22nd SAS Cup 2013: Day 2: Match 3: Malaysia (2) – New Zealand (1)

Despite being the lowest ranked team at SAS Cup 2013, Malaysia lived up to expectations as the most experienced, when they edged defending champions New Zealand to a 2 – 1 win.

The excitement began only in the second half, when senior player Chua Boon Huat netted a goal less than six minutes after the game resumed. The crowd, naturally, went wild. It was easily the most exciting match of Day 2 of the tournament. With a two-goal lead, Malaysia continued to look for an opening and stepped up the pressure.

Meanwhile, New Zealand started to get desperate some eight minutes before the final whistle blew. Luck was on New Zealand’s side, however, when they were awarded a penalty corner, which they managed to convert.

The last five minutes were critical moments for Malaysia, if they wanted to come out the winner of the match. To the delight of fans, they controlled the ball well and held on to their lead to succeed, thus winning two matches in a row, a rare fete for the team.

Addressing the press later, Malaysian coach, Paul Revington wasn’t very happy that Malaysia made it difficult for themselves, but was nonetheless satisfied with the win. The players have been psyched out to win every game they play, and they are going all out to win their third game when they play against Australia next.

Colin Batch, coach for New Zealand, conceded that it had been a patchy game for the team and there were minute details that needed to be worked on. New Zealand has so far played two games and lost both. They next play Korea.

Final score was Malaysia 2, New Zealand 1. View (and buy) high quality photos of this match at Sports Media Group Australia.

Event: Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2013: Day 2: Match 3: Malaysia (2) – New Zealand (1)
Venue: Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium, Ipoh
Date: 10th March, 2013
Time: 8.05pm

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