Sunday, June 12, 2016

Malaysia lose Second Test 4-3

MALAYSIA lost the Second Test 4-3 to Japan in Kakamigahara Sunday, but gave a good account of themselves without six regulars.
   Coach Stephen van Huizen's men drew the First Test 1-1 on Saturday, but lost the earlier two friendlies 5-1 and 3-1.
   They will play two more friendlies before wrapping up the Tour in preparation of the Asian Champions Trophy in Kuantan in August.
    Yesterday Najmi Farizal Jazlan (18th, 24th) and Firhan Ashari (69th) scored for Malaysia.
    Van Huizen said:  "We started off quite slowly and conceded early goals. We were basically chasing the game but my men kept on fighting and never gave up.
   "It was a much better game compared to the previous matches. We had five penalty corners  and we scored three goals off them.
   "This Tour has opened our eyes and the young boys had a good exposure. We have two more practice matches to go and we will take one game at a time."
    The six regulars, including skipper and penalty corner ace Razie Rahim, sat out the Tour for various reasons but it gave younger players an opening to how their mettle.