Malaysia scored another win today to keep a really slim chance of qualifying for the finals. Germany, who has assured themselves a place in the final, beat Japan 4-0.
Malaysia overcame a good performance from Switzerland to win 4-3, keeping alive their chances of qualifying for Sunday’s final. Goals from Muhd Razie ABD RAHIM (2), Boon Huat CHUA and Kevinder Singh MAKBUL SINGH helped to secure all three points from the match.
The first half was not dominated by either side, although it was Malaysia who went into half time as the team ahead. Muhd Razie ABD RAHIM scored with a neat deflection to give Malaysia the lead in the 15th minute, but moments later Thomas GÄHWILER equalised with a simple tap-in. Boon Huat CHUA re-established the lead for Malaysia just before half time with a superb effort that flew into the roof of the net.
Six minutes after half time Kevinder SINGH MAKBUL SINGH scored Malaysia’s third, after his team had dominated the opening period of the second half. In the 51st minute Ismail ABU had the chance to move Malaysia into a 4-1 lead with a fantastic chance at the top of the circle, but blazed his shot over the cross bar when he should have done better. Malaysia had further chances to kill of their opponents with excellent chances from Boon Huat CHUA and Tengku Tajuddin TG ABDUL JALIL, but the opportunities were wasted. Thomas GÄHWILER pulled a goal back as the end of the match drew near, picking up a brilliant reverse stick pass from Ulrich BERGMANN to score.
However, Malaysia dominated the second period and it was Muhd Razie ABD RAHIM who scored the vital goal with five minutes left to play. Philip KELLER scored a consolation overtime penalty corner for Switzerland, but Malaysia were deserving winners in this contest.
On Saturday, Malaysia will play Japan in their final match of the round-robin phase of the tournament, with Switzerland facing Italy.
Full score for today’s matches:
Malaysia 4-3 Switzerland
Italy 0-6 Poland
Germany 4-0 Japan
source: worldhockey.org
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