MJWC: Malaysia fall to Ibarras early strike
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| Malaysia |
June 30, 2005
New Straits Times
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Jugjet singh reportring from Rotterdam
MALAYSIA played a superb match, which warmed the hearts of the spectators in chilly Rotterdam, but a second minute goal handed Argentina three points in the Junior World Cup yesterday.
Argentina, who beat Germany 3-2 on Wednesday, advanced into the second round while Malaysia, who got off to their campaign here with a 4-1 win over South Africa on Wednesday, will battle the Germans tomorrow to decide the second ticket from Group A.
"The defence was a bit shaky, and the forward line totally out today. We had chances to score but missed them all. Argentina played a very tight game and our players were well marked and I think credit should be given to their goalkeeper for saving our attempts," said Malaysian coach Sarjit Singh.
It was a warm and sunny day in Rotterdam, but just as the Malaysian team walked onto the pitch to play, the skies opened up and ice-cold rain and strong wind made life miserable, even for those who were matching the match under umbrellas.
The Malaysian team let down their guards only for a few seconds but were punished by the speedy Argentines. They won a penalty corner in the second minute of the match, and Pablo Ibarra sent the ball crashing into the back of the goalmouth.
The chilly wind and pouring rain made matters worse, but Malaysia held on another wave of attacks for 15 minutes, before finally breaking free to attack the Argentine goalmouth.
Two penalty corners came Malaysia's way in the first half, but the first, by Zulkiffli Rejab, was stopped by Argentine goalkeeper Juan Espinosa.
The second penalty corner was taken by Mohamed Suffian, but it again rebounded off Juan's palms and came straight at S. Selvaraju.
Selvaraju sent the ball back into the goalmouth, but it was cleared on the goal-line by an Argentine defender.
The second half saw a different Malaysian side as coach Sarjit Singh switched players positions from left to right to try and break into the Argentine semi-circle, but the 2001 Junior World Cup silver medallists held their fort well.
In the entire 35 minutes of the second half, Malaysia failed to earn a penalty corner, and only had two shots at goal to show for.
But it was not because the boys did not give their best, as they stopped seven penalty corners, but the Argentine defence was rock solid.
And as the clocked showed only 15 seconds left in the match, Malaysia had a free hit just outside the Argentine semi-circle, but Zulkiffli 's slap shot hit Shukri Mutalib's stick and then slammed into the post.
The ball hoovered awkwardly at the Argentine goalmouth, but a defender dashed Malaysian hopes with a deft clearance.
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