The Malaysian team nearly embarrased themselves but thanks to a late goal, they managed a draw. There goes our chance to see the team qualify for the Beijing Olympics.
Malaysia were held 4:4 by an Italy side who were unlucky not to come away with all three points. Malaysia equalised in the last second of the match with a field goal from Mohd Sharun Nabil ABDULLAH, causing the Italian players to fall to the ground in disappointment.
Italy produced a brilliant defensive performance in the first half of the game, repelling countless Malaysia attacks. Most impressive was the form of Italy goalkeeper Alberto MARCHI, who made some stunning saves from the drag-flicks of Mohd Amin RAHIM. Malaysia began to get frustrated with their lack of progress, and Italy compounded their misery when Alessandro NANNI flicked a penalty corner high into the goal.
Italy continued to defend solidly, but eventually a moment of class from Mohd Sharun Nabil ABDULLAH levelled the scores, smashing a reverse stick shot just under the crossbar. Incredibly, Malaysia fell behind again ten minutes into the second half, when Jacopo LUNETTA forced the ball over the line following a Italy penalty corner.
Malaysia were back level within a minute, when Mohd Amin RAHIM scored a penalty stroke awarded for a goal-bound shot hitting the foot of an Italy defender. With 12 minutes left to play Jiwa MOHAN scored a low penalty corner, much to the delight of his team-mates, but Italy immediately went in search of an equaliser, winning a penalty corner. Incredibly, Daniele MALTA bundled the ball over the line to stun Malaysia.
However, there was more to come from the entertaining Italians. With just three minutes left to play, Italy captain Massimo LANZANO passed the ball into an open goal following a wonderful move down the left, sparking wild celebrations from his players. It seemed as though Italy had won it, but Mohd Sharun Nabil ABDULLAH equalised with a field goal in the last second of the game to break Italian hearts.
Other results:
Switzerland 0-10 Germany
Japan 6-1 Poland
source: worldhockey.org
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