Dream start turns into nightmare

2009/11/08

By Jugjet Singhjugjet@nst.com.my

MALAYSIA squandered a two-goal lead and had to settle for a 2-2 draw with Austria in their opening World Cup Qualifier tie in Invercargill, New Zealand yesterday.

Malaysia made a dream start -- which lasted only eight minutes -- and Tai Beng Hai's men now face an uphill task in the Qualifier.

Amin Rahim scored off a penalty corner in the sixth minute, and Azlan Misron made it 2-0 two minutes later and it looked like the Austrians were heading for a hiding.

But the goals dried up, and in the second half, Manuel Grandits scored a field goal, and three minutes from time, Michael Korper made it count off a penalty corner.

Malaysia play Wales today, and anything lesser than three points will mean they can forget about the ticket to New Delhi.

Assistant team manager M. Gobinathan said they had the match in hand, but a poor display in the second half blew their hopes.

"It was an impressive first half from our players but we failed to keep up the momentum and paid dearly in the second half.

"The rain, cold and wind did play a part in our slower second half, but we must get over it in the remaining matches to stay in sight of the final.

"We play Wales tomorrow (today) and a win is needed, and the players know the score well," said Gobinathan.

China also had a shaky start to the tournament as they were down 0-1 to Scotland, but a strong second half rally saved the day.

Scotland scored in the fourth minute off Stephen Dick and the Chinese had to wait until the 45th minute before Lu Yixian found the equaliser. Na Yubo delivered the three points in the 60th minute.

New Zealand had a super start when they hammered Wales 6-2 with goals from Nicholas Wilson (17th, 60th), Andrew Hayward (33rd, 35th, 65th) and Phillip Burrows (63rd).

The Welsh brace was scored by Richard Gay in the 37th and 49th minutes.

RESULTS: China 2 Scotland 1, New Zealand 6 Wales 2, Malaysia 2 Austria 2.

TODAY (Malaysian time): Scotland v New Zealand (8am), Wales v Malaysia (10am), Austria v China (noon).