Vigorous Japan take Malaysians down 2-1 in second test match – Hockey Update
After a brilliant show, the Men’s hockey team of Japan has emerged victorious over the host Malaysia in the second fixture of the five-match series that was played on August 8, 2011 at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil, Malaysia.
The Malaysians failed to impress the visiting team in the first match of the series and lost the game 2-1.
Following the encounter, Malaysian Coach namely Tai Beng Hai while briefing the media said that they showed an improved performance in the second test but unlucky they failed to win the match. He stated, “It was an improved display but it fell short of giving
us a win. The players were ready for the game today and the good start showed they were in the mood to improve. We are in the preparatory stage and will continue to push harder in the coming matches. I believe we can only get better.”
It was an improved game from the home team as compared to the maiden fixture. They established their dominance by scoring a goal but failed to maintain their lead against the high-flying Japanese. Similar to the first match, the host team picked up an experienced
squad and started the match in quite offensive way. S. Kumar, the custodian showed impressive performance in the opening game and was again chosen for the second test.
Both the Malaysians and Japanese players unfolded the game at a fast pace, as the former wanted to level the series while the latter wanted to stretch out their lead in the five-match event. With five minutes into the match, Izwan Firdaus, the Malaysian
striker managed to get the ball inside the defensive circle of Japan and volleyed a classic shot into the backboard. Katsuya Takase, the Japanese goalie failed to block the shot at any occasion. In the later time, the host side though received plenty of chances
but failed to make addition onto the scoreboard.
On the other side the visiting squad was also putting many efforts to lock horns. Their extensive efforts paid off for them in the 18th minute when they earned second short corner of the day and tested Katsuyoshi Nagasana. He brilliantly played
a reverse shot into the goal and had it all even at 1-1.
After making the score equal, the Japanese team sped up their efforts and approached the defensive circle of Malaysia on many occasions. Toshiro Tachibana converted another short corner in the 56th minute and took the lead in the game. The host
line-up though received short corners but failed to capitalise the chances and lost the second game 2-1.
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