On Wednesday, March 7, the fourth day of Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, Australia topped the table with a 4-1 win over Ireland. Australia scored two goals in the first quarter, one by Jake Whetton and the other by Daniel Beale. In the second quarter, Blake Govers went three up for his team through a penalty corner. The final quarter witnessed Jake Harvie scoring a field goal for Australia while Ireland replied with their only goal in the 57th minute through Shane O’Donoghue.
England’s hopes of winning the match against Argentina were dashed when the match ended with a draw. Juan Gilardi netted Argentina’s first goal via a penalty stroke in the 40th minute, David Condon equalised soon after. Both teams ended with a point each.
The sky opened up as the final match between India and Malaysia got underway. Shilanand Lakra opened accounts in the first quarter. Malaysia’s Faizal Saari made it 1-1 before Gurjant Singh’s shot got India a goal ahead of Malaysia.
The Speedy Tigers’ drive stagnated throughout the remaining part of the game. India’s Sumit Kumar scored in the 48th minute before Ramandeep Singh dribbled his way to score another splendid goal in the 51st minute. Three minutes before the match ended, Gurjant Singh netted the ball, ending the game with a 5-1 score line. It was one disappointing night for the Tigers.
“We started really well in the game. Goalkeeper Suraj Karkera did a real good job in the match today. He was in the match and had exuded so much confidence, taking control of the ball throughout the game,” said India’s coach, Sjoerd Marijne.
“Today’s game wasn’t what we expected, I admit it wasn’t our best game in the whole tournament. India took every chance they had. In order for Malaysia to score, we had to take a bit more risk but India countered every opportunity we had. We may have a chance against England. There’s no excuse for us tonight. We’ve to work harder and must determine where we went wrong to do better,” exclaimed Malaysia’s Coach Stephen Van Huizen.
Thursday, March 8 is a rest day. Matches will resume on Friday, March 9. The fixtures are: Argentina vs Australia at 4.05 pm, Ireland vs India at 6.05 pm and England vs Malaysia at 8.35 pm.
Khaleeja
