges.
"It is good that we won our third consecutive match, but I am still not happy with the overall performance of the team as my players missed too many penalty corners and also sitters.
"This is our team which is going to play in the (New Delhi) World Cup and they can't continue playing like they did today," said Dharmaraj.
The coach also said their real test starts today against Pakistan and India on Sunday.
"We have nine points, but the real test for my players is gainst India and Pakistan who both have matured players and even before the tournament started we knew that we need to beat these two teams to indicate our preparations for the World Cup," said Dharmaraj.
It was a first half full of zest and determination, but Malaysia only had one goal to show after 35 minutes as the forward-line kept bungling their chances.
Malaysia had three penalty corners, against England's one, and scored off their third attempt in the ninth minute.
Shahril Saabah's whole-body drive went crashing into the back of the net, and the crowd expected more goals to follow, but the game turned robust instead, with Kavin Kartik receiving a blow to his jaw which drew blood.
But the score remained as they trooped into the dressing room, with a slim lead.
After the breather, England were as robust as ever, and the smaller built Malaysians went tumbling all over the pitch when push-came-to shove.
In the 41st minute, Malaysia's Firhan Ashaari and England's Rhys Goodfield were flashed the yellow card as the game turned physical.
Malaysia started to look more dangerous as the game progressed, and off the fifth penalty corner in the 43rd minute, Kavin Kartik's push was deflected in by Izad Hakimi for a 2-0 cushion.
There was never any doubt after that goal, that Malaysia would not nail full points, but Shahril Saabah made sure with another sizzling penalty corner drive which almost tore the netting in the 56th minute.
England tried to make a comeback into the match, and scored their consolation in the 60th minute when their skipper Peter Bull perfected a penalty corner, but the comeback was too late as the clock died on them.
STANDINGS
P W D L F A Pts
MALAYSIA 3 3 0 0 12 4 9
INDIA 3 3 0 0 9 3 9
PAKISTAN 3 2 0 1 9 6 6
ARGENTINA 3 0 1 2 6 9 1
S KOREA 3 0 1 2 3 10 1
ENGLAND 3 0 0 3 4 11 0
RESULTS -- Argentina 2 South Korea 2, Malaysia 3 England 1, India 4 Pakistan 0.
Sept 26: England v Argentina (4pm), South Korea v India (6pm), Malaysia v Pakistan (8pm).
Sept 28: Argentina v Pakistan (4pm), India v Malaysia (6pm), South Korea v England (8pm).
Sept 20: Final and placing matches.
But it was not a comprehensive win, as coach K, Dharmaraj's boys dominated every department except the final killer touch to score goals when presented with sitters.
Goalkeeper Hafizuddin Othman was the player of the match as he bought out some super saves to hand Malaysia the win.
The team received a standing ovation from the full stadium, as they warmed down.
Everybody was happy with the win, but Dharmaraj is still looking for more from his charges.
"It is good that we won our third consecutive match, but I am still not happy with the overall performance of the team as my players missed too many penalty corners and also sitters.
"This is our team which is going to play in the (New Delhi) World Cup and they can't continue playing like they did today," said Dharmaraj.
The coach also said their real test starts today against Pakistan and India on Sunday.
"We have nine points, but the real test for my players is gainst India and Pakistan who both have matured players and even before the tournament started we knew that we need to beat these two teams to indicate our preparations for the World Cup," said Dharmaraj.
It was a first half full of zest and determination, but Malaysia only had one goal to show after 35 minutes as the forward-line kept bungling their chances.
Malaysia had three penalty corners, against England's one, and scored off their third attempt in the ninth minute.
Shahril Saabah's whole-body drive went crashing into the back of the net, and the crowd expected more goals to follow, but the game turned robust instead, with Kavin Kartik receiving a blow to his jaw which drew blood.
But the score remained as they trooped into the dressing room, with a slim lead.
After the breather, England were as robust as ever, and the smaller built Malaysians went tumbling all over the pitch when push-came-to shove.
In the 41st minute, Malaysia's Firhan Ashaari and England's Rhys Goodfield were flashed the yellow card as the game turned physical.
Malaysia started to look more dangerous as the game progressed, and off the fifth penalty corner in the 43rd minute, Kavin Kartik's push was deflected in by Izad Hakimi for a 2-0 cushion.
There was never any doubt after that goal, that Malaysia would not nail full points, but Shahril Saabah made sure with another sizzling penalty corner drive which almost tore the netting in the 56th minute.
England tried to make a comeback into the match, and scored their consolation in the 60th minute when their skipper Peter Bull perfected a penalty corner, but the comeback was too late as the clock died on them.
STANDINGS
P W D L F A Pts
MALAYSIA 3 3 0 0 12 4 9
INDIA 3 3 0 0 9 3 9
PAKISTAN 3 2 0 1 9 6 6
ARGENTINA 3 0 1 2 6 9 1
S KOREA 3 0 1 2 3 10 1
ENGLAND 3 0 0 3 4 11 0
RESULTS -- Argentina 2 South Korea 2, Malaysia 3 England 1, India 4 Pakistan 0.
Sept 26: England v Argentina (4pm), South Korea v India (6pm), Malaysia v Pakistan (8pm).
Sept 28: Argentina v Pakistan (4pm), India v Malaysia (6pm), South Korea v England (8pm).
Sept 20: Final and placing matches.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
That nagging feeling...
MALAYSIAN juniors are on a roll in the Sultan of Johor Cup, but coach K. Dharmaraj has a nagging feeling that bothers his mind.
His charges beat Argentina 4-2 and South Korea 5-1, which would have made any other coach satisfied, but not Dharmaraj.
"I am proud of their achievements, but I have a nagging feeling that is disturbing my mind. I can't say what it is now, but will use the rest day today (yesterday) to sort it out," said Dharmaraj.
When asked if his charges display was identical to the Junior Asia Cup squad which won gold: "Not there yet, that was a magical moment created by magical players. This batch of players are slowly getting to that level of display, and before the end of the Sultan of Johor Cup, I will know for sure."
Malaysia play England today, and coach Jonathan Bleby is confident his side will rise from the 6-2 drubbing their received from Pakistan. The English also lost their first match against India 2-1.
"Even in the huge defeat against Pakistan, the positive side is that we created nine penalty corners and there were many circle penetrations. This indicates that our attacking statistics are healthy.
"Every team is using this tournament as a learning curve for the World Cup, and we will take home valuable lessons to prepare for New Delhi.
"As for Malaysia, we played them recently when they came to England for a playing tour, and I must say that there are some very good players in the team.
"However, we hope to rise from the two defeats starting with the Malaysian game," said Bleby.
One Malaysian player, 20, and with 38 senior caps has not been impressive in the last two matches but he has his reasons.
Firhan Ashaari, who had a fantastic Asia Cup in Ipoh recently, has been in the shadows: "When we played Argentina, it was my first match after a long time with the juniors, as I was training and playing with the senior side.
"I was a little lost, and also very tightly marked in the second match against Korea. But after two matches, my game is opening up and there is more understanding with my team-mates.
"I believe I will get back my striking form against England tomorrow (today)," said Firhan.
Malaysia must beat England to make sure they avoid playing in the fifth-sixth bracket, as their next matches are uphill battles against tournament favourites Pakistan and India.
STANDINGS
P W D L F A Pts
PAKISTAN 2 2 0 0 9 2 6
MALAYSIA 2 2 0 0 9 3 6
INDIA 2 2 0 0 5 3 6
ENGLAND 2 0 0 2 3 8 0
ARGENTINA 2 0 0 2 4 7 0
S KOREA 2 0 0 2 1 8 0
TODAY -- Argentina v South Korea (4pm), Malaysia v England (6pm), India v Pakistan (8pm).
Sept 26: England v Argentina (4pm), South Korea v India (6pm), Malaysia v Pakistan (8pm).
Sept 28: Argentina v Pakistan (4pm), India v Malaysia (6pm), South Korea v England (8pm).
Sept 20: Final and placing matches.
His charges beat Argentina 4-2 and South Korea 5-1, which would have made any other coach satisfied, but not Dharmaraj.
"I am proud of their achievements, but I have a nagging feeling that is disturbing my mind. I can't say what it is now, but will use the rest day today (yesterday) to sort it out," said Dharmaraj.
When asked if his charges display was identical to the Junior Asia Cup squad which won gold: "Not there yet, that was a magical moment created by magical players. This batch of players are slowly getting to that level of display, and before the end of the Sultan of Johor Cup, I will know for sure."
Malaysia play England today, and coach Jonathan Bleby is confident his side will rise from the 6-2 drubbing their received from Pakistan. The English also lost their first match against India 2-1.
"Even in the huge defeat against Pakistan, the positive side is that we created nine penalty corners and there were many circle penetrations. This indicates that our attacking statistics are healthy.
"Every team is using this tournament as a learning curve for the World Cup, and we will take home valuable lessons to prepare for New Delhi.
"As for Malaysia, we played them recently when they came to England for a playing tour, and I must say that there are some very good players in the team.
"However, we hope to rise from the two defeats starting with the Malaysian game," said Bleby.
One Malaysian player, 20, and with 38 senior caps has not been impressive in the last two matches but he has his reasons.
Firhan Ashaari, who had a fantastic Asia Cup in Ipoh recently, has been in the shadows: "When we played Argentina, it was my first match after a long time with the juniors, as I was training and playing with the senior side.
"I was a little lost, and also very tightly marked in the second match against Korea. But after two matches, my game is opening up and there is more understanding with my team-mates.
"I believe I will get back my striking form against England tomorrow (today)," said Firhan.
Malaysia must beat England to make sure they avoid playing in the fifth-sixth bracket, as their next matches are uphill battles against tournament favourites Pakistan and India.
STANDINGS
P W D L F A Pts
PAKISTAN 2 2 0 0 9 2 6
MALAYSIA 2 2 0 0 9 3 6
INDIA 2 2 0 0 5 3 6
ENGLAND 2 0 0 2 3 8 0
ARGENTINA 2 0 0 2 4 7 0
S KOREA 2 0 0 2 1 8 0
TODAY -- Argentina v South Korea (4pm), Malaysia v England (6pm), India v Pakistan (8pm).
Sept 26: England v Argentina (4pm), South Korea v India (6pm), Malaysia v Pakistan (8pm).
Sept 28: Argentina v Pakistan (4pm), India v Malaysia (6pm), South Korea v England (8pm).
Sept 20: Final and placing matches.
FIH CEO Fairweather inspects JB for 2018 bid..
INTERNATIONAL Hockey Federation (FIH) CEO Kelly Fairweather visited the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru on Monday as a prerequisite to Malaysia's bid to host the 2018 senior World Cup.
Four countries have placed their bids for the men's tournament, and Malaysia are one of the stronger contenders going by past hosting records.
And if the FIH choose Malaysia, it would be the third time the country will host the World Cup with the first being in 1975 and the second was in 2002 where 16 teams competed.
"I am in Johor to look at the bid venue, after which I will head for the other countries that have placed bids to host the men's and also the women's world cups," said Fairweather.
For the men's World Cup the four countries that have placed bids are Malaysia, previous hosts India, Australia and New Zealand.
And for the women's tournament England, Australia and New Zealand have been shortlisted.
And there was more good news for Malaysia's bid as Fairwether said: "Since the 2018 World Cups will be 16-team events, the FIH would be looking at different hosts for the men's and women's tornamants as we want to package them separately and not cramp up the hosts venue."
Malaysia have only placed the bid to host the men's event, which will be jointly held in Johor Baru and Malacca.
Plans are also afoot to enhance the Taman Daya and Malacca stadium's seating capacity, pending the final decision by the FIH Executive Board in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Nov 7.
Four countries have placed their bids for the men's tournament, and Malaysia are one of the stronger contenders going by past hosting records.
And if the FIH choose Malaysia, it would be the third time the country will host the World Cup with the first being in 1975 and the second was in 2002 where 16 teams competed.
"I am in Johor to look at the bid venue, after which I will head for the other countries that have placed bids to host the men's and also the women's world cups," said Fairweather.
For the men's World Cup the four countries that have placed bids are Malaysia, previous hosts India, Australia and New Zealand.
And for the women's tournament England, Australia and New Zealand have been shortlisted.
And there was more good news for Malaysia's bid as Fairwether said: "Since the 2018 World Cups will be 16-team events, the FIH would be looking at different hosts for the men's and women's tornamants as we want to package them separately and not cramp up the hosts venue."
Malaysia have only placed the bid to host the men's event, which will be jointly held in Johor Baru and Malacca.
Plans are also afoot to enhance the Taman Daya and Malacca stadium's seating capacity, pending the final decision by the FIH Executive Board in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Nov 7.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Malaysia hammer Korea 5-1
MALAYSIA continued their super run in the Sultan of Johor Cup when they beat South Korea 5-1 at the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru yesterday.
The win came after an impressive 4-2 start against Argentina, and Malaysia now have full points after two matches going onto the rest day of the tournament.
Malaysain Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah walked onto the pitch after the win and gave a pep talk to the players.
"I am impressed with your performance today (yesterday), and there are only minur adjustments that need to be made like more swifter counter attacks, and also don't waste too many opportunities in the semi-circle.
"You guys are the Asian champions (Junior Asia Cup title holders) and now we must win this tournament to show our strenght going into the Junior World Cup," said Tengku Abdullah.
Skipper Fitri Saari led by example when he opened accounts with a deft hit in the 13th minute to give Malaysia the lead.
And cheered on by a full house with drums and constant singing, Malaysia mounted a series of attacks to increase their lead.
But the second goal never came, as Malaysia kept missing in the semi-circle, and even bungled their only penalty corner in the 25th minute.
The one-goal lead did not look impressive, as the players trooped into the dressing room to receive instructions from their coach K. Dharmaraj.
And it was a deream re-start as Malaysian won their second penalty corner a minute into the match, and Shahril Saabah made it 2-0 by scoring his fourth goal of the tournament in the 37th minute.
Malaysia mounted a series of attacks after that goal, and increased the lead off their seventh penalty corner in the 48th minute.
This time, it was the turn of Zulhairi Hashim to flick in the third goal, and the Koreans looked like they were heading for a drubbing.
And the fourth goal came off a lovely combination when Shahril beat two Koreans and made a pass to Syamim Yusof to slam home in the 64th minute.
The Korean consolation was scored in the 67th minute off a field attempt by Seo in Woo.
But Rashid Baharom returned the favour in the 69th minute with an attempt from an acute angle and Malaysia beat the Koreans 5-1.
Pakistan came back from a goal down to hammer England 6-2 to strengthen their quest of playing in the final. The thumping win came at the back of a 3-0 drubbing of South Korea on Sunday.
The Pakistan goals were scored by Muhammad Tousiq (11th, 20th), Muhammad Umair (35th, 69th), Ayub Ali (54th) and Muhammad Suleman (62nd).
Richard Gall (fifth) and Luke Taylor (15th) scored for England.
In another match, India came back from the dead to edge Argentina 3-2. The match belonged to Argentina until the 60th minute when they were leading 2-1, but team manager Orozco German started abusing the umpires and was removed from the bench.
The Argentinian players looked rattled by the incident and let in two goals in two minutes to hand the three points to India.
The India winners were scored by Affan Yousuf (23rd) and Ramandeep Singh (60th, 62nd).
Both the Argentina goals were scored by Carlos Ibarra in the 16th and 42nd minutes.
STANDINGS
P W D L F A Pts
PAKISTAN 2 2 0 0 9 2 6
MALAYSIA 2 2 0 0 9 3 6
INDIA 2 2 0 0 5 3 6
ENGLAND 2 0 0 2 3 8 0
ARGENTINA 2 0 0 2 4 7 0
S KOREA 2 0 0 2 1 8 0
RESULTS -- England 2 Pakistan 6, Argentina 2 India 3, Malaysia 5 South Korea 1.
TODAY -- REST DAY.
Sept 25: Argentina v South Korea (4pm), Malaysia v England (6pm), India v Pakistan (8pm).
Sept 26: England v Argentina (4pm), South Korea v India (6pm), Malaysia v Pakistan (8pm).
Sept 28: Argentina v Pakistan (4pm), India v Malaysia (6pm), South Korea v England (8pm).
Sept 20: Final and placing matches.
ends/
The win came after an impressive 4-2 start against Argentina, and Malaysia now have full points after two matches going onto the rest day of the tournament.
Malaysain Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah walked onto the pitch after the win and gave a pep talk to the players.
"I am impressed with your performance today (yesterday), and there are only minur adjustments that need to be made like more swifter counter attacks, and also don't waste too many opportunities in the semi-circle.
"You guys are the Asian champions (Junior Asia Cup title holders) and now we must win this tournament to show our strenght going into the Junior World Cup," said Tengku Abdullah.
Skipper Fitri Saari led by example when he opened accounts with a deft hit in the 13th minute to give Malaysia the lead.
And cheered on by a full house with drums and constant singing, Malaysia mounted a series of attacks to increase their lead.
But the second goal never came, as Malaysia kept missing in the semi-circle, and even bungled their only penalty corner in the 25th minute.
The one-goal lead did not look impressive, as the players trooped into the dressing room to receive instructions from their coach K. Dharmaraj.
And it was a deream re-start as Malaysian won their second penalty corner a minute into the match, and Shahril Saabah made it 2-0 by scoring his fourth goal of the tournament in the 37th minute.
Malaysia mounted a series of attacks after that goal, and increased the lead off their seventh penalty corner in the 48th minute.
This time, it was the turn of Zulhairi Hashim to flick in the third goal, and the Koreans looked like they were heading for a drubbing.
And the fourth goal came off a lovely combination when Shahril beat two Koreans and made a pass to Syamim Yusof to slam home in the 64th minute.
The Korean consolation was scored in the 67th minute off a field attempt by Seo in Woo.
But Rashid Baharom returned the favour in the 69th minute with an attempt from an acute angle and Malaysia beat the Koreans 5-1.
Pakistan came back from a goal down to hammer England 6-2 to strengthen their quest of playing in the final. The thumping win came at the back of a 3-0 drubbing of South Korea on Sunday.
The Pakistan goals were scored by Muhammad Tousiq (11th, 20th), Muhammad Umair (35th, 69th), Ayub Ali (54th) and Muhammad Suleman (62nd).
Richard Gall (fifth) and Luke Taylor (15th) scored for England.
In another match, India came back from the dead to edge Argentina 3-2. The match belonged to Argentina until the 60th minute when they were leading 2-1, but team manager Orozco German started abusing the umpires and was removed from the bench.
The Argentinian players looked rattled by the incident and let in two goals in two minutes to hand the three points to India.
The India winners were scored by Affan Yousuf (23rd) and Ramandeep Singh (60th, 62nd).
Both the Argentina goals were scored by Carlos Ibarra in the 16th and 42nd minutes.
STANDINGS
P W D L F A Pts
PAKISTAN 2 2 0 0 9 2 6
MALAYSIA 2 2 0 0 9 3 6
INDIA 2 2 0 0 5 3 6
ENGLAND 2 0 0 2 3 8 0
ARGENTINA 2 0 0 2 4 7 0
S KOREA 2 0 0 2 1 8 0
RESULTS -- England 2 Pakistan 6, Argentina 2 India 3, Malaysia 5 South Korea 1.
TODAY -- REST DAY.
Sept 25: Argentina v South Korea (4pm), Malaysia v England (6pm), India v Pakistan (8pm).
Sept 26: England v Argentina (4pm), South Korea v India (6pm), Malaysia v Pakistan (8pm).
Sept 28: Argentina v Pakistan (4pm), India v Malaysia (6pm), South Korea v England (8pm).
Sept 20: Final and placing matches.
ends/
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