Malaysia’s campaign in Argentina gets off to a flying start

KUALA LUMPUR: The national hockey team’s new era under the guidance of coach Paul Revington got off to a flying start.

Malaysia thrashed Poland 4-0 in their opening Group A match in the Champions Challenge I tournament in Quilmes, Argentina yesterday.

Malaysia, who gave pint-size defender Faiz Helmi Jali his international debut, were on the offensive from the start. They only needed four minutes to take the lead off a penalty corner converted by defender Mohd Razie Abdul Rahim.

Midfielder Nabil Fiqri Mohd Noor made it 2-0 in the 30th minute.

Seven minutes after the breather, Malaysia went three up off a own goal by a Poland player.

Then in the 63rd minute, Razie completed the rout with his second of the game again off another penalty corner.

Team manager George Koshy was elated.

“It was a good start for us. The players showed a lot of commitment,” said George in a telephone interview.

“What was great for me is that our players took the chances that came their way. We look forward to another great performance against South Korea (today),” said George.

However, it will also be Malaysia’s toughest test here as the Koreans are the No.1 ranked team in the tournament.

“We lost to them 3-2 in the Olympic qualifier in Dublin (in March) but we aim to get at least a point this time. It will be better if we can win,” George added.

“Our matches against Korea have always been close affairs and it will be no different tomorrow.”

South Korea, ranked seventh in the world, also got off to a good start as they defeated Canada 2-0.

Jang Jong-hyun starred for his side scoring both goals in the 31st and 51st minutes.

The tournament provides vital world ranking points, with the winner of the event gaining automatic qualification for the next year’s edition of the Champions Trophy.