Malaysian goalkeeper Mohamad Rafaizul Saini has pledged to keep the Australians at bay from scoring in tomorrow’s (2.00 pm Friday) crucial Group A match of the Men’s Hockey Junior World Cup at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Rafaizul took responsibility for giving away two silly goals that allowed defending champions Argentina to register a 4-0 victory over the Malaysians on Wednesday night.
“It was wholly my fault. I was not focused. My eyes were not on the ball when the Argentinean player was about to take the shot. Instead, I was distracted by the presence of other players nearby,” said Rafaizul.
“These silly mistakes will not happen again when we play Australia. It had bothered me a lot. I am sorry,” he said when questioned by journalists at a post-match press conference.
“I promise to play better. It will be our last chance to qualify for the quarter-finals”
The Argentineans top the group with six points from two straight wins and are through to the last eight, while Australia and Malaysia are tied on three points after two matches but former having better goal difference.
A win by the Young Tigers over the Burras is the only answer to move forward, while Australia only needs a draw.
Meanwhile, coach Muhammad Amin Rahim said the Young Tigers must view the defeat as a wake-up call.
“Till we play Australia, I want the players to reflect on what went wrong against Argentina. Learn from your mistakes. We cannot be playing well one day and allowing our opponents to score easy goals in the next game. We must manage our game and be consistent,” he added.
“This is the World Cup stage, and players must take responsibility when they step on the pitch. No excuses,” said Amin.
He also voiced his concern on cramps, which had plagued his players against Argentina. “It is due to dehydration and not physical training,” he defended.
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