Malaysia tame Russia 3-0 to post their second win

New Delhi, 08 March 2015: Looking at registering their second consecutive win in the tournament, Russia and Malaysia gave a tough fight to each other, giving no opportunity to score easy goals. Malaysia won a hard fought match, winning the game 3-0 at the Hero FIH Hockey World League Round 2 (Women).

Post a goalless first quarter both the teams came into the second quarter with intent to score and open their accounts. Malaysia was awarded a penalty corner in the 26th minute and a chance to take the lead in the game. Taking the flick Siti Ruhani slapped hard but hit directly at the goalkeeper who made no mistake to clear the danger. Unable to capitalise on the opportunities both teams failed to score and the scorecard remained untouched and read 0-0 at the end of first half.

Malaysia increased its pressure on Russia in the third quarter as they attacked the D of the opponent. Finally in the 37th minute Hannis Onn entered the D beating the defenders and slapped the ball into the nets. This registered the first goal of the match as well as for Malaysia taking Russia in the back foot. The goal got Malaysia to increase the tempo of the game and in the 40th minute Juliani Din capitalised on the penalty corner and scored the second goal for the team and was leading 2-0 at the end of third quarter.

Russia showed urgency in the last quarter as they were looking at scoring and halfway into the quarter Kristina Shumilina had a clear chance to score but hit directly at the goalkeeper. Two minutes left in the game Fazila Silin Slyvester scored a brilliant field goal beating the goalkeeper and leaving her no chance to stop the ball. The goal sealed the fate for Russia as Malaysia went on to win the match 3-0.

Commenting on the game Oleg Potapov, Coach, Russia said “The tournament is not finished for us, we will come back stronger. Malaysia did well with their goal realisations and we failed to do so. Penalty corner conversion is one of the areas of concern and we will work on it”.

 Fatin Sukri Mahd, Coach,Malaysia said “I am very happy with the way the team performed today. The match was tough and they were a tough team. They gave our best and fortunately won the match. if we get into the finals we would want to play against India”.

HI Press release