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| May 31, 2005 | Tuesday | Rabi-us-Sani 22, 1426 |
South Korea thrash hosts Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR, May 30: Hosts Malaysia came crashing back down to earth after losing 4-0 to South Korea in the 14th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup here on Monday. Malaysia, fresh from a stunning 4-1 victory over India on Sunday, failed to reproduce that form against the rampaging Koreans, who recorded their first win of the seven-team tournament.
The superior fitness of the Koreans made the difference in the final 30 minutes as Malaysia, who hit the post in the first half, were unable to keep up with their speedy opponents.
“We cannot compare with the Koreans when it comes to fitness,” said Malaysian coach Wallace Tan. “We made a lot of silly mistakes. We couldn’t stop, pass or keep possession.
“We did well in the first half but couldn’t keep that up.”
Korea had the advantage of a one-day rest since their narrow 3-2 defeat to Pakistan on Saturday.
Malaysia managed to hold them off until the 44th minute before Jong Hyun-jang gave Korea the lead from a penalty corner.
Jong added another penalty corner three minutes later before field goals from Eun Seong-hong and Jong Ho-seo completed Korea’s victory.
Malaysia have a one-day rest before facing New Zealand on Wednesday, completing their programme against Pakistan on Friday.
The Koreans next play India on Tuesday before meeting New Zealand and South Africa.
In the only other match on Monday, New Zealand won for the first time in four attempts when they beat South Africa 2-0.
The Kiwis had come into the match with only one point from a 2-2 draw with India, having narrowly lost by 2-1 score-lines to both Pakistan and Australia.
But they finally got it together against the winless South Africans with goals from Philip Burrows (ninth minute) and Ryan Archibald, who converted a 45th-minute penalty corner.
Pakistan lead the standings with three wins out of three matches with defending champions Australia second on seven points.
The Pakistanis, champions in 2003 and runners-up last year, take on the Australians on Tuesday and victory would virtually guarantee them a place in the final.
The top two teams after a round-robin play in the final on Sunday.—AFP
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