India suffer one-goal loss to Malaysia, fail to enter final
BY Agencies5 May 2017 5:51 PM GMT
Agencies5 May 2017 5:51 PM GMT
A listless India slumped to a heart-breaking 0-1 defeat to hosts Malaysia in their last league match as they failed to reach the final of Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament for the second consecutive year here on Friday.
Needing to win by a two-goal margin to make the final after Great Britain had edged past New Zealand 3-2 earlier in the day, India failed to produce a cohesive game and suffered their first loss of the tournament. Finishing with seven points from five matches, India will on Saturday play New Zealand in the play-off for the bronze medal, while the title encounter will be between defending champions Australia and Great Britain. An Indian victory by two goals would have pushed the British team to the bronze medal game, but Malaysia turned the tables on India who gave a disjointed exhibition of hockey. In the day of the underdogs, World No. 16 Japan pulled off a most stunning upset with a 3-2 victory over reigning world champions Australia, who still remained on course to defend their title by topping the standings roster due to their superior goal difference. Australia have won the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup nine times, while Great Britain are in the final after 23 years. Despite knowing what was expected
16 Japan pulled off a most stunning upset with a 3-2 victory over reigning world champions Australia, who still remained on course to defend their title by topping the standings roster due to their superior goal difference. Australia have won the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup nine times, while Great Britain are in the final after 23 years. Despite knowing what was expected from them, India failed to make an impression on the Malaysian defence. Malaysia made two early forays into the Indian circle, but were thwarted by the defenders.
A penalty corner awarded to Malaysia in the ninth minute was reversed after video referral by India. After a listless first quarter, India managed to earn three penalty corners in the next 15 minutes, but Malaysian goalkeeper Subramaniam Kumar effected two diving deflections. India's maiden foray into the rival circle was in the 16th minute, which earned them their first penalty corner. The penalty corner flick by Rupinderpal Singh was deflected out by diving goalkeeper Subramaniam Kumar in the 16th minute. Video referrals seemed to be the flavour of the game as it was taken several times in penalty corner actions.
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