Malaysia stunned by rampaging Australia

Malaysia Hasan Azuan (middle) passes by two Australia players during the Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Cup 2016.RONNIE CHIN/The Star

IPOH: In one fell swoop Malaysia plunged from the summit at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament.

Malaysia went into Saturday’s match against Australia at the top of the seven-team league with four points, but dropped to fourth after a 1-5 loss at the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium.

Malaysia put on an improved performance and managed to hold the world champions for a while before falling apart.

In the 14th minute, Thomas Craig had a golden chance to put Australia ahead but goalkeeper Hairi Abdul Rahman, who was making his senior debut, denied him.

It was only in the second quarter that Malaysia had a good look at the Australian goal. In one such rare attack, Malaysia earned a penalty corner in the 24th minute and Mohamed Razie Rahim duly converted with a hefty flick to take the lead.

But the Australians kept surging forward. Two minutes later, they equalised through Jacob Whetton’s field attempt after a botched penalty corner.

The third quarter saw the Malaysians defending desperately. And in a one-minute spell, their hopes of salvaging a draw went up in smoke.

Australian youngster Flynn Ogilvie made it 2-1 in the 40th minute and seconds later Matt Gohdes added a third.

Hardly had the excitement died down the Australians struck again with Ogilvie netting his second goal in the 41st minute.

Craig then completed the rout with a field goal in the 55th minute.

Malaysia coach Stephen van Huizen said they lost the match in the third quarter.

“We held well in the first two quarters, but the three goals came too fast and that caught us off guard. Overall I am pleased with the showing. We played to our tempo and did not follow the Australians.

“But we have to admit that they had better possession and took their chances well. Although we defended for long periods, we had our chances at goal. We now have to get ready for the next two matches (against Canada and Pakistan) as they are crucial to how we finish,” he said. 

Australia skipper Mark Knowles conceded that Malaysia gave them a good fight.

“This is the kind of game we want. A good crowd with great atmosphere and a team that is willing to fight till the end. We enjoy playing here as the quality of the matches is top class,” he said.