Malaysia gave an enthralling performance before losing 3-1 against world No 9 France today in a pulsating FIH Nations Cup encounter in Gniezno, Poland.
The last time world No. 13-ranked Malaysia and France showdown was in the 5-8th classification match at the 2015 World League semifinals in Antwerp, Belgium. The Malaysians won 4-1.
Due to bad weather conditions – storm and heavy rain – in Gniezno, the Group B matches that were initially scheduled for June 2 (Sunday) between Malaysia versus France, and Pakistan-Canada were postponed to June 3. The Green Shirts humbled the Canadians 8-1 with four goals from Rana Waheed Ashraf and Ali Ghazanfar’s brace.
Malaysia’s head coach Sarjit Singh said: “Overall the team gave an outstanding performance. Their commitment was at a high level. It is a pity we could not play to a draw and win one point. We were punished for our small mistakes.”
“We will watch video recordings of the five penalty corner opportunities we had and analyse where we went wrong. There is plenty of room for improvement. In our next match against Canada, we have to go all out for a win. The players must instil the winning mentality in their minds,” added Sarjit.
Sarjit again introduced No 2 goalkeeper Zaimi Mat Deris – named player of the match against Pakistan, former national junior captain Faris Harizan, and 18-year-old youngster Azimuddin Kamarudin in the starting lineup against the French.
He paraded a formidable team that included skipper Marhan Jalil, his most reliable goal poachers – siblings Faizal and Fitri Saari, Syed Mohamad Syafiq Syed Cholan, and Muhamad Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal to name a few.
Olympic hosts and France, coached by Frederic Soyez, began their journey in Poland with a comfortable 4-0 win over Canada. The Les Bleus, however, showed their class by stepping on the pedal early against the Speedy Tigers to earn their first penalty corner in the fifth minute. Timothee Clement made no mistake to give France a 1-0 lead. The 25-year-old had scored 16 times for France in all competitions.
The French dominated the first quarter by earning four penalty corners and successful in one as the Malaysians held a tight rein in defence in the remaining minutes following the early setback.
The Speedy Tigers, who were not short on form and confidence, started the second quarter with an increase in their intensity levels, even teasing goalkeeper Arthur Thieffry with three penalty corner opportunities. The Malaysians initial attempts were saved but Faizal was on target in the 28th minute to level the score at 1-1 via a field goal.
In the third quarter, the Malaysians’ dominance continued by earning two penalty corners – their fifth of the match. France had one more but both teams failed to convert it in any. France, however, got their much-needed break from a brisk counter attack in the 43rd minute. Francois Goyet scored in open play to put them 2-1 ahead
The Malaysians and French defence mounted pressure in the fourth quarter but a penalty stroke in favour of France in the last few seconds of regulation time saw Etienne Tynevez dismantle the Malaysians’ hopes of making a comeback to seal victory 3-1.
Malaysia’s next match is against Canada on June 5. The Speedy Tigers had recorded a 6-2 win over the Canadians in their last encounter at the 30th edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh.
