THE National players did everything right, except score as they went down 1-0 to New Zealand in the Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh yesterday.
The defeat will see them play for the fifth-sixth placing.
Malaysia wasted four penalty coreners by half-time, while the Kiwis only needed one to take the lead.
Kane Russel made it count in the 25th minute and Malysia were in trouble again.
Malaysia played two Test matches against New Zealand a week before the tournament and won 8-3 and drew 3-3.
But when it mattered most, they lost 1-0.
Australia virtually booked a spot in the final when they beat Britain 2-1. They only have Japan to play on Friday, and are the raging favourites for three points.
In the first match of the day, Mandeep Singh saved India the blushes with a hat-trick as the World No 6 came back twice to beat a disciplined Japan 4-3 in a nail-biting match.
India coach Roelant Oltmans said: "We started off really good and kept on attacking, putting too much pressure and Japan was also quick in the counter attacks. It was a really fast pace game and the two were coming from both ends.
"In the second half we changed the tactics and had more control of the game but unfortunately we could not score. The fourth quarter was great and that gave us more options in our breakaways. Mandeep and Sardar played exceptionally well.
"Mandeep is young and very fit. He can score goals from angles you would least expect. Sometimes it is hard to understand him."
Japan coach Takahiko Yamabori was visibly upset because his charges were leading 3-2 before collapsing.
"I am most upset with this defeat. We had a good chance to beat India after taking the lead twice. But on the other hand, I am happy with the attitude of my players for giving their best against India.
"We will continue to build this team for the World League Semi-finals and I believe we are heading right direction. The scores are important but how the teams plays is far more important."
RESULTS: Japan 3 India 4, Britain 1 Australia 2, Malaysia 0 New Zealand 1.
THURSDAY: REST DAY
FRIDAY: Britain v New Zealand (4pm), Australia v Japan (6pm), Malaysia v India (8.35pm).
STANDINGS
P W D L F A Pts
AUSTRALIA 4 3 1 0 12 4 10
INDIA 4 2 1 1 10 8 7
BRITAIN 4 2 1 1 9 7 7
N ZEALAND 4 2 1 1 5 6 7
JAPAN 4 0 1 3 9 13 1
MALAYSIA 4 0 1 3 2 9 1
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
Tuesday, May 2, 2017
Britain use all nine lives to beat Malaysia...
THE NATIONAL players displayed their best game in Ipoh to date but still went down 1-0 to Great Britain in the Azlan Shah Cup yesterday.
Malaysia started more convincingly than the previous two matches, as there was more commitment and desire in their game.
But Britain had the lions share in the first quarter, and experienced goalkeeper S. Kumar had to use every trick in his book to keep a clean record in the first quarter.
The only excitement for the Malaysian fans was when Razie Rahim's penalty corner attempt in the 14th minute was padded away by goalkeeper Harry Gibson.
Britain defended and only relied on counters in the second quarter and it worked as they won a penalty stroke in the 26th and Alan Forsyth sent Kumar in the wrong direction for the lead.
And Britain held on to the slim lead going into half-time, even though they were placed under tremendous pressure by a rejuvenated Malaysia.
Malaysia missed many sitters for the next 30 minutes, and Britain stole the three points on nine lives.
National coach Stephen van Huizen felt it was a drawn game, as the penalty stroke awarded to Britain was dubious.
"For those who watches the replays (on TV) would know what I am talking about, but then there was video referral and they felt it was a stroke and that's the end of it.
"However, we could have done better in attack when we had the numbers on counter, but failed. Overall its a good show from my players against a team which is in the same group with us in the World League (Semi-finals) in London."
Britain coach Zak Jones counted his blessings.
"We blew hot and cold while Malaysia really pressed us hard but my players could keep pace with them and now we only have 'a few hours of rest' before playing Australia."
World No 2 Australia edged closer to a 10th Azlan Shah title when they beat India 3-1.
India took the lead, but Australia kept the pressure to win comfortably and will play Britain today where a win should see them playing in the final.
Australia coach Colin Batch said: "We started off slow but regrouped in the second quarter and I think we had a good game overall against India.
"In this kind of heat it’s always difficult to give a 100 per cent on the field and the same goes to India."
RESULTS: India 1 Australia 3, New Zealand 3 Japan 2, Malaysia 0 Britain 1.
WEDNESDAY: Japan v India (4pm), Britain v Australia (6pm), Malaysia v New Zealand (8.30pm).
THURSDAY: REST DAY
STANDINGS
P W D L F A Pts
AUSTRALIA 3 2 1 0 10 3 7
BRITAIN 3 2 1 0 8 5 7
INDIA 3 1 1 1 6 5 4
N ZEALAND 3 1 1 1 4 6 4
JAPAN 3 0 1 2 6 9 1
MALAYSIA 3 0 1 2 2 8 1
Malaysia started more convincingly than the previous two matches, as there was more commitment and desire in their game.
But Britain had the lions share in the first quarter, and experienced goalkeeper S. Kumar had to use every trick in his book to keep a clean record in the first quarter.
The only excitement for the Malaysian fans was when Razie Rahim's penalty corner attempt in the 14th minute was padded away by goalkeeper Harry Gibson.
Britain defended and only relied on counters in the second quarter and it worked as they won a penalty stroke in the 26th and Alan Forsyth sent Kumar in the wrong direction for the lead.
And Britain held on to the slim lead going into half-time, even though they were placed under tremendous pressure by a rejuvenated Malaysia.
Malaysia missed many sitters for the next 30 minutes, and Britain stole the three points on nine lives.
National coach Stephen van Huizen felt it was a drawn game, as the penalty stroke awarded to Britain was dubious.
"For those who watches the replays (on TV) would know what I am talking about, but then there was video referral and they felt it was a stroke and that's the end of it.
"However, we could have done better in attack when we had the numbers on counter, but failed. Overall its a good show from my players against a team which is in the same group with us in the World League (Semi-finals) in London."
Britain coach Zak Jones counted his blessings.
"We blew hot and cold while Malaysia really pressed us hard but my players could keep pace with them and now we only have 'a few hours of rest' before playing Australia."
World No 2 Australia edged closer to a 10th Azlan Shah title when they beat India 3-1.
India took the lead, but Australia kept the pressure to win comfortably and will play Britain today where a win should see them playing in the final.
Australia coach Colin Batch said: "We started off slow but regrouped in the second quarter and I think we had a good game overall against India.
"In this kind of heat it’s always difficult to give a 100 per cent on the field and the same goes to India."
RESULTS: India 1 Australia 3, New Zealand 3 Japan 2, Malaysia 0 Britain 1.
WEDNESDAY: Japan v India (4pm), Britain v Australia (6pm), Malaysia v New Zealand (8.30pm).
THURSDAY: REST DAY
STANDINGS
P W D L F A Pts
AUSTRALIA 3 2 1 0 10 3 7
BRITAIN 3 2 1 0 8 5 7
INDIA 3 1 1 1 6 5 4
N ZEALAND 3 1 1 1 4 6 4
JAPAN 3 0 1 2 6 9 1
MALAYSIA 3 0 1 2 2 8 1
Monday, May 1, 2017
Van Huizen: It's not over yet...
MALAYSIA were held to an un-necessary 1-1 draw by Japan, and then mauled 6-1 by Australia but national coach Stephen van Huizen is still optimistic of his team's performance in the 26th Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh.
The fact that Malaysia scored an equaliser off Haziq Shamsul (but the goal was disallowed by the umpires who deemed it as dangerous play) and could have changed the whole game on Sunday was van Huizen's reasoning.
"We knew playing against the World No 2 would not be easy, and the disallowed goal somehow demoralised the team and broke their rhythm. But it's not the end of the tournament for my players," said van Huizen.
He believes his charges will bounce back against Britain today.
"Australia scored two goals when two of our players were on the bench after picking up cards. Overall, I'm happy with the commitment showed by my charges who never stop playing until the final whistle."
Van Huizen said he will rally his men, and raise their optimism, as the remaining matches are against higher ranked teams.
"We will keep on trying, as we do not want to end up in the bottom. And if the final slips out of our hands, we will try and finish in the third-fourth bracket."
Last year, Malaysia ended fourth.
After Britain, Malaysia will play New Zealand on Wednesday and India on Friday.
Britain last featured in the Azlan Shah Cup in 2012 after making their debut a year earlier where they won the bronze medal.
After two matches Australia, India and Britain share four-equal points following a draw and a win respectively to stay at the top of the standings whilst Japan, New Zealand and Malaysia have one point from two matches.
TUESDAY: India v Australia (4pm), New Zealand v Japan (6pm), Malaysia v Britain (8.30pm).
WEDNESDAY: Japan v India (4pm), Britain v Australia (6pm), Malaysia v New Zealand (8.30pm).
STANDINGS
P W D L F A Pts
AUSTRALIA 2 1 1 0 7 2 4
INDIA 2 1 1 0 5 2 4
BRITAIN 2 1 1 0 7 5 4
JAPAN 2 0 1 1 4 6 1
N ZEALAND 2 0 1 1 1 4 1
MALAYSIA 2 0 1 1 2 7 1
The fact that Malaysia scored an equaliser off Haziq Shamsul (but the goal was disallowed by the umpires who deemed it as dangerous play) and could have changed the whole game on Sunday was van Huizen's reasoning.
"We knew playing against the World No 2 would not be easy, and the disallowed goal somehow demoralised the team and broke their rhythm. But it's not the end of the tournament for my players," said van Huizen.
He believes his charges will bounce back against Britain today.
"Australia scored two goals when two of our players were on the bench after picking up cards. Overall, I'm happy with the commitment showed by my charges who never stop playing until the final whistle."
Van Huizen said he will rally his men, and raise their optimism, as the remaining matches are against higher ranked teams.
"We will keep on trying, as we do not want to end up in the bottom. And if the final slips out of our hands, we will try and finish in the third-fourth bracket."
Last year, Malaysia ended fourth.
After Britain, Malaysia will play New Zealand on Wednesday and India on Friday.
Britain last featured in the Azlan Shah Cup in 2012 after making their debut a year earlier where they won the bronze medal.
After two matches Australia, India and Britain share four-equal points following a draw and a win respectively to stay at the top of the standings whilst Japan, New Zealand and Malaysia have one point from two matches.
TUESDAY: India v Australia (4pm), New Zealand v Japan (6pm), Malaysia v Britain (8.30pm).
WEDNESDAY: Japan v India (4pm), Britain v Australia (6pm), Malaysia v New Zealand (8.30pm).
STANDINGS
P W D L F A Pts
AUSTRALIA 2 1 1 0 7 2 4
INDIA 2 1 1 0 5 2 4
BRITAIN 2 1 1 0 7 5 4
JAPAN 2 0 1 1 4 6 1
N ZEALAND 2 0 1 1 1 4 1
MALAYSIA 2 0 1 1 2 7 1
Sunday, April 30, 2017
Azlan Shah Cup: Aust outclass Malaysia...
AUSTRALIA hammered Malaysia 6-1 in the Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh Sunday.
Only Faizal Shaari managed to score against the Aussies off a penalty stroke in the 42nd minute, while the six were scored by hat-trick heroes Tom Craig (11th, 38th, 44th) and Trent Mitton (23rd, 27th, 58th).
In another match, drag-flick specialist Harmanpreet Singh scored a brace as India bounced back from a lack lustre first quarter performance to beat New Zealand 3-0 Zealand in the 26th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup yesterday.
However, the matches were delayed by an hour again, as a lashing thunderstorm hit Ipoh and the Malaysian match was played after Press Time.
New Zealand and India went into the match in search of a first win in the tournament.
The Kiwis played to a 1-1 draw against defending champions and World No 2 Australia in Saturday’s opening encounter while the Indians, placed sixth on the FIH world Rankings, emerged with a 2-2 draw after a gruelling session against Britain.
Led by S.V. Sunil, who earned his 200th international cap yesterday, India’s attacking machinery got its act together in the second quarter with a series of quick counter attacks, earned three penalty corners and broke the deadlock.
Mandeep Singh deflected a bouncing ball past Harry Gibson in the 23rd minute via open play to go 1-0 ahead and Harmanpreet Singh swept a powerful drag flick three minutes before the end of the quarter to double the score.
Harmanpreet nailed the third in the 47th.
India coach Roelant Oltmans said: "I am happy with the results. I only prefer to win. But I am not happy with the way we performed although we did expect New Zealand to play a different way. After the first quarter we had completely dominated the game."
In another match, Britain pulled off a stunning 5-3 victory over Japan, thanks to a late goal from Alan Forsyth.
The Britons lived up to their promise of making a strong comeback against the Japanese following an exciting 2-2 draw against India on Saturday.
RESULTS: India 3 New Zealand 0, Japan 3 Britain 5, Australia 6 Malaysia 1.
MONDAY: REST DAY.
TUESDAY: India v Australia (4pm), New Zealand v Japan (6pm), Malaysia v Britain (8.30pm).
STANDINGS
P W D L F A Pts
AUSTRALIA 2 1 1 0 7 2 4
INDIA 2 1 1 0 5 2 4
BRITAIN 2 1 1 0 7 5 4
MALAYSIA 2 0 1 1 2 7 1
N ZEALAND 2 0 1 1 1 4 1
JAPAN 2 0 1 1 4 6 1
Only Faizal Shaari managed to score against the Aussies off a penalty stroke in the 42nd minute, while the six were scored by hat-trick heroes Tom Craig (11th, 38th, 44th) and Trent Mitton (23rd, 27th, 58th).
In another match, drag-flick specialist Harmanpreet Singh scored a brace as India bounced back from a lack lustre first quarter performance to beat New Zealand 3-0 Zealand in the 26th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup yesterday.
However, the matches were delayed by an hour again, as a lashing thunderstorm hit Ipoh and the Malaysian match was played after Press Time.
New Zealand and India went into the match in search of a first win in the tournament.
The Kiwis played to a 1-1 draw against defending champions and World No 2 Australia in Saturday’s opening encounter while the Indians, placed sixth on the FIH world Rankings, emerged with a 2-2 draw after a gruelling session against Britain.
Led by S.V. Sunil, who earned his 200th international cap yesterday, India’s attacking machinery got its act together in the second quarter with a series of quick counter attacks, earned three penalty corners and broke the deadlock.
Mandeep Singh deflected a bouncing ball past Harry Gibson in the 23rd minute via open play to go 1-0 ahead and Harmanpreet Singh swept a powerful drag flick three minutes before the end of the quarter to double the score.
Harmanpreet nailed the third in the 47th.
India coach Roelant Oltmans said: "I am happy with the results. I only prefer to win. But I am not happy with the way we performed although we did expect New Zealand to play a different way. After the first quarter we had completely dominated the game."
In another match, Britain pulled off a stunning 5-3 victory over Japan, thanks to a late goal from Alan Forsyth.
The Britons lived up to their promise of making a strong comeback against the Japanese following an exciting 2-2 draw against India on Saturday.
RESULTS: India 3 New Zealand 0, Japan 3 Britain 5, Australia 6 Malaysia 1.
MONDAY: REST DAY.
TUESDAY: India v Australia (4pm), New Zealand v Japan (6pm), Malaysia v Britain (8.30pm).
STANDINGS
P W D L F A Pts
AUSTRALIA 2 1 1 0 7 2 4
INDIA 2 1 1 0 5 2 4
BRITAIN 2 1 1 0 7 5 4
MALAYSIA 2 0 1 1 2 7 1
N ZEALAND 2 0 1 1 1 4 1
JAPAN 2 0 1 1 4 6 1
Saturday, April 29, 2017
Azlan Shah Cup: A day of draws
A RAGING thunderstorm and painful delays saw three draws in the opening day of the Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh Saturday.
Malaysia drew 1-1 with Japan, Australia drew 1-1 with New Zealand while India drew 2-2 with Britain.
All the matches were moved two hours from starting time, due to thunderstorm which has been a norm in this city over the last two weeks.
Razie Rahim gave Malaysia the lead off a seventh minute penalty corner, but Shota Yamada's 40th minute penalty corner goal stood until the final whistle.
"After taking the lead, we failed to settle down and score more and that was our main fault in this game. We also failed to score more off the five penalty corners we received, and could not make use of our better possession and 10 shots at goal.
"Tomorrow (today) we face a tougher match against Australia who also drew, and we need to forget this game and re-group for this grueling encounter," said Malaysia coach Stephen van Huizen.
India coach Roelant Oltmans said: "I can learn to accept this result. Obviously playing in Malaysia we (all the teams) have to be prepared for the weather and the long delay did not affect our momentum.
"My only disappointment is we did not make good use of our chances and only earned one penalty corner throughout the match. The younge players gave a good performance, including Sumit who is making his debut with the seniors. Like I said, I can accept the result as we played well overall."
RESULTS: Britain 2 India 2, New Zealand 1 Australia 1, Malaysia 1 Japan 1.
SUNDAY: India v New Zealand (4pm), Japan v Britain (6pm), Australia v Malaysia (8.30pm).
MONDAY: REST DAY.
TUESDAY: India v Australia (4pm), New Zealand v Japan (6pm), Malaysia v Britain (8.30pm).
STANDINGS
P W D L F A Pts
BRITAIN 1 0 1 0 2 2 1
INDIA 1 0 1 0 2 2 1
MALAYSIA 1 0 1 0 1 1 1
AUSTRALIA 1 0 1 0 1 1 1
N ZEALAND 1 0 1 0 1 1 1
JAPAN 1 0 1 0 1 1 1
Malaysia drew 1-1 with Japan, Australia drew 1-1 with New Zealand while India drew 2-2 with Britain.
All the matches were moved two hours from starting time, due to thunderstorm which has been a norm in this city over the last two weeks.
Razie Rahim gave Malaysia the lead off a seventh minute penalty corner, but Shota Yamada's 40th minute penalty corner goal stood until the final whistle.
"After taking the lead, we failed to settle down and score more and that was our main fault in this game. We also failed to score more off the five penalty corners we received, and could not make use of our better possession and 10 shots at goal.
"Tomorrow (today) we face a tougher match against Australia who also drew, and we need to forget this game and re-group for this grueling encounter," said Malaysia coach Stephen van Huizen.
India coach Roelant Oltmans said: "I can learn to accept this result. Obviously playing in Malaysia we (all the teams) have to be prepared for the weather and the long delay did not affect our momentum.
"My only disappointment is we did not make good use of our chances and only earned one penalty corner throughout the match. The younge players gave a good performance, including Sumit who is making his debut with the seniors. Like I said, I can accept the result as we played well overall."
RESULTS: Britain 2 India 2, New Zealand 1 Australia 1, Malaysia 1 Japan 1.
SUNDAY: India v New Zealand (4pm), Japan v Britain (6pm), Australia v Malaysia (8.30pm).
MONDAY: REST DAY.
TUESDAY: India v Australia (4pm), New Zealand v Japan (6pm), Malaysia v Britain (8.30pm).
STANDINGS
P W D L F A Pts
BRITAIN 1 0 1 0 2 2 1
INDIA 1 0 1 0 2 2 1
MALAYSIA 1 0 1 0 1 1 1
AUSTRALIA 1 0 1 0 1 1 1
N ZEALAND 1 0 1 0 1 1 1
JAPAN 1 0 1 0 1 1 1
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
