Last phew seconds
Malaysia reach final after late ‘sticks of fury’ with Austria
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian hockey team countered Austria’s physical approach in an ill-tempered match which almost resulted in a free-for-all in the semi-final of the FIH Series Finals.
Roelant Oltmans’ men trooped off with a 3-1 win to set up a final with Canada today but not before an explosive last few seconds at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
It all started when Malaysia forward Muhd Firhan Ashari pushed Austria’s Oliver Binder after a rough tackle.
The Austrian players then rushed forward to confront Firhan, forcing Oltmans and his assistant Stephen van Huizen to get involved in the fracas.
Fortunately, the FIH officials managed to calm the players down in time, avoiding an ugly scene that would have marred Malaysia’s deserved win.
Oltmans hailed his players for being fitter than their opponents.
“I’m also happy that we managed to convert two of the three penalty corners we earned in the match. Austria played a physical game but my men did well to stay focused and win the match.
“I want my players to play well in the final against Canada and win the tournament,” said Oltmans.
Austrian skipper Xaver Hasun said that they paid the price for their defensive errors.
“We knew that playing against Malaysia will be tough and they deserve to be in the final as they played much better than us,” said Hasun.
Malaysia got off to a flying start, converting their first penalty corner in the 11th minute.
Faizal Saari’s low flick sailed past goalkeeper Mateusz Szymczyk. It was his third goal in the tournament.
Malaysia’s defence, however, was caught off-guard in the 32nd minute as Austria equalised. Dominic Uher’s through pass was connected into goal by Leon Thornblom.
Forward Muhd Akhimullah Anuar Esook, 19, who made his international debut in the tournament, not only missed three sitters but was flashed a yellow card in the 35th minute for hitting the ball after umpire Sebastien Michielsen blew for a foul.
Malaysia earned their second penalty corner in the 36th minute but Muhd Razie Abdul Rahim’s low drag flick was saved by keeper Szymczyk.
Malaysia continued to play a fast attacking game and they regained the lead via their third penalty corner in the 55th minute.
Faizal’s push from the top of the semi-circle bounced off keeper Szymczyk’s pads before Mohd Marhan Mohd Jalil flicked the ball into goal.
And three minutes later, Meor Mohd Azuan sealed the match for Malaysia with a field goal.