KUALA LUMPUR – The national men’s hockey team got their International Hockey Federation (FIH) Nations Cup 2022 campaign off to a poor start when they fell 1-0 to South Korea in South Africa today.
South Korea, the 2022 Asia Cup champions, shot into an early fifth-minute lead in the Group B match through a penalty corner goal by Jang Jong-hyun at the NWU Astro Stadium in Potchefstroom.
The Speedy Tigers tried to get back into the game, but to no avail, including failing to capitalise on two penalty corners and one penalty stroke.
Speedy Tigers head coach A. Arul Selvaraj said although his men lost, they showed tremendous spirit and determination.
“I could see that our players were fitter than the Koreans and we also wanted to win it more, especially in the fourth quarter.
“I feel that if we play with the same kind of intensity and speed, we can beat Canada tomorrow.
“But we must improve in terms of marking and positioning,” he said in a video clip the Malaysian Hockey Confederation shared with the media.
In another Group B match, Japan defeated Canada 3-0.
Group A comprises France, Ireland, Pakistan and hosts South Africa.
The top two teams in each group qualify for the semis.
The champion will earn automatic qualification to the 2023/2024 FIH Pro League, which features the best teams in the world. – Bernama, November 28, 2022
