Poland blank Malaysia 1-0 to reach final

New Delhi, 14 March 2015: The first semi-final match of Hero FIH Hockey World League Round 2 (Women) between Poland and Malaysia saw the firmed beating the later 1-0 to claim the first place in the Finals scheduled for tomorrow at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi. Poland scored the sole goal of the match in the very first quarter and post that while Malaysia tried coming back into the game, Poland ensured that they did not lose the lead and the all important game.

The two teams opened the first quarter of the game with full strength and resilience to take on the opponents not giving any early break to the other. Early into the game, Poland got the first penalty corner in the third minute which was beautifully converted by the very proficient Captain Marlena Rybacha taking an early lead 1-0. As Malaysia was unable to cash on any scoring opportunities in the first half, Poland took the lead 1-0.  

Poland and Malaysia continued to build pressure on each other, making crucial attempts to block the shots by the other team. Unable to capitalize on the opportunities, both the teams were unable to add to the further to the score keeping the scorecard 1-0 at the end of first half.

With the change of the ends, both the teams made desperate efforts to put themselves in the right position on the field. With just a minute remaining in the third quarter to end, Malaysia was awarded with its first penalty corner but failed to capitalize and missed it by a whisker leaving the entire team stunned. Efficient in defying the Malaysian attack, the polished defence of Poland kept the scores intact to 1-0.   

     

Beginning the last quarter of the game with equal determination, the Malaysian girls in search of an equaliser struggled to strike the goal but all their efforts went in vain as the Poland defence was marshalled skilfully by its goalkeeper. Nevertheless, the Malaysian girls were seen displaying a good set of stick work by holding on the possession of the ball and managed to secure another penalty corner but were unsuccessful in converting it into a goal. Poland fought superbly with their defence and closed the game by defeating Malaysia 1-0 to seal its position in the finals.

Excited to enter the finals of the tournament, Poland Coach Krzysztof Rachwalski said, “We have improved in the tournament with each game and the result is for everyone to see. We did well in the quarter- finals against Russia and today against Malaysia. We managed to score only one goal but it was enough for us to win the game. I think we are strong enough to face any opponent in the finals and it would be a very entertaining match to witness.”

A disappointed Malaysian Coach Md Nasihin Nubli Ibrahim said, “Today was a very tough game against a strong Poland. We played our best in the tournament but we failed to capitalize the opportunities we got. The goal scored by Poland was unfortunate for our team and it demoralized our players. Still our players fought till the last minute.  I am looking forward for tomorrow’s match now and end the tournament with a win.”

HI Press release