Malaysia, Korea share honours

S. THYAGARAJAN

Pakistan survives initial shock to run riot against Japan

As the battle to find a slot in the semifinal intensified, the hockey on view in the men’s competition proved lively and exciting in the Asian Games here on Thursday.

Nothing exemplified the fact than the near stunning show by Malaysia against the defending champion, Korea. Pushed to the wall by some spirited offensive by Malaysia, the Koreans managed to snatch a point, five minutes before the hooter. An upset of the first magnitude was nearly averted by the Koreans.

Shocked by an early goal from Japan, former champion Pakistan recovered quickly to gain full points and record its second successive win in Pool B. Pakistan, which takes on India in the crucial match on Saturday, won 7-2.

Kenji Kitazato’s penalty corner hit unsettled the team a bit, but Fareed Ahmed darted in within minutes to obtain the equaliser.

A splendid strike by Sohail Abbas brought the lead and before half-time Muhammad Rizwan wove in to finish with a reverse flick for a half-time score of 3-1.

Midway through the second half, Pakistan enlarged the lead when Sohail Abbas drove a penalty corner to the roof of the net. Waqas Muhammad, Imran Muhammad (penalty stroke) and Shakeel Abbasi added two more.

In the quest for a hat-trick of gold medals, the Koreans faced the Malaysian challenge, which was hard to comprehend. Despite being faster, fitter, fluent, and exercising control over the match early on, the Korens found the Malaysians giving nothing away.

Razie excels

A special tribute is due to the heroic work of Muhammad Razie in the defence. The Malaysian attack was relentless in its endeavour to create openings. All these contributed to the tight match that unfolded in front of the crowd.

Korea was off the mark early on, when Hyun Hyesung bemused the Malaysian goal-keeper Kumar with a quick deflection from an accurate cross by Jang Jong.

The Korean defenders did not allow much space for the Malaysian attackers. But Noor repeatedly troubled them. More than once, he surged ahead, almost threatening the goal-keeper.

There were clear indications of a goal surfacing, and it did midway through; Aslan Misron capping a neat finish for the equalizer. Shortly after the break Hanifi made good work of a cross from Jalil for the lead.

Stunned by the development, the Koreans forced the pace but the rival defenders stood firm. There were four corners for the Koreans but none proved successful as goal-keeper Kumar brought off a few smart saves. An upset result almost appeared on the horizon, but the Koreans fought their way to snatch the leveller. A long clearance by Lee Seugil was picked up by You Hyosik who flicked it to Seo Jongho to complete the move.

Both Korea and Malaysia have four points each in Pool A.

First points

Oman in Pool A and Bangladesh in Pool B picked up their first points against Singapore and Hong Kong China respectively. Among the two, Bangladesh, coached by the former Indian coach from Germany, Gerhard Rach, registered a big victory after surviving some anxious early moments during which it conceded a goal.

But thereafter, Bangladesh held the advantage throughout thanks to a fine display in the penalty conversion department by the 21-year old Chayan, who slotted in four goals. Singapore was off to a fine start thanks to a goal by Enrico Manican, but succumbed to the pressure exerted on the defenders by the Omanis to suffer a 1-2 reverse.

Friday’s matches: Men: Pool A: Oman vs. Malaysia (3.30 p.m.); China vs. Korea (5.30 p.m.)

Women: India vs. Thailand (10.30 a.m.); China vs. Japan (12.30 p.m.); Malaysia vs. Kazakhstan (1 p.m.).