Sultan Azlan Shah Cup: Sunil Eyeing For Pakistan Scalp After Defeating Malaysia

Mandeep Singh celebrates after scoring India's second goal. (Photos courtesy of Megat Muzzammil)

If ever there was a reason for more attention to be given towards hockey in India, it came at the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium today. ‘Grandiloquent’ was the perfect word for an Indian side that overcame high pressure, intimidating atmosphere and a mini–revival from the Malaysian team to comfortably beat them with a classy scoreline of 5-2. It was a great day for Indian Hockey fans ahead of their mouthwatering clash against Pakistan this Wednesday.

It was an explosive start from India as they took control of the game very quickly, must to the surprise of packed in Malaysian fans. And nobody can deny that a goal for them was seeming very likely at that point as Roshan Minz made no mistake by slotting in home after some good work by skipper Arjun Halappa down the flanks. Mandeep then scored India’s second in the 18th minute, tapping in the reboun after S. Kumar saved his initial shot. Better still, the crowd were all silenced as India took an impeccable three goal lead inside 22 minutes after Rupinder Pal Singh continued his hot streak by scoring off a penalty corner which is his fifth goal of the tournament so far.

But all Malaysian hopes were raised for a moment after ?Muhammad Azammi Adabi reduced the deficit in the 35th minute but moments later, they were brought down to earth by another superb goal from India with SV Sunil grabbing their fourth one this time around. It was massive score at half time as India lead the hosts nation by four goals to one.

After the break, the Malaysians showed some initiative for a great comeback and they were duly rewarded for their efforts when Mohd Shahrun Nabil stroked in Malaysia’s second goal. However, despite being under immense pressure from the crowd as well as the Malaysian players, India’s compatibility in defence was second to none and Chetri’s performance in goal would have impressed a lot after saving four good attempts from Malaysia in the process. Nevertheless, Arjun Halappa and co finally killed off the game as Mandeep grabbed his second goal of the night to cap a terrific performance for both him and India as well.

It was also a great night for SV Sunil, who has just returned the national side after not playing for over a year with an injury. The latter scored India’s fourth goal to sum up his terrific performance in the tournament so far and he too was equally delighted with today’s display.

“We are delighted with the way we performed today. It was a very good game and everybody in the team deserved a pat on their back for the effort they put in today. It was never an easy game with all the crowd backing Malaysia had but we were determined to put in a showcase of hockey for our fans and we certainly did it.”

The Indians certainly worked their socks off today. (Pictures courtesy of Megat Muzzammil)

India had to weather the storm after the break as the Malaysians came up with a better hunger and desire in their game. And when they scored their second goal in the 43rd minute, Sunil did admit that a lack of focus could have allowed Malaysia to get back into the game.

“We were absolutely good in the first half but our performance in the first 15 minutes of the second half was not up to our expectatation. We were far too sloppy in giving away possession and lost our focus a little. Thankfully, we managed to keep tight at the back and regain our focus because Malaysia looked like they could spring a comeback today. It was scary but we certainly deserve what we earned today.”

Today’s huge win comes ahead of their all-important match against Pakistan this Wednesday. The importance being placed on this match is undeniable and Sunil was confident that a repeat of tonight’s performance could also see another ‘five star’ thriller against the Pakistanis.

“Wednesday’s match is like the ‘Classico’ of Hockey. The added pressure and intensity has always been there and no matter where we are playing against each other, tension and pressure will be present. The most important things for us is that we regain our energy and give our best on the day. Who knows? We are certainly capable of scoring another five against them. We will fight for India until the end.”