KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian men's hockey team finally won a match after five tries against Olympic champions Argentina in Buenos Aires yesterday.
Coach Stephen van Huizen and his men lost the first four matches 1-0, 6-1, 7-2, 2-1 and then drew the Fifth Test 1-1, before winning the Sixth Test 2-1.
This is the second win against Argentina this year, as Malaysia beat them 2-1 in the pool stage of the Azlan Shah Cup, but then lost 3-2 in the Third-Fourth placing match.
Malaysia travelled to Argentina to look for a strong sparring partner in their bid to win gold at the Jakarta Asian Games and qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, but the Argies fielded 10 new players and only eight Olympians in the Six-Test series.
Shahril Saabah (18th) and Haziq Samsul (22nd) scored for Malaysia while Olympian Pedro Ibarra scored in the 41st minute.
Van Huizen said this was their best game on the Tour.
"Best game on the Tour as it was hard work all the way. Shahril scored when Razie (Rahim's) overhead flick was not collected cleanly by Gilardi (Juan).
"He ran and hit a high reverse to beat Vilvardi (Juan) in goal. They kept coming at us but we fought hard to keep them out and counter attack when we won possession.
"In another breakaway before half time Haziq scored when the ball rebounded off the goal post.
"They threw everything at us but we defended well to earn a deserved win. Proud of the players and the turnaround in the last two games (draw and then win)."
Van Huzien believes his charges phusical condition is much better after the Commonwealth Games.
"The tempo of the games here were very high. All the hard work the last three weeks has helped the players to play till the end of every match."
Malaysia must beat South Korea, Pakistan, India, Japan and China in the Asian Games if they want to win gold and qualify for the Olympics -- which we last played in 2000 Sydney.
The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) have yet to release the Asian Games grouping, but Malaysia will meet all the teams above either at the group or knock-out stage in Jakarta.
Saturday, June 2, 2018
Friday, June 1, 2018
TEST: Malaysia 1 Argentina 1
KUALA LUMPUR: Razie Rahim's penalty corner goal saved some grace for Malaysia in the ongoing Six-Test series against Argentina in Buenos Aires yesterday.
Malaysia finally held Olympic champions Argentina 1-1, in the Fifth Test, after losing the earlier four.
For the record, Argentina are only fielding eight Rio de Janeiro Olympians, and blooding 10 more players in the Tests. Nicolas Della Torre (37 caps) scored a field goal in the 12th minute, and Razie (240 caps) replied in the 26th minute.
Malaysia lost the earlier four matches (1-0, 6-1, 7-2, 2-1) and will play the final Test today.
Coach Stephen van Huizen said: "We started the match cautiously, and slowly got into the game.
"We managed to keep them under control until the 12th minute where they broke away around the left goal line and into the danger zone to score.
"Slowly we got back into the game and started giving them problems and when we won a penalty corner, Razie converted by flicking low into the right corner.
"The Argentinean started putting more pressure and we had to work hard to stop them and the whole team, including the forwards, had to cut their passes.
"Our goalkeeper (S. Kumar) was at his best to inspire confidence along with Shukri (Mutablib) and Razie (defenders).
"I'm happy with the effort and to a get result (one point) finally, as the matches have been tough."
The team is in Argentina to prepare for the Asian Games in Jakarta on Aug 16-Sept 2, where only the gold medallist qualifies for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Malaysia finally held Olympic champions Argentina 1-1, in the Fifth Test, after losing the earlier four.
For the record, Argentina are only fielding eight Rio de Janeiro Olympians, and blooding 10 more players in the Tests. Nicolas Della Torre (37 caps) scored a field goal in the 12th minute, and Razie (240 caps) replied in the 26th minute.
Malaysia lost the earlier four matches (1-0, 6-1, 7-2, 2-1) and will play the final Test today.
Coach Stephen van Huizen said: "We started the match cautiously, and slowly got into the game.
"We managed to keep them under control until the 12th minute where they broke away around the left goal line and into the danger zone to score.
"Slowly we got back into the game and started giving them problems and when we won a penalty corner, Razie converted by flicking low into the right corner.
"The Argentinean started putting more pressure and we had to work hard to stop them and the whole team, including the forwards, had to cut their passes.
"Our goalkeeper (S. Kumar) was at his best to inspire confidence along with Shukri (Mutablib) and Razie (defenders).
"I'm happy with the effort and to a get result (one point) finally, as the matches have been tough."
The team is in Argentina to prepare for the Asian Games in Jakarta on Aug 16-Sept 2, where only the gold medallist qualifies for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Thursday, May 31, 2018
Difficult time in Jakarta ..
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian men's hockey team is far from ready to claim their maiden gold at the Jakarta Asian Games on Aug 16-Sept 2.
The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) set a lofty target for coach Stephen van Huzien and his men, to become automatic qualifiers for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
For the record, Malaysia last played at the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
Judging by Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and the ongoing Six-Test matches against Argentina, Malaysia are in for a fight of their lives in Jakarta.
At the Commonwealth Games, Malaysia lost 7-0 to England, lost to India 2-1 and drew 1-1 with Pakistan. They could only beat Scotland 2-1, and Wales 3-0 to finish fifth.
And in the ongoing Argentina Tests, Malaysia lost all four (1-0, 6-1, 7-2, 2-1) and will play two more matches in the next few days.
One of the weak department is goalkeeping, as the gap between No 1 S. Kumar and Hairi Rahman is huge.
In the fourth Test, it was 1-1 until the fourth quarter: "We substituted Kumar to allow Hairi to play in the the last quarter and we were careless to concede an early penalty corner within 17 secs and they scored of a set-piece. We kept fighting to the end but couldn't get the equaliser. However, it was a much improved performance.," said van Huizen.
When asked is the goalkeeping department is a problematic area when Kumar is on the bench, van Huizens said: "I think the other goalkeepers have improved and need more matches to progress further in decision making during matches.
"Hairi and Hafiz (Hafizuddin Othman, third goalkeeper) have done reasonably well when Kumar was out (on a six-month doping ban) and we will continue to give them as many matches and exposure as possible.
"The goals we conceded here even when Kumar was playing is not entirely the goalkeepers' fault but also the defence and team as a whole."
So what is the problem in Argentina?
"The matches are tough and the tempo, skill level, physical strength and standard makes it hard for our players.
"Their ability to switch quickly and counter attack as well as their combination means that any error in marking or hesitation means they create goals coring chances. They have also scored some good penalty corner goals right at the top corner."
Today, Malaysia will play their Fifth Test against the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympians, who are blooding 10 new players in the series.
The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) set a lofty target for coach Stephen van Huzien and his men, to become automatic qualifiers for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
For the record, Malaysia last played at the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
Judging by Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and the ongoing Six-Test matches against Argentina, Malaysia are in for a fight of their lives in Jakarta.
At the Commonwealth Games, Malaysia lost 7-0 to England, lost to India 2-1 and drew 1-1 with Pakistan. They could only beat Scotland 2-1, and Wales 3-0 to finish fifth.
And in the ongoing Argentina Tests, Malaysia lost all four (1-0, 6-1, 7-2, 2-1) and will play two more matches in the next few days.
One of the weak department is goalkeeping, as the gap between No 1 S. Kumar and Hairi Rahman is huge.
In the fourth Test, it was 1-1 until the fourth quarter: "We substituted Kumar to allow Hairi to play in the the last quarter and we were careless to concede an early penalty corner within 17 secs and they scored of a set-piece. We kept fighting to the end but couldn't get the equaliser. However, it was a much improved performance.," said van Huizen.
When asked is the goalkeeping department is a problematic area when Kumar is on the bench, van Huizens said: "I think the other goalkeepers have improved and need more matches to progress further in decision making during matches.
"Hairi and Hafiz (Hafizuddin Othman, third goalkeeper) have done reasonably well when Kumar was out (on a six-month doping ban) and we will continue to give them as many matches and exposure as possible.
"The goals we conceded here even when Kumar was playing is not entirely the goalkeepers' fault but also the defence and team as a whole."
So what is the problem in Argentina?
"The matches are tough and the tempo, skill level, physical strength and standard makes it hard for our players.
"Their ability to switch quickly and counter attack as well as their combination means that any error in marking or hesitation means they create goals coring chances. They have also scored some good penalty corner goals right at the top corner."
Today, Malaysia will play their Fifth Test against the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympians, who are blooding 10 new players in the series.
Friday, May 25, 2018
Eight Olympians in Argies Tests...
KUALA LUMPUR: Argentina have named only eight Olympians for the six friendly matches against Malaysia in Buenos Aires.
Stephen Van Huizen’s side are using the stint to prepare for the Jakarta Asian Games in August, where his team hope to win the gold medal and qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Malaysia and Argentina will play the first friendly on Friday.
"I saw several Argentina players, who played at the 2016 Rio Olympics, during breakfast at our hotel, including goalkeeper (Juan) Vivaldi. However I am not sure how may Olympians will be fielded against us tomorrow," said Van Huizen.
Argentina, the reigning Olympic champions, have also included 10 players with not more than 65 caps for the matches as stated on the International Hockey Federation (FIH) website.
The Olympians in the squad are Vivaldi, Juan Gilardi (152 caps), Perdro Ibarra (152), Matias Paredes (319), Juan Lopez (250), Lucas Rossi (199), Joaquin Menini (87) and Isidoro Ibarra (28).
Penalty corner specialist Gonzalo Peillat, who played for Terengganu Hockey Team in the recent Malaysia Hockey League, is not in the Argentina squad.
In the recent Azlan Shah Cup, Malaysia upset Argentina 2-1 in the pool round but lost 3-2 to the South Americans in the third-four classification match.
The first official match between both teams ended in a 1-1 draw at the 1968 Mexico Olympics.
"My players are slowly getting over the jet-lag and should be ready for their first match. We came here with a mission to improve our game.
"We need these matches to prepare for the Asian Games," said Van Huzien.
For the record, Malaysia last qualified for the Olympics in 2000.
Malaysia and Argentina will play the first friendly on Friday.
"I saw several Argentina players, who played at the 2016 Rio Olympics, during breakfast at our hotel, including goalkeeper (Juan) Vivaldi. However I am not sure how may Olympians will be fielded against us tomorrow," said Van Huizen.
Argentina, the reigning Olympic champions, have also included 10 players with not more than 65 caps for the matches as stated on the International Hockey Federation (FIH) website.
The Olympians in the squad are Vivaldi, Juan Gilardi (152 caps), Perdro Ibarra (152), Matias Paredes (319), Juan Lopez (250), Lucas Rossi (199), Joaquin Menini (87) and Isidoro Ibarra (28).
Penalty corner specialist Gonzalo Peillat, who played for Terengganu Hockey Team in the recent Malaysia Hockey League, is not in the Argentina squad.
In the recent Azlan Shah Cup, Malaysia upset Argentina 2-1 in the pool round but lost 3-2 to the South Americans in the third-four classification match.
The first official match between both teams ended in a 1-1 draw at the 1968 Mexico Olympics.
"My players are slowly getting over the jet-lag and should be ready for their first match. We came here with a mission to improve our game.
"We need these matches to prepare for the Asian Games," said Van Huzien.
For the record, Malaysia last qualified for the Olympics in 2000.
Monday, May 21, 2018
Now for Asian Games bronze...
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian women hockey team ended fourth, but Farah Ayuni Yahya was named as the Best Goalkeeper in the Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) in Donghae, South Korea, on Sunday.
It was her second back-to-back recognition, as she was also awarded as the Best Goalkeeper in the ACT in Singapore two years back -- even though Malaysia ended last among five teams.
The policewoman has been instrumental in the rise of women's hockey in Malaysia, and was at the centre of attention when she helped score a sensational 2-1 win over higher-ranked Italy in a sudden-death shoot-out to join Ireland in qualifying for the World League Semi-Finals at the women’s Hockey WL Round Two in Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia had held Italy 2-2 then, and in the shoot-out, goalkeeper Farah made super saves to take Malaysian women into their first ever World League Semifinals.
Coach Dharmaraj's charges will next play in the Jakarta Asian Games, and Farah will be expected keep the score low again.
The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) have yet release the fixtures, but ten teams, in two groups, will play at the Asian Games, .
The ten are hosts Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, China, India, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Kazahkstan.
Malaysia should have no problems against Indonesia, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Kazakhstan -- going by the standard displayed at the ACT where they beat a half-strength Japan 3-2, and narrowly lost to China (3-1), South Korea (3-1) and India (3-2) in the pool. In the bronze match, China could only win 2-0.
And the mission in Jakarta is to win bronze, an achievement last seen at the 1982 New Delhi Games.
Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal had said in February that he believes with all the support given by MHC to to the women's team, they are good for bronze even though their Asian ranking is fifth.
And if Malaysia do win bronze in Jakarta, it would be partly because of our strength between the posts -- Farah.
"She has always been an asset for Malaysia in any tournament because of her daring saves which motivates the entire team. And in the Asian Games in Jakarta, we will need her to pull off upsets against higher ranked sides.
"The MHC has set us a bronze target in Jakarta, and I believe my players are up to it. We have a fighting chance, and we will fight for the medal," said Dharmaraj.
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