Malaysia vs Great Britain: 20th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup – Half-time analysis
The host team, Malaysia, is currently locking horns with Great Britain in the third match of the 20th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, taking place at the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh, Malaysia today. The tournament comprises of a total seven nations,
out of which the Malaysian team is the only team that is internationally ranked at 15.
In the first half, the British team dominated over Malaysia with ball possession in the opening sixth minute of the game. However, Malaysia’s Tengku Ahmad soon took matter into his own hands and made an attack at the British defensive circle, which was beaten
down by the British goalkeeper Roslan.
In the 13th minute of the match, Malaysia was awarded with a penalty corner. Malaysian player, Razie, attempted to convert the award but it was saved brilliantly by James Fair.
Great Britain soon counter-attacked the Malaysian circle with a penalty corner award in the 16th minute. The shot was a miss but they managed to earn another penalty corner in the next successive minute, which paid off with the first goal on the
scoreboard. This inaugural score was attempted by Richard Mantell that got deflected by the Malaysian goal-keeper. However, James Tindall took up the rebound and stroked a shot into the goal, opening the scoring at 1-0.
The British were awarded their third penalty corner award in the 22nd minute. However, this was another save by Malaysia, this time made by the goal-keeper Roslan.
With ten minutes left in the first half, the British striker Richard attempted a shot from the top of the semi circle but Malaysia’s Roslan made a quick save to keep his teams hopes for a comeback alive.
In the 27th minute, Malaysia saved a deflected shot attempted by Mathew Daly, keeping scores at 1-0. The relieved Malaysians were still in search for an equaliser. With four minutes remaining, Malaysia received its second penalty corner. Faisal
Saari from Malaysia made the attempt but failed to find the net.
On the other end, the British squad celebrated the closing minute by scoring another goal in the 35th minute thanks to Richard Smith. The first half closed with Britain in the lead at 2-0.
The second half is underway at the venue in Ipoh.
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