It’s the same old story
Malaysia still unable to gain total control towards tailend of game
IPOH: Old habits die hard. The malady of conceding easy goals after taking the lead continues to plague the national hockey team.
And it was evident on Thursday when Malaysia seemed headed for a big win after cruising to a 4-1 lead over Japan. Then the malaise struck in the last 10 minutes as the Malaysians crumbled to allow the Japanese to narrow the gap to 4-3. Luckily, Japan ran out of time and Malaysia trooped off for their first win.
It was the same in Malaysia’s opening match against defending champions New Zealand on Wednesday. Malaysia held the lead twice but allow New Zealand to fight back for a 3-3 draw.
Defensive lapses, sloppy marking, gaps in midfield and unforced errors littered Malaysia’s game but national coach Stephen van Huizen, however, is not too concerned.
“I am sure the players will not repeat the same mistakes again. They will learn from the Japan game. We are happy to get a win. Four points from two matches is a good start for us.
“We need to build on this and improve as we go along. It is not going to be easy and we do not take anything for granted,” said Stephen.
The coach had better pray that the late-fallout disease will not hit Malaysia when they play against world No. 1 Australia today.
The Malaysians lead the seven-team standings but nobody is holding their breath for an upset.
Said Stephen: “We will try our best and put up a good fight. The Australians are in a class of their own and beating them will be near impossible. They have good players in all departments and play very hard.”
Australia, the three-time World Cup champions, began their campaign with a 5-1 thrashing of reigning Asian Games champions India despite not being at their best.
Australia coach Graham Reid, however, is not taking Malaysia for granted.
“Yes, we beat Malaysia in three friendlies recently in Perth but that’s another story. I am sure Malaysia will be an improved side tomorrow (today),” said Reid.