Hard-earned win
Russia give Malaysia a run for their money
Malaysia were made to toil by Russia before winning 3-0 in the women’s World Hockey League Second Round at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi.
It was Malaysia’s second win in Group B, giving them the maximum six points and the lead in the group. They will play winless Singapore tomorrow to complete their preliminary round fixtures.
Having whipped Kazakhstan 8-0 in their opening match on Saturday, Malaysia’s confidence was sky high. But the Russians put up a strong defensive wall to frustrate the Malaysians.
It took 37 minutes before Malaysia broke the deadlock through a field goal by Hannis Onn.
Juliani Din then added the second in the 40th minute followed by Fazilla Sylvester Silin one minute from the end. Both were also field goals.
Russia have one win from their 7-0 rout of Singapore on Saturday. They now need a draw against Kazakhstan tomorrow to ensure they finish second in the group.
National coach Mohamed Nasihin Nubli said the Russians proved to be a tough nut to crack.
“We were a little nervous in the first two quarters. But once Hannis got the opening goal, the team settled down nicely.
“We are now focusing on the next match against Singapore. We will not take them for granted although they have lost twice. We want to top the group and have an easier game in the quarter-finals,” said Nasihin.
Nasihin also praised the defenders for yet another clean sheet.
“Overall, team work was good and we have to keep that up.
“All our goals thus far are from field attempts. It would be nice to get some from the penalty corners as well,” he added.