MALAYSIA TAKE FOURTH PLACE

But Van Huizen is happy with his boys’ performance

MALAYSIA finished fourth in the Azlan Shah Cup following a 3-2 defeat to reigning Olympic champions Argentina in yesterday’s classification match in Ipoh.

Argentina dominated the opening proceedings and took a 2-0 lead through Juan Lopez (first minute) and Gonzalo Peillat (22nd).

However, the Malaysians fought back courtesy of goals from Joel Van Huizen (24th) and Faizal Shaari (27th).

Pedro Ibarra converted his penalty corner attempt for Argentine’s third goal in the 49th minute.

National coach Stephen Van Huizen said: “It was not a very good start as 38 seconds into the game Argentina scored their first goal.

“We were one-goal down and as we tried to chase, they scored a second.

“We changed our tactics by being tight in defence and midfield, and as a result, we responded with two goals.

“Unfortunately, they scored a winner. “I am very proud of my players. They gave everything they had. I cannot ask for more,” he said.

Van Huizen said: “The team are on the right track for next month’s Commonwealth Games.

“It was tough playing six games in eight days here, but the players enjoyed every moment of it.” he added.

Argentina coach Rolando Rivero said: “I am proud as we brought some new players here to test ahead of priority tournaments.

“I only had 15 available players today as two were unwell,” he said.

RESULTS — Final: Australia 2 England 1; Third: Argentina 3 Malaysia 2; Fifth: India 4 Ireland 1.