Speedy Tigers show steely side to maul Japan and secure semis ticket
JAYA: The Speedy Tigers produced a power-packed performance as they mauled Japan 5-1 to seal their spot in the Nations Cup semi-finals in Potchefstroom, South Africa, yesterday.
Needing a win to advance to the last four from Group B, Malaysia showed their steely character, especially in the third quarter where they slammed in three quick goals to continue their winning form against Japan.
The victory gave them six points and they lie second behind South Korea, who had earlier hammered Canada 6-2 to finish top in the group with a maximum nine points.
The match sprang to life as early as the second minute where the Tigers scored through a field goal from Najib Abu Hassan.
However, Japan did not take long before hitting back with an equaliser in the fifth minute when Kosei Kawabe converted a penalty corner to leave the match well poised.
Malaysia continued to push for goals and they were rewarded in the 23rd minute when Aminuddin Zain converted a penalty corner for a 2-1 lead.
The Tigers took full control in the third quarter when Faizal Saari scored his first goal of the tournament with a field goal in the 34th minute.
Najib added his second through another field goal in the 39th minute to make it 4-1 while Ashran Hamsani joined in the party when he added the fifth a minute later through another field effort.
Malaysia took advantage when Japan were down to 10 men after Masaki Ohashi was flashed the yellow card in the 38th minute.
Malaysia, led by coach A. Arulselvaraj, had also beaten Japan 5-0 in the super four match at the Asia Cup in Jakarta in May to reach the final and also defeated the same side 4-2 in their last round-robin match at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh last month to reach the final.
South Korea denied Malaysia glory in the Asia Cup final when they won 2-1 but the Tigers avenged their defeat by winning 3-2 in Ipoh to lift the Azlan Shah Cup for the first time.