Malaysia first and then Japan dished out a kind of fare not seen so far in the history of Asian Games. These two nations have entered the final, defeating their higher ranked rivals when counted most, in the semi-finals.
Despite Trailing 1-2 till last minute, Malaysia bounced back into the reckoning against India in the first semis. Earning a penalty corner inside last minute, Malaysia equalized the score to 2-2 before coming out of colours in the ensued sudden death 7-6. The shoot out went on for about 30 minutes, as each side kept on missing alternatively.
Incidentally, Malaysia stopped India at the 2010 Asiad semi-final too.
Indian men will now play for bronze against the loser of Pakistan-Japan encounter.
Later in the other semis, under pressure Pakistan caved in like India. Japan took a early lead and could defend it successfully rest of the match to play their maiden Men’s Asian Games final.
Wasting numerous chances including six penalty corners in the first quarter, India ended the half time without moving the scoreboard.
Harmanpreet Singh struck for the lead in the 33 minutes, which survived barely six minutes. Faizal Saari scored a field goal to level. Within three minutes Mandeep Singh earned a penalty corner of which Varun Kumar dragged for the 2-1 lead India was cruishing along for a victory.
Three minutes before the end time, the Malaysian coach Stephen van Huizen removed goalie and put an additional player to pep up attack, a ploy that worked. Harmanpreet Singh in a hurry made a hasty clearance inside the circle, of which Malaysia earned a penalty corner with barely less than sixty seconds remained for the hooter. Rahim Razie struck (2-2) out of the god send opportunity.
In the five-set shoot out, the score stood 3-3. In the cruelling sudden death Malaysia overcame the defending champions 7-6.