MALAYSIA played the best game of the tournament, but were denied a point when India won 2-1 in the Asian Champions Trophy in Kuantan Wednesday.
India will go into the semi-finals as the No 1 team, while Malaysia need to beat South Korea today to remain in the No 2 or No 3 bracke heading into the last four.
Rupinder Pal Singh scored both the goals, to take his tally to 10, and denied a fighting Malaysia their glory.
Goalkeeper S. Kumar said: "We had our chances but could not make it count, and world No 6 India is never easy to beat. We lost fighting, and kept our heads high the entire match and that's what is more important heading into the last match against Korea."
Kumar, who brought off brilliant saves to deny India strikers, knows that the semi-finals is the most important match of this tournament.
"As we are already in the last four, we need to give another good performance against Korea and they give our all in the semi-finals. That's what matters in the end," said Kumar.
For the record, Malaysia finished bronze medallist in the last three editions, and making the final would be a great achievement.
Goalkeeper S. Kumar brought out half a dozen saves to keep Malaysia in the match, going into the half-time breather as India tried every trick in the book but were denied at the last shot by the veteran custodian.
India took the lead, when tournament top-scorer Rupinder Pal Singh was denied his direct penalty corner flick, but he charged up and slammed the rebound in the 13th minute to take his tally to nine goals.
However, Malaysia never broke like their usual self, and attacked relentlessly and got the equaliser in the 18th minute.
Razie Rahim blasted in Malaysia's first penalty corner for his first goal of the tournament.
The crowd turned up in full force, as Malaysia won their last three matches convincingly.
Malaysia played one of their best matches in this tournament, as they pushed India to defend in numbers.
However, with two minutes remaining in the game, Rupinder Pal scored his 10th goal of the tournament -- and Malaysia removed S. Kumar to play a kicking back.
Coach van Huizen's men won their last penalty corner with 26 seconds remaining but failed to score the equaliser.
RESULTS: South Korea 4 Japan 3, Malaysia 1 India 2.
THURSDAY: Pakistan v China (6.30pm), Malaysia v South Korea (8.30pm).
STANDINGS
P W D L F A Pts
INDIA 5 4 1 0 25 6 13
MALAYSIA 4 3 0 1 17 7 9
S. KOREA 4 2 1 1 10 8 7
PAKISTAN 4 2 0 2 9 10 6
CHINA 4 1 0 3 6 20 3
JAPAN 5 0 0 5 11 27 0
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
SOJC: England in JB to get it right...
England return to Johor Bahru after a two-year absence but there is unlikely to be any unfamilarity at the Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC) as several players played under the Great Britain banner for the past two years.
With the Junior World Cup just around the corner, England - especially head coach Jon Bleby and players James Gall and Chris Proctor - will hope they find better rhythm than in 2013 at Taman Daya Stadium before travelling to India for the world meet in December.
The trio were part of the English set-up that finished last in Johor before a dismal 14th place at the Junior World Cup.
Proctor and several others were also part of the Great Britain side that won the SOJC last year after playing bridesmaid to India in 2014. Among those absent in this year's squad include Ed Horler, James Albery, Jonty Griffiths and now-overage Luke Taylor.
Gall, who is among the handful 20 years and above players Bleby have named for the tournament, is perhaps lucky to even be on the pitch again after a career threatening fall in July 2015.
Gall fell on his head in an accident, suffered a fractured skull which caused severe swelling to the brain, and fractured his spine.
The SOJC is the final chance for players to catch the eye before the 16-team Junior World Cup in Lucknow, India between December 8-18, an event that is only held every four years.
England qualified for the world meet after finishing third at the 2014 EuroHockey Junior Nations Championship, the first time they finished on the podium since 1998.
England are scheduled to play Japan, Australia, Malaysia, Pakistan and New Zealand in the Sultan of Johor Cup starting Monday, before a final classification game on November 6.
With the Junior World Cup just around the corner, England - especially head coach Jon Bleby and players James Gall and Chris Proctor - will hope they find better rhythm than in 2013 at Taman Daya Stadium before travelling to India for the world meet in December.
The trio were part of the English set-up that finished last in Johor before a dismal 14th place at the Junior World Cup.
Proctor and several others were also part of the Great Britain side that won the SOJC last year after playing bridesmaid to India in 2014. Among those absent in this year's squad include Ed Horler, James Albery, Jonty Griffiths and now-overage Luke Taylor.
Gall, who is among the handful 20 years and above players Bleby have named for the tournament, is perhaps lucky to even be on the pitch again after a career threatening fall in July 2015.
Gall fell on his head in an accident, suffered a fractured skull which caused severe swelling to the brain, and fractured his spine.
The SOJC is the final chance for players to catch the eye before the 16-team Junior World Cup in Lucknow, India between December 8-18, an event that is only held every four years.
England qualified for the world meet after finishing third at the 2014 EuroHockey Junior Nations Championship, the first time they finished on the podium since 1998.
England are scheduled to play Japan, Australia, Malaysia, Pakistan and New Zealand in the Sultan of Johor Cup starting Monday, before a final classification game on November 6.
Difficult, but not impossible...
THE plan is simple.
Malaysia need to beat India in the Asian Champions Trophy in Kuantan Wednesday to cement their top spot in the pool as this will pit them against the fourth placed team in the semi-finals.
Executing it might be difficult, but not impossible, as Malaysia have been on fire in the three previous matches where they beat Pakistan 4-2, China 5-1 and Japan 7-2 convincingly.
India, on the other hand, have had a roller-coaster ride as after hammering Japan 10-2 they were held 1-1 by South Korea and only edged Pakistan 3-2 and yesterday hammered China 9-0.
And India were the only Asian team which played in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Ranked sixth in the world, they are eight rungs above No 14 Malaysia.
But a determined Fitri Shaari, Malaysia's engine room engineer, has a solution.
"We will be playing against Olympians who are ranked eight rungs above us, but that does not place us in awe. In fact, the team is determined to play eight time harder to win full points," said Fitri.
Always reliable to take command of the midfield, Shukri has scored two goals while his brother Faizal is Malaysia's top scorer on four.
However, the main goal-getter for Malaysia in any tournament, Razie Rahim has yet to hit the mark but has has four of his penalty corner rebounds turned into goals.
Razie, who joined the Inspector training in May, has lost his power, but not the placing.
"I'm a little rusty after being off hockey for a while to concentrate on my Police training. But still on target during penalty corners and the rebounds have been turned into goals by my team mates.
"However, after today morning's training (yesterday) I could feel the power coming back to my arms and I am ready to give my best against India," said Razie.
Malaysia have a lousy record against the Olympians, as in 109 encounters the nation has only won 15 times, while India won 76 and 18 ended in draws.
The last win for Malaysia was 3-2 in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup last year.
India coach Roelant Oltmans did not want to comment on the Malaysia match as his mind was locked on preparing for the China encounter yesterday.
RESULTS: Pakistan 4 Japan 3, India 9 China 0.
WEDNESDAY: South Korea v Japan (6.30pm), Malaysia v India (8.30pm).
THURSDAY: Pakistan v China (6.30pm), Malaysia v South Korea (8.30pm).
STANDINGS
P W D L F A Pts
INDIA 4 3 1 0 23 5 10
MALAYSIA 3 3 0 0 16 5 9
PAKISTAN 4 2 0 2 9 10 6
S. KOREA 3 1 1 1 6 5 4
CHINA 4 1 0 3 6 20 3
JAPAN 4 0 0 4 8 23 0
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
SOJC: 'Unfriendly' Australia...
AUSTRALIA continue their good relations with Malaysia at the Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC) in Johor Bahru next week, but the hosts can expect nothing friendly about their visit this time around.
The Burras kick-off their campaign against Japan at Taman Daya Stadium on Oct 31 with a squad set for the upcoming Junior World Cup in India just one month later.
Australia, who finished a dismal fifth in last year's SOJC, missed the Junior World Cup podium in 2013 and having never finished outside the top three in back-to-back editions, the pressure is on Ben Bishop's men.
“As always, it was a difficult task to select this group. Our broader junior program has developed very good depth as a result of the great work done around our network," said in a recent interview in Australia.
“The group we have selected will enjoy another great competition in Johor this year against some quality international teams.
“This year, the SOJC presents a further opportunity for us as our major competition focus in the lead up to the Junior World Cup. I look forward to seeing our Burras take another step up in their development in readiness for the Junior World Cup.”
Bishop will want to avoid repeating their 2015 outing, where Australia only manage to defeat Pakistan.
Australia lost to Argentina on the opening day before bouncing back with a 6-2 win over Pakistan, only to lose 3-2 to hosts Malaysia in the following match. Australia also drew 4-4 with Great Britain and lost 1-0 to India before disposing Pakistan 5-0 to avoid finishing with the wooden spoon.
Australia have a largely unchanged side from last year. Among the 20 players selected are Rio Olympian Blake Govers and fellow Kookaburra Tom Craig. Kiran Arunasalam from the national development squad is also included while the rest are from the national juniors.
With a talent pool so wide, the players are unlikely to take the SOJC lightly as places for the trip to Lucknow, India are up for grabs.
The Burras kick-off their campaign against Japan at Taman Daya Stadium on Oct 31 with a squad set for the upcoming Junior World Cup in India just one month later.
Australia, who finished a dismal fifth in last year's SOJC, missed the Junior World Cup podium in 2013 and having never finished outside the top three in back-to-back editions, the pressure is on Ben Bishop's men.
“As always, it was a difficult task to select this group. Our broader junior program has developed very good depth as a result of the great work done around our network," said in a recent interview in Australia.
“The group we have selected will enjoy another great competition in Johor this year against some quality international teams.
“This year, the SOJC presents a further opportunity for us as our major competition focus in the lead up to the Junior World Cup. I look forward to seeing our Burras take another step up in their development in readiness for the Junior World Cup.”
Bishop will want to avoid repeating their 2015 outing, where Australia only manage to defeat Pakistan.
Australia lost to Argentina on the opening day before bouncing back with a 6-2 win over Pakistan, only to lose 3-2 to hosts Malaysia in the following match. Australia also drew 4-4 with Great Britain and lost 1-0 to India before disposing Pakistan 5-0 to avoid finishing with the wooden spoon.
Australia have a largely unchanged side from last year. Among the 20 players selected are Rio Olympian Blake Govers and fellow Kookaburra Tom Craig. Kiran Arunasalam from the national development squad is also included while the rest are from the national juniors.
With a talent pool so wide, the players are unlikely to take the SOJC lightly as places for the trip to Lucknow, India are up for grabs.
Lessons from Cikgu Shukri...
CIKGU Shukri Mutalib has set his mind to lead Malaysia into another promising battle against India on Wednesday in the Asian Champions Trophy at the Kuantan Hockey Stadium.
A teacher by profession, the national hockey skipper and his men have so far scored three 'As' by beating Pakistan 4-2, China 5-1 and Japan 7-2 to check into the semi-finals.
With two more matches in hand, which could turn out to be the most difficult, Shukri is confident he can lead his men to victories.
"We still have to face India and then South Korea to complete our pool matches and I believe my team-mates can overcome whatever obstacles that come their way," said Shukri.
Interestingly, Shukri treats his mates as 'students' when it comes to handling them on the pitch.
"I am used to handling a large number of students with many more issues and problems in school. In hockey I only have 17 players to take charge and it is much easier as they are a disciplined lot."
Even though Malaysia have scored a total of 16 goals in three matches, but they have also let in five silly goals and look especially vulnerable in the last five minutes of every match.
"Against Japan, we were leading 7-0 and I felt that it was a moment to utilise my substitutes and I replaced goalkeeper S. Kumar and all the first choice defenders and fielded my reserves.
"Well, it was a good chance to give them some match practice ahead of the India and Korea matches. Even though it resulted in two goals in two minutes, I believe we have a strong bench to rely upon," insisted coach Stephen van Huizen.
Just like planning for lessons and motivating his students in class, Shukri has also been encouraging his mates, and parting information he picks up from watching other teams play.
"The most encouraging sign in this present team is that all the players are not selfish, especially the strikers. They are playing for the glory of Malaysia and not self pride. This can be seen in the passing done in the semi-circle, before goals are scored.
"One example is the three passes that led to Fazal Shaari blasting the ball to the top of the Japan net. It took real good understanding and unselfishness to achieve that goal.
Things are looking up for Malaysia, and now they must play two more pool to make the country proud, by finishing tops in the pool and play the fourth-placed team in the semi-finals.
RESULTS: South Korea 5 China 3.
TUESDAY: Pakistan v Japan (6.30pm), India v China (8.30pm).
WEDNESDAY: South Korea v Japan (6.30pm), Malaysia v India (8.30pm).
STANDINGS
P W D L F A Pts
MALAYSIA 3 3 0 0 16 5 9
INDIA 3 2 1 0 14 5 7
S. KOREA 3 1 1 1 6 5 4
PAKISTAN 3 1 0 2 5 7 3
CHINA 3 1 0 2 6 11 3
JAPAN 3 0 0 3 5 19 0
A teacher by profession, the national hockey skipper and his men have so far scored three 'As' by beating Pakistan 4-2, China 5-1 and Japan 7-2 to check into the semi-finals.
With two more matches in hand, which could turn out to be the most difficult, Shukri is confident he can lead his men to victories.
"We still have to face India and then South Korea to complete our pool matches and I believe my team-mates can overcome whatever obstacles that come their way," said Shukri.
Interestingly, Shukri treats his mates as 'students' when it comes to handling them on the pitch.
"I am used to handling a large number of students with many more issues and problems in school. In hockey I only have 17 players to take charge and it is much easier as they are a disciplined lot."
Even though Malaysia have scored a total of 16 goals in three matches, but they have also let in five silly goals and look especially vulnerable in the last five minutes of every match.
"Against Japan, we were leading 7-0 and I felt that it was a moment to utilise my substitutes and I replaced goalkeeper S. Kumar and all the first choice defenders and fielded my reserves.
"Well, it was a good chance to give them some match practice ahead of the India and Korea matches. Even though it resulted in two goals in two minutes, I believe we have a strong bench to rely upon," insisted coach Stephen van Huizen.
Just like planning for lessons and motivating his students in class, Shukri has also been encouraging his mates, and parting information he picks up from watching other teams play.
"The most encouraging sign in this present team is that all the players are not selfish, especially the strikers. They are playing for the glory of Malaysia and not self pride. This can be seen in the passing done in the semi-circle, before goals are scored.
"One example is the three passes that led to Fazal Shaari blasting the ball to the top of the Japan net. It took real good understanding and unselfishness to achieve that goal.
Things are looking up for Malaysia, and now they must play two more pool to make the country proud, by finishing tops in the pool and play the fourth-placed team in the semi-finals.
RESULTS: South Korea 5 China 3.
TUESDAY: Pakistan v Japan (6.30pm), India v China (8.30pm).
WEDNESDAY: South Korea v Japan (6.30pm), Malaysia v India (8.30pm).
STANDINGS
P W D L F A Pts
MALAYSIA 3 3 0 0 16 5 9
INDIA 3 2 1 0 14 5 7
S. KOREA 3 1 1 1 6 5 4
PAKISTAN 3 1 0 2 5 7 3
CHINA 3 1 0 2 6 11 3
JAPAN 3 0 0 3 5 19 0
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