Safely into semi-finals
Faizal scores a brace as Malaysia trounce Japan
KUANTAN: Faizal Saari fired a brace as Malaysia qualified for the semi-finals of the Asian Champions Trophy with ease.
The Terengganu player was on target in the 37th and 59th minutes in the 7-2 victory over winless Japan at the Kuantan Hockey Stadium last night. Nik Aiman Nik Rozemi (23rd), Mohamed Rashid Baharom (27th), Nabil Fiqri Mohmed Nor (33rd), Mohamed Firhan Azhaari (44th) and Fitri Saari (58th) contributed the other goals as Malaysia recorded their third win to lead the table with nine points in the six-nation tournament.
Japan replied through Kenji Kitazato (60th) and Kentaro Sukuda (61st).
National coach Stephen van Huizen was happy with the performance.
“Our players did well to keep their focus and converted the chances that came their way. We are starting to be consistent and that is good. There are still tough matches to come (against India and South Korea) and we need to be prepared for it,” said Stephen.
The Malaysians had earlier defeated Pakistan 4-2 and China 5-1.
Malaysia were off to a slow start yesterday. The goals only came in the second quarter.
In the 23rd minute, Nik Aiman broke the deadlock with a field goal after a quick attack down the right flank.
Four minutes later, Mohamed Rashid Masahito Kunitomo.
Three minutes into the third quarter, Malaysia were 3-0 up. This time the goal came from the midfielder Nabil Fiqri. After that, it was Faizal’s turn as he slotted home from the top of the D in the 37th minute.
Malaysia continued their onslaught and were rewarded in the 44th minute when Mohamed Firhan netted a field goal to make it 5-0. Fitri was next to get on the score-sheet with a 58th minute field goal.
Faizal scored his second goal of the match when he converted a penalty stroke in the 59th minute.
But Japan refused to give up, scoring two quick goals in the 60th minute through Kenji Kitazato and Kentaro Sukuda to reduce the deficit.
Former winners India also took a big step towards the semi-finals when they edged defending champions Pakistan 3-2 in an absorbing tie.
The Indians took the lead in the 22nd minute through a field goal by Pardeep Mors. But the third quarter saw the Pakistanis dominate and score two goals – Mohamed Rizwan Senior (31st) and Mohamed Irfan Junior (39th) – to take the lead.
But India wrested control and in a one-minute spell clinched the win with two quick strikes through Rupinderpal Singh (43rd) and Ramandeep Singh (44th).
India now have seven points and are second in the standings. Pakistan have three points and need to win their remaining two matches against Japan and China to reach the last four.
India coach Roelant Oltmans was happy with the come-from-behind win.
“I will take a win anytime no matter how it’s achieved. It was a good all-round performance and I’m happy with the players’ efforts,” said Oltmans.