Malaysia in semis, China shut out India

By Ajitpal Singh
ajitpalsingh@nst.com.my

A well-oiled Malaysian side defeated Japan 4-1 in their Group A match of the 8th AirAsia Men's Asia Cup to advance to the semi-finals on the day when defending champions India were shown the door at the Wisma Belia Hockey Stadium in Kuantan yesterday.
Malaysia and South Korea, who thrashed Bangladesh 9-0 in an earlier yesterday, finished each with seven points but the latter topped the group on goal difference. Malaysia will face Group B winners Pakistan while Korea take on China, the Doha Asian Games silver medallist, in tomorrow's semi-finals.
Malaysia were in uncomprimising mood as they dictated the pace and showed urgency throughout the match against Japan. It was a well deserved victory which should put the Malaysian boys in the right frame of mind and confidence for the semi-finals.
Malaysia coach Tai Beng Hai gave full credit to his players for their powerful performance yesterday.
"My players played to the game plan. Everyone played their part in the match. Pakistan will be tough but I don't want to talk about them right now," said the delighted Beng Hai yesterday.
A brilliant move by Kelvinder Singh on the left resulted in Malaysia first goal in the fourth minute. He outpaced several Japanese players before laying a perfect pass to Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tengku Jalil, who from an acute angle managed to slip the ball past the out rushing Japan goalkeeper Katsuya Takase, to put Malaysia ahead.
The Malaysians dictated the pace and with captain Madzli Ikmar pushed to defence from his regular midfield duties, the Japanese failed to find a breakhrough then.
Chua Boon Huat , who came in for Ismail Abu, after 12 minutes immediately made an impact. His darting run on the left flank confused Japan's defence but Sukri Mutalib wasted a perfect pass from him by hitting the ball wide with only keeper Takase to beat.
Japan constructed their first real attack in the 14th minute and umpire Rahman Latifur awarded them a penalty corner after the ball hit a Malaysian player in the 'D' circle.
However, Manabu Hatakeyama's powerful low drive from the resulting penalty corner was padded away by Malaysia goalkeeper S.Kumar.
Malaysia earned their first penalty corner of the match in the 22nd minute but Amin Rahim failed to make it count when his flick was easily saved by Japan keeper Takase.
Malaysia pressed hard for the second goal that would put them safely in the semi-finals and they got their wish through Kelvinder Singh's wonder goal in the 33rd minute.
Kelvinder, from the right flank, dribbled past several Japanese defenders into the semi-circle before firing a delightful reverse stick shot, which beat keeper Takase easily.
In the second half, the Malaysians dominated proceedings at the start and earned their second penalty corner in the 38th minute but this time instead of taking a direct flick, Amin Rahim laid a pass to Jiwa Mohan but the Perth-based player's powerful drive could only rattled the post.
A defensive mix-up and a school boy mistake by keeper Kumar saw Japan opening accounts through Ryuji Furusato in the 42nd minute.
Japan were dictating play in search of the equaliser, which overworked the Malaysians defence at times. However, Chua Boon Huat put the result beyond doubt when he scored with a powerful rising shot with 11 minutes left on the clock. S.Selvaraju then added Malaysia's fourth goal with a delightful reverse stick attempt off a penalty set-piece, in the 67th minute.
Meanwhile, India missed the semi-finals boat for the first time in the Asia Cup when they drew 2-2 with China in their Group B match. India needed a win to qualify for the semi-final and they managed to set the course when they led 2-0 through captain Sandeep Singh's brace in the 33rd and 34th minutes.
However, China cameback strongly with Lu Feng Hui and Yu Yang, scoring in the 44th and 58th minutes, respectively to force a draw, which ensured them second place behind Pakistan in their group.
India coach Harendra Singh was bitter over his players attitude in taking China lightly in the second half.
"They have disappointed me today (yesterday). Basically, India cannot defend and I instructed my players to continue their attacking play in the second half but they did not listen to me. I will not resign because of this failure. I'm not a quiter," said Harendra.