WINNING ‘WARM-UP’
Malaysia to meet Canada again for third placing playoff
MALAYSIA beat Canada 3-2 in a “warm-up” and will play them again for the bronze
medal in the Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh today.
The final pool match saw more determination from the national players, and they edged Canada. However, they need to beat the same team again if they want to lay their hands on the bronze medal.
Malaysia played much better yesterday but still, mistakes crept in and they allowed Canada to make a comeback — twice before finally winning.
Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin, the best Malaysian player yesterday, started the count when he darted into the semicircle and took a shot at goalkeeper David Carter.
And Firhan Ashaari tucked in the rebound for the sixth minute goal.
Canada were not rattled by the early goal, and off their first penalty corner in the 15th minute, Gordon Johnston scored the equaliser.
Malaysia again took the lead off Razie Rahim (17th), but Johnston yet again nailed the equaliser off their second penalty corner in the 22nd minute.
The match was finally decided when Malaysia won a penalty stroke in the 23rd minute, and Fitri Saari made no mistake with a top net flick.
Malaysia coach Roelant Oltmans was short and sharp in his assesment of the match.
“We won! That is what matters now. Even though we did not play as well as we did against South Korea, we won. Tomorrow (today) is another day another match against Canada, and we will see,” said Oltmans.
When asked how important is winning a medal in Ipoh leading up to the FIH Series Finals, Oltmans said it's another tournament, with other teams.
“It would be nice, but April is another tournament and we will see,” said the Dutchman.
Canada coach Paul Bundy: “This is the best match the team has had for a long time, including our matches in Olympics and World Cup. I love this game.
“My players showed what Canada is made up of, and when we play Malaysia again tomorrow (today) we are going to win it,” said Bundy.
RESULTS: Malaysia 3 2 Canada, India 10 0 Poland, S Korea 4 2 Japan.