INCHEON: South Korea’s prowess in penalty corners proved too much for Malaysia at the Seonhak Hockey Stadium.
Malaysia put up a much-improved performance, but it was still not enough as they went down 2-1 in a Group A match. With the win, the hosts have qualified for the semi-finals.
South Korea, on maximum nine points, are likely to top the group as they play fourth-placed Bangladesh in their last group match tomorrow.
Malaysia’s final group fixture is against Japan tomorrow and they need a win to reach the last four. Both Malaysia and Japan have six points after three matches, but the Japanese are second with a better goal difference.
Yesterday, the Koreans used their speed to good use and were also more mobile along the flanks.
Malaysia earned their first penalty corner after 13 minutes, but failed to convert.
The Koreans made them pay for it by scoring from their first penalty corner in the 24th minute through Nam Hyun-woo’s drag flick.
Hyun-woo was on target again in the 45th minute off their third penalty corner.
Malaysia managed to reduce the deficit in the 56th minute through Mohd Marhan Jalil’s field goal. It was the first goal conceded by the Koreans at these Games.
National interim coach A. Arulselvaraj said he cannot fault his players for the loss.
“I’m very pleased with the way we played today. We had better possession than the Koreans. It was just two silly mistakes that gifted them the goals.
But this performance has shown me that we are on the right track,” he said.
Korean coach Shin Seok-kyu was glad to secure a place in the semi-finals.
He also gave the Malaysians credit for giving them a run for their money.
Winning the three points was crucial. “We have reached the semi-finals, but will not take any teams for granted,” said Seok-kyu.
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