Malaysia upset India to reach Asian Games hockey final
Malaysia pulled off a stunning comeback to beat India 4-3 in the semi-finals of the Asian Games Men’s Field Hockey tournament in Guangzhou on Tuesday.
Malaysia face Pakistan for the gold medal in the tournament’s final game. Pakistan defeated South Korea 4-3 in a penalty shoot-out, after the scores were tied at 1-1 in regulation and extra time.
Malaysia took a shock lead, when Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin scored a field goal just after the half hour mark. Their lead didn’t last long though, as Sandeep Singh converted a penalty corner just three minutes later, to bring India level in the game.
Tushar Khandker then took advantage of a defensive mistake from Amin, to put India into the lead at the start of the second half. The Malaysian kept pushing for an equaliser, and were rewarded for their persistence, when Azlan Misron scored from a penalty
corner in the 49th minute.
The scores didn’t stay level for long, as Indian captain Rajpal Singh scored his team’s third from a penalty corner. That was the way things stood with three minutes to go in regulation time. Amin Rahim then stepped up with a brilliant drag-flick goal to
stun the Indians, and send the match into extra time.
Five minutes later Amin struck with another drag flick, to give his side a 4-3 victory over India, and qualify for their first-ever appearance at an Asian Games final. There is a lot more than a gold medal at stake in Thursday’s final at the Aoti Stadium
– automatic qualification for the 2012 Olympics.
After scoring the golden goal for his side, Rahim said, “I am delighted for being a hero for my team. I was under pressure after making a mistake, which resulted in India scoring at the start of the second half but I am really glad for making up for my blunder
with two goals.”
Malaysia and India went into the semi-final clash unbeaten throughout the tournament’s group stage, though India had a better record because they did not draw any of their matches. The thrilling win has spread a wave of excitement through the Malaysian hockey
players as well as fans.
Malaysian team captain Madzli Ikmar praised his team, and said that the win was a team effort. He said, “We were patience and played a tactical game to win. It was a tough match, as India were also looking at qualifying for the Olympics through the Asian
Games.”
Ikmar added, “I can’t describe my happiness right now as being in the final is like a dream for us. It all boiled down to hard work and determination today.”
India’s Spanish coach Jose Brasa, whose contract expires after the tournament said, "It's very sad ... this is a big disaster.”
Malaysian players and support staff ran onto the pitch to celebrate reaching their first Asian Games Hockey final in 11 attempts.
Indian captain Rajpal Singh said, "They had good penalty corner variations and hit two short corners from different angles."
Malaysia coach Stephen Huizen was pleased with the fact that his players counterattacked and earned penalty corners at crucial times, which were duly converted. He said that there was no new game plan against seven-time gold medal winners Pakistan, except
more courageous play.
Huizen added, "On paper ... we were underdogs today and I think against Pakistan we will also be underdogs."
Tags: