The News International

From Khalid Hussain

MADRID, Spain: Poland claimed the ninth place in the competition with a 4-2 win over disappointing Malaysia in a classification match of the Olympic Hockey Qualifiers here at the Club de Campo on Friday.

Displaying a better attack, Poland struck thrice in the second session after conceding a 1-2 lead to earn a consolation win after failing to qualify for Athens.

The Malaysians, disheartened after narrowly missing the chance to play in the 5-8 classification matches were a shadow of their former selves failing to impress much during the most of the encounter.

Poland drew first blood when Choczaj Tomasz scored off a field goal in the 20th minute. But the fast-improving Malaysian striker gave his team an equaliser by netting the ball nine minutes later. Both teams were level 1-1 at halftime.

Malaysia claimed the lead four minutes into the second half through Mohammad Rosli Tajul but Poland wasted little time in making it 2-2 when Rachwalski Dariuszstruck in the 41st minute. They scored two more goals through Choczaj Slawomir and Kmiec Krzysztof to complete a 4-2 win.

Japan had to settle for the wooden spoon after losing to Canada by 2-3 in the playoff for the 11-12 places. Japan scored two goals in the second half but failed to overcome Canada in the fast-flowing encounter.

Canada took a 3-0 lead by the 4th minute with goals from Connor Grimes, Ravinder Kahlon and Ken Pereira. Japan fought their way back into the match with a 42nd minute goal from Yamabori Takahiko but failed to overcome a tight Canadian defense. They struck again in the 70th minute through Tobita Naohiko but ran out of time to score that elusive equaliser.

Rate This Article

Select Here  5 Stars  (Best Rating)   4 Stars   3 Stars   2 Stars   1 Star  (Worst Rating)

Your opinion counts.
Rate this article or enter your comments below.