KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia ended up as wooden spoonists for their worst-ever finish in the World Cup history after losing 2-1 in a penalty shootout against Wales at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Belgium on Friday (Aug 28).
The teams were tied 2-2 in regulation time.
In the 15th-16th placing match, world No 18 Wales opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a Benjamin Francis field goal before Faizal Saari drew world No. 14 Malaysia level in the 41st minute.
The national team, nicknamed Speedy Tigers, then shot into the lead in the 52nd minute when Akhimullah Anuar Esook netted a field goal.
Their joy, however, was shortlived as Liam Barker equalised for Wales a minute later to take the match into a shootout.
In the penalty shootout, only Fitri Saari netted for Malaysia, who are coached by Brendon Carolan, while Jolyon Morgan and Jack Pritchard scored to make sure the Speedy Tigers finish with their tails between their legs.
Malaysia had previously finished 15th in the 2018 edition and 14th in the 2023 edition, which were both hosted by India. - Bernama
