Worthy victory

SATISFIED: Van Huizen happy with players as Malaysia edge closer to semis

MALAYSIA, wearing an allwhite outfit, were not clinical but still beat China 5-1 to move closer to the semi-finals of the Asian Champions Trophy in Kuantan yesterday.

Coach Stephen van Huizen, elated with the three points, agreed that there are areas that need improvement.

“We got the three points, and even though the team have been scoring more from penalty corner rebounds in two matches, I’m happy because they are still goals.

“I understand that China are a young team, but the pressure was not on them and they played calmly,” said van Huizen.

China coach Song Yi is looking at the next four years to groom his side.

“We played in the national championships two weeks before the ACT and selected a young side because we are looking for results in four years time.

“The scoreline was big, but my players can play better but did not perform against Malaysia,” said Song.

Razie Rahim, the No 1 penalty corner flicker could not execute powerful flicks, but they were on target and Haziq Samsul made the rebounds count.

Haziq scored off penalty corner rebounds in the sixth and 20th minutes, while Fitri Shaari’s world class field goal in the 22nd minute gave coach van Huizen’s men some breathing space going into the halftime break.

China pulled one back off Wang Bowen in the 33rd minute, but Shahril Saabah scored off a penalty corner attempt in the 37th.

Goalkeeper S. Kumar played one of his best games yet, as he pulled off stunning saves to deny China.

Firhan Ashaari made it 5-1 with a penalty corner rebound in the 54th minute.

After a day’s rest, Malaysia play Japan and a win will ensure their semi-final slot.

In another match, Pakistan edged South Korea 1-0 with a last minute penalty corner goal scored by Abdul Khan.