Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Ric Charlesworth's unkind cut..

AUSTRALIAN coach Ric Charlesworth was not gracious in accepting his team's shock 1-1 draw against world no 13 Malaysia on Tuesday.
  The world-renowned coach, who played for Australia in the first edition of the Azlan Shah Cup in 1983 and lifted the inaugural title, took an unkind swipe when he said Malaysia celebrated like they had won the title itself.
  "The Malaysians celebrated (after the draw) as if they have won the tournament. And they are already talking about playing in the final. There are still two matches to be played and anything is possible,"said Charlesworth.
  He was probably peeved at the fact that in the 78 encounters with Australia, Malaysia have a poor record of winning only six, with eight ending in draws.
  The master-coach has seen more gracious days especially back in 1983 when he helped Australia win all four round-robin matches in the then Raja Tun Azlan Trophy.
  Australia then beat reigning World Cup holders Pakistan 1-0 in the final to lift the Cup, with the winning goal scored by Terry Walsh, who once coached Malaysia.
   Charlesworth, speaking to the media after the draw, said Australia could have buried the Malaysians had his players been sharper in the semi circle.
   "We had some 30 odd penetrations and could have scored half a dozen goals had it not been for the keeper (S. Kumar).
  "Malaysia only had three or four shots at our goalmouth and scored one. And mind you Malaysia has only five or six players that have played less then 100 internationals," said the Aussie in trying to justify the draw.
  Malaysia celebrated the draw with their die-hard fans in Ipoh as they truly deserved their moment under the spotlight.
  And if Paul Revington's men beat Pakistan today, Australia will get another chance to prove themselves against the hosts in the final.