Malaysia bank on flickers to stop India in semi-finals

MALAYSIA will be banking on their penalty corner prowes ss to upset defending champion s India in the semi-finals at the e Gelora Bung Karno Hockey y Stadium.

It was Malaysia’s penalty corner variation and conversion that led to a stunning 3-2 victory against India in the semi-final of the 2010 Guangzhou Asiad.

And penalty corner specialist Razie Rahim is hoping for a similar feat today.

Razie, who was a member of the 20010 Asiad team, said flickerrs in the team – Shahril SSaabah, Faisal Saari and SSyed Mohd Syafiq Syed CCholan – would have to be shaarp.

“Penalty corners can make a difference in an equally contested and tough matches. Penalty corners are our strength,” said Razie, who is currently the team’s leading scorer with nine goals, all from penalty corners.

“There is pressure whenever we take a penalty corner shot but we are used to it. We need to take our chances well and add variation to it by going for direct flicks and set pieces.

“We’ve faced goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh many times before and know his style. We’re prepared.”

Malaysia last met world No. 5 India in the final of the 2017 Asia Cup in Bangladesh where they suffered a 2-1 loss.

“On paper, India are strong but we’ve no pressure as they are the favourites. We came close to beating them in the Asia Cup. Most of the same team members are here,” said the 30-year-old.

“Their penalty corners are solid too and in this Games they have been outstanding in their counter-attacks.

“We have no reason to fear them. We’ve beaten them in the 2010 Asiad semi-final and I don’t see why we can’t do it again.”

Meanwhile, the women’s team finished fifth in the Asian Games after defeating Thailand 2-0 in the playoff at the Gelora Bung Karno Hockey Stadium yesterday.