Malaysia got to a good start by winning their first game, so did world No. 1 Germany and host, Japan.
Malaysia came back from being a goal down in an entertaining encounter with Poland. The Europeans took the lead through Dariusz Rachwalski in the first half, but two goals from Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin in the 39 minutes and 58 minutes gave victory to Malaysia.
Dariusz Rachwalski had the first genuine opportunity of the game in the 6th minute, but his shot was wide of the target. However, it was him who opened the scoring when he deflected a shot that went high into the net, giving S. Kumar little chance of saving. The goal brought the match to life, and Malaysia went in search of an equaliser. S. Kuhan almost got the goal that his team needed, but his penalty corner drag flick was saved on the line by a defender with the keeper well beaten. Malaysia got their equaliser just four minutes into the second half, with Tengku Tajuddin scoring from open play.
Seven minutes later, Malaysia were awarded a penalty stroke, but Polish goalkeeper Arkadiusz Matuszak produced an excellent save with his legs to deny S. Kuhan. Malaysia were the dominant side in the second half, and eventually took the lead thanks to a second strike from Tengku Tajuddin, who deflected a penalty corner effort from S. Kuhan into the net. Poland rallied hard near the end, but Malaysia held on to secure the three points.
Full result:
Germany 8-0 Italy
Malaysia 2-1 Poland
Switzerland 1-2 Japan
source: worldhockey.org
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