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India overcame the Malaysian challenge by in the quarter-final of the Hockey World League (HWL) semis. The Indian hockey team, courtesy of finishing 2nd in the group, were facing Malaysia, who finished 3rd in Pool B, for the 103rd time in their history.
India started on the front foot with Devindar Walmiki going on a brilliant run that saw him evade challenges by 5 Malaysian players. In the 3rd minute, Satbir Singh got his first goal of the tournament to give India the lead in the quarters. However, the credit should go to Akashdeep Singh, whose mazy run created the opening goal.
In the 9th minute, the forgotten man Rupinder Pal Singh made his first appearance of the HWL amidst huge cheer, when he came off the bench. In the final minute of the quarter, with just 8 seconds left on the quarter, Malaysian captain Razie Rahim converted a penalty corner to ensure his side went into the quarter break on level terms.
Malaysia got their third penalty corner of the match in the 3rd minute of the second quarter, but PR Sreejesh made a good save to prevent Malaysia from taking the lead. The team from East Asia got their fourth penalty corner in the 23rd minute, but this time they outfoxed the Indian runners with a clever variation to go 2-1 up in the match.
Razie faked a shot and the ball went to Shahril Saabah, who took a touch and hit the ball in the back of the net. India finally got a penalty corner of their own, but the pass from Sardar Singh was poor and Manpreet Singh couldn’t trap the ball for Rupinder to drag the ball. Manpreet’s resulting shot went in the goal, but as it was a slap shot, the goal was not awarded as according to the rules, the shot has to hit the board.
In the 28th minute, India were awarded their second penalty corner, but they tried to be too clever and the ball was cleared. This highlighted another deficiency in the Indian team as they have been able to convert only twice from the 12 PCs they have been awarded this tournament. The half-time hooter went soon after and India would have been glad to hear it as they had been off-colour ever since scoring the opening goal.
Jasjit magic in the second half
Malaysia had a brilliant opportunity to increase their lead, but Sreejesh got down in time to make a double save. On the counter attack, Akashdeep tested the Malaysian goalkeeper, Roslan Jamaluddin, who did his job to keep the scoreline in Malaysia's favour. India, like in their previous games, looked much better after the half-time break and broke in the Malaysian D on plenty occasions, but their opponents stood firm.
India breathed a collective sigh of relief at the end of the third quarter when Malaysia missed an easy chance when Izwan Tajuddin failed to apply the finishing touches to a cross after beating his marker and going ahead of the Indian custodian.
In the 49th minute, India were awarded a penalty corner and Jasjit Singh’s resultant drag-flick was saved and cleared, but India referred the referee’s call and got another penalty corner. This time, Jasjit made no mistake and the ball sailed into the top corner to give the youngster from Punjab his first goal of the tournament.
With 7 minutes to go in the match, Sreejesh was called into action once again as Malaysia had a golden chance to take the lead. The man from Kerala did brilliantly to prevent Malaysia from scoring in the final quarter. India were awarded a penalty corner with 5 minutes to go and Jasjit Singh smashed a flawless shot into the top left corner to give India a late lead.
In the final minute, Malaysia were awarded a penalty corner, which India referred, but lost. From the resultant penalty corner, Sreejesh pulled out yet another sensational save to ensure India's victory.
India move to the semi-finals and they’ll face the winner between Belgium and France. Malaysia will move to the 5-8th place play-off and face the loser of the match between the Europeans.
