CHENNAI, India, 6 September 2007 — Malaysia rallied from a three-goal deficit to hold Pakistan 3-3 yesterday and secure a place in the semifinals of the men’s field hockey Asia Cup. Trailing by three goals at halftime, Malaysia fought back through two strikes from Ahmed Tajuddin and a penalty stroke conversion by Megat Azrafiq in the penultimate minute.
Malaysia topped Pool A with 10 points from four matches. Three-time Asia Cup winner Pakistan have seven points from four matches, but face elimination if Japan manage to defeat lowly ranked Singapore today.
Japan have six points from three matches, while Singapore have suffered defeats in all three outings. Asian Games champions South Korea and China stayed in contention for a semifinal spot from Pool B, which has been topped by defending champions India.
Luo Fangming’s last-minute penalty corner conversion helped Asian Games silver medalist China force a 3-3 draw against South Korea. Playing in heavy showers, South Korea appeared to have clinched a semifinal berth as it led 3-2 with one minute remaining. But China succeeded in forcing their only penalty corner of the second half just before the whistle. Luo then shot on target to revive China’s hopes.
Both South Korea and China have seven points and face low-ranked opponents in their last league fixtures today.
South Korea’s players will have the benefit of knowing how many goals they must score as they will come on to the field after China has played its match against Sri Lanka.
South Korea has an edge in goal-difference. The Koreans have scored 33 goals and conceded eight, while China has scored 22 times and conceded four goals.
