Hockey World Cup: Faizal brace stuns the Kiwis
SINAR DAILY REPORTER19 Jan 2023 07:03pm
Faizal Saari scored two goals, including a late winner as Malaysia beat New Zealand 3-2 in their final Pool C match at the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup in Bhubaneswar, India today.
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Faizal Saari emerged the hero with two field goals, including a late winner four minutes from time, when it looked like Malaysia were crumbling having fumbled a two goal lead.
The 32-year old from Kuala Terengganu had given Malaysia the lead in the eighth minute as Malaysia started strongly, looking like a changed outfit from their previous two matches against the Netherlands and Chile.
With the lead in hand, Malaysia continued to pressure their opponents with continuous forays into their semi-circle, but the alarming rate of penalty corner conversions raised by coach Arul Selvaraj looked set to haunt them again.
That was until at their sixth attempt, captain Razie Rahim finally managed to sneak his shot past Dominic Dixon in the New Zealand goal in the 42nd minute.
But what was supposed to be a comfortable two-goal lead then threatened to become Malaysia's undoing as lapsed in concentration began to creep in and New Zealand capitalised with a quickfire two goals.
Hayden Phillips bagged a field goal in the 51st minute and a minute later Sam Lane converted a penalty corner to level the score and stun the Malaysians.
It was a tense final eight minutes, before Faizal slotted him the winner in the 56th minute to give the world number 11th Malaysians the victory against the ninth ranked New Zealanders.
"I feel great. We won today because our boys gave 100 per cent commitment and it was a good performance to get us into the crossover stage. For bnow, we will enjoy this moment and from tomorrow we start focusing on the crossover match," said Faizal.
The victory meant meant Malaysia ended the preliminary round in second spot in Pool C behind the Netherlands and will now face the thrid placed team from Pool D in the crossover playoff match for a spot in the quarterfinals, while the Dutch earn the automatic slot as group winners.
Pool D currently remains open with England on top with four points, ahead of hosts India on goal difference while Spain occupy third spot with three points, while Wales, having lost both matches against England and Spain look the only team out of the running. India play Wales, while England play Spain in the final Pool D matches later which will decide who Malaysia's crossover opponents will be.
