Asian Games: Malaysia In Contention For Men's Hockey Semis

By Mazani Mohd Yusoff JAKARTA, Aug 24 (Bernama) – Malaysia are just one foot away from the last four in the men’s hockey competition in the Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games after they whipped Bangladesh 7-0 in their third Group B match at Gelora Bung Karno field hockey, here, Friday. The third straight win recorded by Stephen Van Huizen’s side saw them top the Group B standings with nine points. In Friday’s action, Malaysia got off to a perfect start by taking a 3-0 lead at half-time via penalty corner specialist, Muhammad Razie Abdul Rahim in the 18th and 22th minutes, before Muhammad Amirol Aideed Mohd Arshard scored the third goal in the 28th minute. After the break, Malaysia continued their ferocious attacks and managed to add four more goals via Faizal Saari in the 31st, Joel Samuel Van Huizen (38’), Nabil Fiqri Mohd Noor in the 44th minute, before Muhammad Firhan Ashari completed the rout in the 59th minute. For the record, Malaysia whipped Kazakhstan 16-2 in the opening match on Aug 20, before blasting off Thailand 10-0 in the second group match, two days later. Speaking to afterwards, Van Huizen said he was pleased with the result and praised his players for putting up a splendid performance under the blazing heat. In the meantime, he also gunning for a winning streak when Malaysia take on the eight-time Asian Games winners Pakistan in their fourth preliminary match, this Sunday. “I think the players were very focused in today’s match and they did a good job and Bangladesh gave a tough fight in the first two quarters, but starting today onwards, the games become even tougher. “We are not sure yet about the semi-finals place but the match against Pakistan is very crucial to decide who will top Group B standings” he said. Sharing his sentiments was the national squad goalkeeper, S. Kumar who was delighted with victory as he reached his 300 international cap with the national squad. “Today is the best moment for me after reaching 300 caps with the national team and it gives a morale boost for me and all of my teammates to win the gold medal in the Asian Games,” said the 38-year old veteran who won multiple victories with the national squad especially the bronze medal at 2002 Busan and also the silver medal in the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games. Based on the competition format, the top two teams from each group, A and B, will qualify for the semi-finals. Malaysia are vying for a gold medal in the men’s hockey competition to secure an automatic berth to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Games. -- BERNAMA