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.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
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/
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Malaysia beat Argentina 4-2
MALAYSIA started their Sultan of Johor Cup campaign with a 4-2 win against Argentina with Shahril Saabah claiming a hat-trick at the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru yesterday.
The scoreline indicated an easy win, but in fact it was that Malaysia's penalty corner battery that saved the day by delivering three goals, as the Argentinians also displayed some impressive hockey but were blunt in the semi-circle.
"We went in looking for a win, and my players rose to the ocassion by beating Argentina comprehensively. This is the kind of attitude and performance I will be expecting from them in the remaining matches," said an elated coach K. Dharmaraj.
Malaysia play South Korea today: "Even though Pakistan outclassed the Koreans (3-0) they cannot be taken lightly and we will be looking for early goals to make sure of another win," said Dharmaraj.
Malaysia started on a flying note when in the seventh minute itself, Shahril Saabah converted a penalty corner with a low flick past Argentina keeper Tomas Matias Santiago and postman Nicolas Ciclleo.
But another penalty corner in the 11th minute was squandered as the push out by Firhan Ashaari way way off and Argentina were let off the hook.
However Argentina were fortunate to score their equaliser in the 18th minute as a hit by Fredico Lionel Monja struck the stick of Kavin Karthik and sailed past goalkeeper Ahmad Sobri for an own goal.
Malaysia kept fighting for possession, and off their third penalty corner, they were forced to play a variation when the push out was again off tandem.
The ball was played back to Fitri Shaari whose goal bound shot was neatly deflected in by Shahril for a 2-1 in the 23rd minute to take a slim lead into the breather.
Shahril again proved his mettle when Malaysa won their fourth penalty corner three minutes after the restart, and he sent the ball crashing to the top of the net for his hat-trick.
Syamim Yusof then brought more cheers to the Malaysia side in the 48th minute when he beat three Argentinians before tapping the ball goal-bound and Rashid Baharom made sure by guiding the ball into the goalmouth to get his name on the scoreboard.
With a 4-1 lead, Malaysia hit a home run for their first three points even though there was still 20 minutes to play.
Argentina scored their second goal in the 64th minute off Isidoro Carlos but it was too late to douse the Malaysian celebrations.
In an earlier match Pakistan, powered by their skipper Olympian Umar Bhutta, beat South Korea 3-0.
The goals were scored by Muhammad Dilber (48th, 63rd) and Muhammad Umair (53rd).
The Green Shirts play England today: "It took a little time to adjust to the pitch as it was slippery, but the winning start should put us in good stead against England in our next match," said Umar.
India edged England 2-1 in the second match with the goals coming from Ramandeep Singh in the sixth minute and Talwinder Singh in the 50th.
The England goal as scored by Stanley French in the 66th minute.
STANDINGS
P W D L F A Pts
PAKISTAN 1 1 0 0 3 0 3
MALAYSIA 1 1 0 0 4 2 3
INDIA 1 1 0 0 2 1 3
ENGLAND 1 0 0 1 1 2 0
ARGENTINA 1 0 0 1 2 4 0
S KOREA 1 0 0 1 0 3 0
RESULTS -- South Korea 0 Pakistan 3, England 1 India 2, Malaysia 4 Argentina 2.
TODAY -- England v Pakistan (4pm), Argentina v India (6pm), Malaysia v South Korea (8pm).
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.
The scoreline indicated an easy win, but in fact it was that Malaysia's penalty corner battery that saved the day by delivering three goals, as the Argentinians also displayed some impressive hockey but were blunt in the semi-circle.
"We went in looking for a win, and my players rose to the ocassion by beating Argentina comprehensively. This is the kind of attitude and performance I will be expecting from them in the remaining matches," said an elated coach K. Dharmaraj.
Malaysia play South Korea today: "Even though Pakistan outclassed the Koreans (3-0) they cannot be taken lightly and we will be looking for early goals to make sure of another win," said Dharmaraj.
Malaysia started on a flying note when in the seventh minute itself, Shahril Saabah converted a penalty corner with a low flick past Argentina keeper Tomas Matias Santiago and postman Nicolas Ciclleo.
But another penalty corner in the 11th minute was squandered as the push out by Firhan Ashaari way way off and Argentina were let off the hook.
However Argentina were fortunate to score their equaliser in the 18th minute as a hit by Fredico Lionel Monja struck the stick of Kavin Karthik and sailed past goalkeeper Ahmad Sobri for an own goal.
Malaysia kept fighting for possession, and off their third penalty corner, they were forced to play a variation when the push out was again off tandem.
The ball was played back to Fitri Shaari whose goal bound shot was neatly deflected in by Shahril for a 2-1 in the 23rd minute to take a slim lead into the breather.
Shahril again proved his mettle when Malaysa won their fourth penalty corner three minutes after the restart, and he sent the ball crashing to the top of the net for his hat-trick.
Syamim Yusof then brought more cheers to the Malaysia side in the 48th minute when he beat three Argentinians before tapping the ball goal-bound and Rashid Baharom made sure by guiding the ball into the goalmouth to get his name on the scoreboard.
With a 4-1 lead, Malaysia hit a home run for their first three points even though there was still 20 minutes to play.
Argentina scored their second goal in the 64th minute off Isidoro Carlos but it was too late to douse the Malaysian celebrations.
In an earlier match Pakistan, powered by their skipper Olympian Umar Bhutta, beat South Korea 3-0.
The goals were scored by Muhammad Dilber (48th, 63rd) and Muhammad Umair (53rd).
The Green Shirts play England today: "It took a little time to adjust to the pitch as it was slippery, but the winning start should put us in good stead against England in our next match," said Umar.
India edged England 2-1 in the second match with the goals coming from Ramandeep Singh in the sixth minute and Talwinder Singh in the 50th.
The England goal as scored by Stanley French in the 66th minute.
STANDINGS
P W D L F A Pts
PAKISTAN 1 1 0 0 3 0 3
MALAYSIA 1 1 0 0 4 2 3
INDIA 1 1 0 0 2 1 3
ENGLAND 1 0 0 1 1 2 0
ARGENTINA 1 0 0 1 2 4 0
S KOREA 1 0 0 1 0 3 0
RESULTS -- South Korea 0 Pakistan 3, England 1 India 2, Malaysia 4 Argentina 2.
TODAY -- England v Pakistan (4pm), Argentina v India (6pm), Malaysia v South Korea (8pm).
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.
False Gharial...
This sports blog was started in January 2007, when blogging was at its infancy and the only rage was Rocky's Bru and Stephen Francis' Shanghai Fish. Both the blogs were born and also constantly updated from the National Press Club premises.
The political scene in the country was changed by blogs and bloggers active the NPC premises around 2006-07.
Rocky and Stephen then suggested that I open a Sports Blog because there was none in Malaysia then, asking me to post my daily stories that were published in the New Straits Times.... as a start.
I started this blog at the NPC and uploaded my first story on Jan 6, 2007. It was started as an archive for myself to refer, and was never intended to make money.
The same principles apply today, and the sole ad belongs to a friend who runs the Sports Olympic Hotel.
This blog's date of birth is documented by GOOGLE and its displayed under ' View My Complete Profile'.
So those who want to make false claims about this and that and everything else under the sun and moon, check your facts and do not mislead the public.
The political scene in the country was changed by blogs and bloggers active the NPC premises around 2006-07.
Rocky and Stephen then suggested that I open a Sports Blog because there was none in Malaysia then, asking me to post my daily stories that were published in the New Straits Times.... as a start.
I started this blog at the NPC and uploaded my first story on Jan 6, 2007. It was started as an archive for myself to refer, and was never intended to make money.
The same principles apply today, and the sole ad belongs to a friend who runs the Sports Olympic Hotel.
This blog's date of birth is documented by GOOGLE and its displayed under ' View My Complete Profile'.
So those who want to make false claims about this and that and everything else under the sun and moon, check your facts and do not mislead the public.
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