Too many experiments let India tempo down

As a reversal of fortune, India went down tamely to Malaysia 5-2 to face its first defeat in five matches today in the 19th Azlan Shah Cup.

With three wins and a draw already in its kitty, India indulged in the luxury of experiments, even to the extent of irritating level, that let the tempo the team built so far, down. At the same time, the Malaysians deserve every bit of acclaim to avail the god-send opportunity.

This magnificent win by the hosts opened up the competition further; Malaysia stands a chance to be in the Sunday final. Malaysia will have to play China while India the Egyptians.

Its first time in 17 encounters in the Azlan history, India conceded five goals to the hosts. This is glaring against the fact that India lost to Malaysia only thrice since 1983 when Azlan was put on the board, the fourth one today was the biggest in terms of conceding goals. Earlier in 2005 Azlan, Malaysia had a three-goal margin victory over India.

So elated over the defeat of the famed rivals that the Malaysians even took a victory lap to return the favour to the crowds, which pumped them to the hilt. Usually restraint Sultan Azlan Shah too took to the field soon after the match and greeted the players.

Indeed, its big achievement for new coach Stephen’s side, which is coming up reasonably with aggressive style of play as an instrument of success.

Defeatless India today tried various combinations and paid for it. The changes were in positioning of players, even the wingers changed flanks, mostly the two new faces in the team — defenders Rupinder Pal Singh and Amit Prabhakar — guarded the defence. Reliable Dhananjay Mahadik spent much time in the bench. Mostly Rupinder took the penalty corner shots, twice Amit did.

Malaysian forwards, egged by the sizeable crowd, showed verve in attack, and got the rewards. Some of the goals they scored were after almost drawing all the defenders out of position. The manner the field goals they scored were pleasing to the eyes. They were definitely faster, purposeful and had dream finish to most of the attacks.

Its Rahim Amin who converted the team’s third Penalty Corner in the 27th minute and then goals came in cascades.

Malaysia led 3-1 at halftime.

“Every team here has come to experiment. We have the cushion to take risks and tried various new things which other teams cannot because they are in need of points. So, we used the chances we have, fully”, said Harendera Singh.

There is a point of agreement with Harendra when he said India had better ball possession and control, as is evident from the fact that India got seven penalty corners. But it is academic, as in the end the team went down to a historical low.

Penalty corners is again the grey area for this team, and today mostly Rupinder Pal, new comer, got chances to negotiate them. Unfortunately, its Kumar Subramaniam, the rival goalie, who saw off him safely.

Everyone would agree Malaysia’s strength is this goalkeeper.

Amit Prabhakar, in his over-enthusiasm committed some silly mistakes, especially tackling forwards way outside the circle. Its his bad tackle mid way through in the second half that changed the tenor of the match.

India conceded another penalty corner in the same ugly fashion in the second session as well.

India have to essentially now defeat Egypt on Saturday to take its appointed slot for the final.

For each move, scorer names and timing please visit Live Commentary Section of this site.