The Speedy Tigers lost their third match on the tour of Europe, going down 0-5 to World No 1 the Netherlands today in a friendly tie at the Arnhem Mixed Hockey Club ground.
The Dutch scored in the first (FG), ninth (PC), 23rd (PC), 43rd (PC) minutes, and converted a penalty stroke five minutes before the end of regulation time.
National hockey team head coach Sarjit Singh said the Speedy Tigers were involved in a high intensity encounter against the Dutch, a dominant power in the sport, which benefited the Malaysians.
“Leaving the score aside, the players played hard and we were in attacking mode several times. Our defensive structure was also much better today than in the match against the Germans,” said Sarjit.
He stressed that the team would come up with a new vigour against seventh-ranked India on Sunday (July 14) that concludes the Malaysians’ tour of Europe.
“Against India, we aim to go on the offensive and also at the same time strengthen our defence. It is important for players to be exposed to this kind of playing structure. They must also go into the match against India with a high-level of confidence,” added Sarjit.
The loss against the Netherlands was the Speedy Tigers’ third in six matches.
The Malaysians kicked off their journey with a 3-2 win against a Belgium B side in the first friendly match in Antwerp, lost 2-4 in the second, and concluded their Belgium adventure with a 3-2 victory in the third match.
The next stage was Germany. They went down 1-10 against the reigning World champions on July 7 but bounced back gallantly to secure a 9-2 victory over Monchengladbach Hockey Club on July 10.
