Today is a rest day for all teams participated in the Olympic qualifier. The Malaysian needed the rest to re-focus on their strategy after losing to Germany.
Though in 3rd place after a win, a draw and losing once, Malaysia, mathematically, still have a chance in finishing second. This will qualify them for a play-off with the team with the highest points, expected to be Germany. However, host Japan, is in a better position as they have collected 9 points as well.
Match report Germany vs Malaysia courtesy of worldhockey.org
Malaysia gave Germany a tougher game than they had bargained for in the final match of the day, but the Germans proved their class as they emerged 3-0 winners.
The game marked an incredible milestone for Tibor WEISSENBORN, who made his 300th international appearance for Germany, and was suitably honoured by all of the players before the match. Germany won a penalty corner in the opening minute, hinting that they were going to continue in the same form that they produced against Switzerland, but Malaysia survived the effort from Christopher ZELLER. Germany won plenty of penalty corners, but Malaysia defended well and created a number of excellent opportunities for themselves, none better than when Philip ZELLER cleared a shot off the goal-line with keeper Ulrich BUBOLZ beaten. Germany took the lead in the 23rd minute of the game, when Christopher ZELLER pounced on a loose ball directly in front of the goal to score his fourth of the tournament. Four minutes later, Mohd Amin RAHIM seemed certain to score, but a brilliant stick save from BUBOLZ denied him the opportunity. At half time Malaysia could count themselves unlucky not to be level, but Germany were clearly the dominant team in the second period. Oliver KORN scored Germany’s second goal of the match, picking up a rebound from the goalkeeper’s pads before passing into the net in the 43rd minute. Germany captain Timo WESS sealed the win with a penalty corner strike that the Malaysian defence could do little about.
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